Handheld Device Keyboard Layout Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal hand-held electronic devices, such as mobile phones, are difficult to hold and use with one hand due to their small size and keyboard layout, which does not prioritize frequently used letters, numbers, and symbols.
Innovation Solution
A personal hand-held device with an elongated handle and a touch screen display featuring a keyboard layout optimized by Cornell University studies for most frequently used characters, along with a multi-purpose button for accessing menus and modes of operation, and a camera lens with adjustable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional keyboard layout is used, then device structure is simple, but input efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is pre-configured with frequently used letters, numbers, and symbols arranged in optimal positions based on usage frequency studies. This preliminary arrangement of characters reduces the time and effort required for common input operations, directly improving input efficiency without requiring complex user adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the keyboard are optimized for different functions: the most frequently used characters are placed in easily accessible positions, while less frequent characters are placed in less critical positions. This local optimization of character placement improves overall input efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
2Ease of operation
If device size is reduced for portability, then portability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a traditional two-dimensional keyboard layout to a three-dimensional arrangement where the keyboard wraps around the interior perimeter of the display. This dimensional change allows more keys to be accessible within a compact footprint, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is nested around the interior perimeter of the display area, utilizing the space efficiently. This nesting arrangement allows the keyboard to be integrated into the device's overall structure without adding significant volume, maintaining portability while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If one-handed operation is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but device control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple control mechanisms that can be operated with one hand: the side button provides primary control, the sliding mechanism offers additional functionality, and the keyboard layout facilitates easy typing. This multi-functional control system enables one-handed operation while maintaining comprehensive device control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features a sliding mechanism that can be easily actuated with one hand to switch between different operational modes or access additional functions. This dynamic control element allows users to adapt the device's functionality on-the-fly while maintaining ease of one-handed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal hand-held electronic device having a case and an elongated handle. The case has a front surface, and rear surface, and a side wall, and disposed within the case is a micro-computer. The front surface has an outer perimeter wall and a display. The display has a central portion that displays images and an outer portion that displays a keyboard that extends around on the interior of, and adjacent to, the outer perimeter wall of the front surface of the case.