Input Device Multi-Symbol Allocation via Finger Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for user interfaces, such as those in cars and smartphones, face challenges in efficiently determining symbol inputs from a limited keypad or touchscreen, particularly in accurately identifying symbols based on the position of input objects like fingers or tools.
Innovation Solution
The method involves tracking input objects using sensors and determining symbol inputs by analyzing the relative position of the input object that generated the key input, allowing multiple symbols to be allocated to each key, and using a tracker and symbol determiner to accurately identify the intended symbol based on the object's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple symbols are allocated to each key to increase input capacity, then the productivity of symbol input is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the intended symbol increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for symbol identification by tracking the spatial position and movement trajectory of input objects (fingers) across the keypad. Instead of relying solely on which key is pressed, the system measures the two-dimensional position coordinates and movement path of the finger to determine which of multiple symbols allocated to a key was intended, thereby resolving the ambiguity without adding more keys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (pressing physical keys) with an optical tracking system that uses sensors to detect the position and movement of input objects. This substitution allows the system to capture precise spatial information about finger placement and motion, enabling accurate symbol identification based on tracked position data rather than just key press detection
2Area of stationary object
If a small keypad is used to reduce device size, then the compactness of the device is improved, but the ease of operation for accurate symbol input deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the limited physical space of a small keypad by utilizing the spatial dimension of finger movement and position tracking. The system measures the precise location and trajectory of input objects across the compact keypad surface, extracting additional information from the two-dimensional position data to accurately identify intended symbols despite the reduced physical area available for key differentiation
3Measurement precision
If additional sensing equipment is added to improve input object tracking accuracy, then the measurement precision of input object position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing keypad serve multiple functions: it not only detects key presses but also tracks the position and movement of input objects across its surface. By utilizing the same physical structure for both key input detection and spatial tracking, the system achieves precise measurement of input object positions without adding separate sensing equipment, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving measurement capability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an input device including at least one key to which a plurality of symbols are allocated, and a method of determining a symbol input by a user in the input device. The method includes tracking a plurality of input objects, receiving a key input from any one of the plurality of input objects, and determining a symbol input by a user on the basis of a relative position, which is a position of the input object in the input objects, of the input object that has generated the key input and the input key. Accordingly, it is possible to output different symbols using one key according to relative positions of an input object that has generated a key input, so that a desired symbol can be easily input through a small input device.