Keyboard Input Mode Switching for Multi-Device Workflow Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct interaction with mobile devices while using a computing device can disrupt workflow and reduce productivity, as it requires users to refocus and switch between tasks.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with input modes that enables bidirectional communication between the keyboard, computing device, and mobile device, allowing seamless interaction by switching between computing device input mode and mobile device input mode based on user inputs or notifications, using a display and controller for data transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly interact with mobile devices while using a computing device, then they can handle mobile device notifications and communications, but their workflow is disrupted and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard acts as an intermediary device between the computing device and mobile device. It receives notifications from the mobile device and displays them on its own display, allowing users to handle mobile communications without switching to the mobile device itself. The keyboard mediates the interaction by providing a unified interface for both devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard combines the functionality of two separate input devices into one unified interface. It merges the computing device keyboard with mobile device notification handling capabilities, creating a single device that serves dual purposes and eliminates the need to switch between separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between computing device and mobile device to handle notifications, then they can respond to communications, but breaks in concentration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard merges notification handling for both computing and mobile devices into a single unified interface. Users can respond to communications from either device without physically switching devices, maintaining their workflow and concentration while still being able to handle communications effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a keyboard supports multiple input modes for different devices, then versatility and seamless interaction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple input modes for different devices. It can operate as a standard computing device keyboard while also functioning as a mobile device notification handler and input device. This universal design allows one device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard combines multiple device-specific functionalities into a single unified device. It merges computing device input capabilities with mobile device notification display and input capabilities, creating a consolidated system that reduces overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard includes a processing resource and a memory resource storing machine-readable instructions to cause the processing resource to communicate, in response to the keyboard being in a computing device input mode, with a computing device connected to the keyboard, and communicate, in response to the keyboard being in a mobile device input mode, with a mobile device connected to the keyboard.