Gesture-Based Virtual Keypad for Compact Device Text Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer keyboards are too large for portable devices, and virtual keyboards on these devices often have size limitations that make it difficult to input characters not readily available, especially in multi-language environments, where efficient input and spelling correction are challenging.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive display interface that allows users to input characters by performing gestures associated with user interface elements, enabling efficient entry of characters through multi-tap or flick gestures, particularly for Japanese kana symbols, improving input efficiency on portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional computer keyboard is used, then character input is efficient and accurate, but the device size becomes too large for portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a physical keyboard interface on the touch-sensitive display. This virtual keyboard replicates the functionality of a traditional keyboard while adapting it to the constrained space of portable devices, allowing efficient character input without requiring physical keyboard dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional grid layout to a circular radial menu interface. Characters are arranged in a circular pattern around a central key, allowing users to access multiple characters by rotating or flicking in different directions. This dimensional transformation increases the effective character selection space without expanding the physical footprint
2Area of moving object
If a virtual keyboard with limited keys is used, then device size is reduced, but inputting characters not readily available becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each key in the virtual keyboard serves multiple functions: it can represent multiple characters, support different language inputs, and provide access to various input methods. The circular menu system allows a single key to dynamically display different character sets based on user interaction, making the limited physical keys universally applicable to diverse character input needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested character sets where pressing a key reveals a circular menu containing additional characters. Users can access primary characters directly or navigate through nested layers of character options by rotating or flicking, effectively nesting multiple character selections within a compact key structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If more characters are added to each key, then character versatility increases, but the time to input characters later in the sequence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular menu interface is designed to be dynamically accessible through rotational gestures. Users can quickly navigate to desired characters by flicking in the direction corresponding to the character's position in the circle, rather than sequentially tapping through options. This dynamic navigation significantly reduces the time to access characters that are not immediately visible
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices, and apparatus, including computer program products, for inputting text. A user interface element is presented on a touch-sensitive display of a device. The user interface element is associated with a plurality of characters, at least a subset of which is associated with respective gestures. A user input performing a gesture with respect to the user interface element is received. The character from the subset that is associated with the gesture performed with respect to the user interface element is inputted.