Hotkey Triggering via Sequential Key Presses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for triggering hotkeys on electronic devices are complex and burdensome, particularly for disabled or elderly users, lacking a friendly and simple interface.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows hotkey triggering by pressing a first key for a sufficient period to determine a hotkey selection, followed by pressing a second key to execute the hotkey function, enabling single-key activation and varying the hardware state of the device without overlapping key presses, thus providing a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hotkey triggering methods are used, then hotkey functions can be executed, but the operation becomes complicated and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The hotkey triggering process is segmented into distinct phases: first key press detection, duration measurement, second key press detection, and function execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting and measuring the duration of the first key press before requiring the second key press. This preliminary validation ensures that only intentional, sustained key presses trigger the hotkey sequence, reducing accidental activations and simplifying the user's mental model of the interaction.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hotkey triggering methods are used, then hotkey functions can be executed, but it causes burden or obstacle particularly for disabled or elderly persons
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on the duration of the first key press. By measuring whether the key is held for a sufficient period, the system can distinguish between intentional hotkey activation and accidental presses, providing more reliable operation for users with limited dexterity or cognitive processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides implicit feedback by requiring a sustained first key press before accepting the second key press. This feedback mechanism helps users confirm that their input is being registered correctly, reducing anxiety and improving reliability for disabled or elderly users who may have difficulty with rapid or precise input.
3Productivity
If two-way communication method is used for hotkey triggering, then hotkey functions can be executed, but operating system instability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the physical keyboard and the operating system. This intermediary system captures and validates key press sequences before passing them to the OS, preventing unstable two-way communication while maintaining hotkey functionality through controlled, unidirectional signal flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A hotkey triggering system for an electronic device includes a first key determination unit, a first key time determination, a second key determination unit and a hotkey processing unit. The first key determination unit is configured to determine whether a first key being pressed is a hotkey selection key. The first key time determination unit is configured to determine whether the first key is pressed for a sufficient period of time when the first key is determined to be the hotkey selection key. The second key determination unit is configured to determine whether a second key being pressed is a hotkey when the first key is determined to be pressed for the sufficient period of time. The hotkey processing unit is configured to execute a hotkey function when the second key is determined to be the hotkey, and the hotkey function includes varying hardware state of the electronic device.