Generic Input Field for Multi-Type Data Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces require substantial manual effort and are error-prone, especially in complex documents and on portable devices with small screens, as users must navigate and enter data into multiple specific input fields, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A user interface featuring a single generic input field that accepts multiple input types, with a drop-down menu allowing users to select and enter information types, reducing the need to navigate between multiple fields and simplifying data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific input fields are used for different input types, then data entry precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to navigation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single input field that can handle multiple input types (text, numbers, dates, etc.) through a dropdown menu mechanism. Instead of having separate specific input fields for each data type, the system uses one universal input field that adapts its behavior based on the selected input type, thereby reducing navigation complexity while maintaining data entry precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific input fields are distributed across the document, then data entry precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specific input fields into a single input field location. By combining the functionality of numerous scattered input fields into one unified field with a dropdown selector, the system eliminates the time-consuming navigation between fields while preserving the precision benefits of type-specific input validation and formatting.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific input fields are used, then data entry precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple field management
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal input field that performs multiple functions: text input, number input, date selection, and other data types. This single field replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized fields, reducing interface complexity while maintaining the precision advantages of type-specific input handling through internal validation and formatting rules.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user interface features a single, generic input field configured to receive multiple types of available input information. In various embodiments, the generic input field of the interface may include a drop-down menu offering user selection from a plurality of available input types. The interface may reduce an amount of time consuming, error-prone manual activity required to navigate between, select, and enter data into multiple fields located in different regions of a screen. Embodiments may be particularly suited for interfaces with portable devices having small displays and cramped input environments (e.g. small keys, touchscreens, touchpads).