Physical Keyboard Layout Detection for Accurate Device Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in configuring the layout of a physical keyboard connected to an electronic device, as the device cannot determine the layout and requires manual selection, which can lead to incorrect configurations due to multiple layouts within the same language group or country, and the actual layout on the physical keyboard is not reflected.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor, display, and communication interface that detects the connection of a physical keyboard, displays guide text, receives key value inputs, retrieves the corresponding layout, and configures it automatically, allowing users to easily and accurately set up the keyboard layout even without recognizing the layout information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual layout configuration is required, then the electronic device can support multiple keyboard layouts, but the configuration process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard layout supportVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-identification of the keyboard layout by automatically detecting and reading the layout information from the connected physical keyboard, eliminating the need for manual user configuration and making the system self-configuring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated optical/electronic detection system that reads layout information directly from the keyboard using an image sensor and processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If user selects layout from configuration list, then multiple layouts can be supported, but cognitive distinction between layouts becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout selection capabilityVSAvoidlayout configuration interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard layout identification is performed automatically by the system without requiring user intervention in the selection process, making the system self-identifying rather than user-selecting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If random layout allocation based on virtual keyboard is used, then configuration is simplified, but accuracy of layout matching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidlayout identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces random or virtual keyboard-based allocation with actual optical/electronic detection of the physical keyboard's layout information, ensuring accurate identification based on the real keyboard configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system reads and processes feedback from the physical keyboard itself (the layout information imprinted on the keyboard) to accurately identify and configure the correct layout mapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If complex configuration procedure is required, then layout precision can be ensured, but configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout configuration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The layout information is pre-stored in the electronic device, allowing for rapid automatic identification and configuration without requiring complex real-time analysis or multiple user steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex multi-step manual configuration procedure with a single automated optical/electronic detection and matching process that rapidly identifies the layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11586352B2Method for setting layout for physical keyboard by electronic device, and device therefor

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for setting a layout for a physical keyboard by an electronic device to which same is connected, and a device therefor. An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a display, a communication interface, a memory, and a processor, wherein the processor includes the functions of: sensing, through the communication interface, whether an external device is connected; displaying guide text related to keyboard layout configurations by means of the display on the basis of the function of sensing whether the external device is connected; receiving a key value input by a user through the external device; searching for a layout corresponding to the received key value; and setting the found layout as a keyboard layout for the connected external device. Various embodiments are possible.