Software Keyboard Positioning for Seamless Input Field Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction devices require users to repeatedly open and close a software keyboard for inputting text in multiple fields, which is time-consuming and inefficient due to limited display space.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that displays a keyboard superimposed on the input screen, allowing it to remain visible while switching between input items, with the keyboard's position updating to correspond to the new item without closing and reopening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a software keyboard is displayed on a small display screen, then text input functionality is provided, but the keyboard occupies valuable display space and makes it difficult to view multiple input fields simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D display layout where the keyboard and input fields compete for screen space to a 3D spatial arrangement where the keyboard is positioned in front of the display. This dimensional change allows the keyboard to be physically separated from the display area, enabling users to view multiple input fields on the display while having the keyboard positioned in front for easy access, thus resolving the space conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures images of the display screen and transmits them to a terminal device. This intermediary system allows the keyboard to be displayed on the terminal device while the original display screen remains available for viewing multiple input fields, effectively mediating between the need for keyboard input and the need for display space.
2Area of stationary object
If the keyboard is closed after each text entry, then the display space is freed up, but the user must repeatedly open and close the keyboard which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the keyboard in front of the display or displays it on a terminal device before the user needs to input text. This preliminary positioning ensures the keyboard is already visible and accessible when the user needs to enter text in any input field, eliminating the need to open and close the keyboard repeatedly and saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the keyboard in a continuously visible state in front of the display or on the terminal device throughout the text input process. This continuous availability allows users to seamlessly move between different input fields without interruption, maintaining the useful action of text input without the repetitive opening and closing cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input fields are displayed simultaneously, then users can navigate between fields, but the limited screen space cannot accommodate both the fields and a visible keyboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space conflict by moving the keyboard to a different dimension - physically in front of the display or on a separate terminal device. This allows the full display area to be dedicated to showing multiple input fields simultaneously while the keyboard remains accessible in the foreground, effectively increasing the functional display area without physical expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera and terminal device as intermediaries to separate the keyboard display function from the main display screen. The camera captures the display content while the terminal device presents the keyboard, allowing multiple input fields to be fully visible on the original display without the keyboard occupying screen space.
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus, that displays an editing screen including a keyboard on a display unit, includes a display control unit and a determination unit. The display control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display an input screen including at least an input item in which data is input via the keyboard thereon. The determination unit is configured to determine, based on the input item, that is a target in which data is input via the keyboard, whether a key for accepting an instruction to change the input item, that is a target in which data is input via the keyboard, to a next input item is to be displayed together with the keyboard on the display unit.