Gesture-Driven Virtual Keypad Positioning for Mobile Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual keypads on touch screens are not ergonomic and do not consider user preferences or conditions, making it difficult for visually impaired individuals to use them effectively, as they are typically displayed in fixed locations without adjustable layouts.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that configures and displays keypad blocks based on user gestures, such as drag and touch-release gestures, allowing for adjustable location and scale, and flexible arrangement according to the path of the gesture, enabling an ergonomic interface that can be easily recognized by users, including those with visual impairments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a virtual keypad is displayed in a fixed location on the touch screen, then the device structure is simple and easy to implement, but it is not ergonomic and difficult for visually impaired users to locate and use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of locating keypadVSAvoidkeypad display control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the keypad display location and configuration dynamic rather than fixed. The keypad blocks are repositioned on the touch screen based on the detected gesture track, allowing the interface to adapt its position and layout according to user interaction patterns, thereby improving ease of location and ergonomics without requiring complex additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service by automatically determining the keypad display location based on the gesture track itself. The gesture that the user performs to invoke the keypad also serves as the basis for positioning the keypad, eliminating the need for separate configuration steps or complex manual adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the keypad layout is preset and fixed, then the user interface is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different user preferences or conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user preferencesVSAvoidkeypad configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the keypad display parameters (position, layout configuration) based on the gesture track parameters. The system changes the display parameters dynamically according to the characteristics of the user's gesture, such as the direction, distance, or pattern of the swipe, enabling adaptation to different user preferences without complex preset configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If keypad blocks are displayed in fixed locations, then the display control is simple, but visually impaired users cannot easily recognize or access the keypad

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for visually impaired usersVSAvoidgesture-based display control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical or fixed visual positioning system with a gesture-based positioning mechanism. Instead of relying on fixed visual cues that visually impaired users cannot locate, the system uses touch gestures to determine and establish the keypad position, substituting the mechanical/fixed display control with a more adaptive touch-based control mechanism that provides tactile feedback and intuitive positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2687970B1System, apparatus and method for displaying keypad via various types of gestures
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2687970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2687970B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP2687970B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A system and method of receiving various types of gestures and displays corresponding keypads on the mobile device are provided. The method includes receiving a keypad calling command, and arranging and displaying one or more keypad blocks on the screen of the mobile device, according to a track of the keypad calling command. The keypad display system includes an input unit for receiving a user's input, and a controller for determining whether the user's input is a keypad calling command, and for arranging and displaying one or more keypad blocks on the screen, according to a track of the keypad calling command.