Handheld Spell Check Algorithm Using Keypad Proximity Preferences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld electronic devices face challenges in implementing effective spell check functions due to limited storage and processing capacity, resulting in incomplete and inappropriate results.

Innovation Solution

An improved handheld electronic device with a spell check function that utilizes a combination of linguistic data sources, including a generic word list, a new words database, and an address book, to identify and correct misspelled words through a series of sequentially ordered spell check algorithms, such as character configuration, phonetic replacement, and metaphone analysis, without requiring explicit user input for editing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spell check function is implemented on handheld electronic device, then spell checking capability is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespell checking capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spell check function is divided into multiple independently executable algorithms (character configuration algorithm, phonetic replacement algorithm, metaphone analysis algorithm, etc.). Each algorithm processes specific aspects of spelling correction, allowing the system to manage complexity through modular segmentation while providing comprehensive spell checking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and executes different spell check algorithms based on the input text characteristics and processing requirements. The algorithms are executed in a sequential manner with dynamic control flow, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on the specific spelling correction task at hand, thereby managing device complexity through dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple spell check algorithms are used, then spell checking accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespell checking accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spell checking process is segmented into multiple algorithms that can be executed sequentially. Each algorithm handles specific correction scenarios (character configuration errors, phonetic errors, metaphone errors), allowing the system to achieve high accuracy by dividing the complex task into manageable segments rather than attempting to process everything simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The algorithms execute in a continuous sequential manner where each algorithm builds upon the results of the previous one. The system maintains continuous processing flow through the algorithm sequence, ensuring that useful action is performed without interruption while achieving comprehensive accuracy through the cumulative effect of multiple algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If character replacement preference is applied based on keypad proximity, then correction appropriateness is improved, but algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection appropriatenessVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The character replacement preference is applied locally based on the specific relationship between characters (keypad proximity) rather than applying a uniform rule to all character replacements. The algorithm considers the local context of each character pair and applies appropriate preferences based on their spatial relationship on the keypad, improving correction appropriateness through localized quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines character replacement preferences by referencing the keypad layout without requiring external intervention. The algorithm self-determines which character replacements are more likely based on keypad proximity, making the complexity management self-service through built-in knowledge of the input device layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1975808B1Spell check function having a character replacement spell check algorithm that applies a preference based upon proximity of the characters replacing one another, and associated handheld electronic device
Publication Date: 2009.08.12 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1975808B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1975808B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1975808B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6A

AI summary

An improved spell check function and handheld electronic device provide a spell checking feature that includes a character replacement spell check algorithm that provides a preference based upon the proximity of the characters replacing one another.