Gesture-Based Symbol Entry for Touchscreen Data Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Entering symbolic data into software applications on hand-held devices with limited keyboard functionality is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Using gestures, such as two-dimensional or three-dimensional movements on a touch screen or stylus, to initiate the reception of symbol sets, which can be recognized and processed as input by applications, allowing users to enter data without a conventional keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional keyboard is used for data entry, then input accuracy is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard system with a gesture-based input system. Instead of using physical keys, users perform gestures (such as drawing shapes or sequences of movements) on a touch-sensitive surface to input data. This substitution eliminates the need for a physical keyboard while maintaining input capability through recognized gesture patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary gesture recognition system between the user's input actions and the data entry process. This intermediary component captures gesture information from the touch-sensitive surface, processes it through pattern recognition algorithms, and converts it into corresponding data input, thereby enabling keyboardless input on portable devices.
2Device complexity
If keyboard functionality is limited to maintain portability, then device portability is improved, but data entry efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-defining and storing gesture patterns that correspond to common data inputs. The system anticipates user needs by recognizing these pre-programmed gesture sequences, allowing for rapid data entry without requiring users to physically type. This preliminary preparation of gesture-to-data mappings significantly speeds up input efficiency on portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the gesture recognition system to adapt to different input modalities and contexts. The system can dynamically adjust its recognition parameters based on the type of gesture detected, the current application state, and user behavior patterns, thereby optimizing data entry efficiency for various scenarios while maintaining device portability.
3Ease of operation
If gestures are used for data entry, then ease of operation is improved, but input speed is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system provides real-time recognition confirmation and suggestions during the gesture input process. As users perform gestures, the system displays recognized characters or words and allows for correction, creating a feedback loop that improves accuracy while maintaining ease of operation. This feedback also helps users understand the system's interpretation of their gestures, enabling faster and more accurate input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by requiring users to perform only the essential gesture components needed for recognition, rather than complete complex motions. The system is designed to recognize partial gesture patterns that are sufficient for data entry, reducing the effort required from users while maintaining input speed. This partial action approach balances ease of operation with efficient data entry rates.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive a symbol recognition process gesture indicating a starting point of symbol entry, to recognize a series of symbols as they are received subsequent to receiving the symbol recognition process gesture, and to instantiate the series of symbols as a symbol set upon receiving an indication that reception of the series of symbols is complete. Instantiating can serve to indicate an ending point of the symbol entry, and to provide the symbol set as a source of input to a process associated with an icon into which the symbol set has been moved, such as by dragging and dropping, or flicking. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.