Touchscreen Keyboard Word Prediction Spatial Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing predictive text input methods for electronic devices require users to divert attention from the keyboard to view and consider multiple suggested words, leading to inefficiencies and distractions, especially for rapid and precise typists, as they often need to input most or all characters before suggestions are offered and require refocusing between the input area and the keyboard.
Innovation Solution
A method for providing a virtual keyboard with visual cues, where predicted sets of characters are displayed near the keyboard, allowing users to input characters without diverting attention, by using a processor to generate and rank potential completions based on contextual data and display the most likely options at appropriate locations on the keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If predictive text suggestions are displayed in a separate area away from the keyboard, then users can view multiple suggested words, but users must divert attention from the keyboard to view and consider the suggestions, reducing input speed and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions predictive text suggestions in a spatial relationship to the keyboard by displaying them at or near the key corresponding to the next candidate input character. This dimensional placement on the keyboard surface allows users to view predictions without diverting attention from the typing area, resolving the contradiction between prediction visibility and input speed
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard itself serves as an intermediary medium that integrates both the input function and the prediction display function. By using the keyboard structure as the carrier for displaying predictions, the system eliminates the need for a separate prediction display area, allowing users to maintain focus on the keyboard while accessing suggestions
2Reliability
If users input most or all characters before suggestions are offered, then predictive text can be generated, but this requires refocusing between the input area and the keyboard, causing distractions and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and displaying predictive suggestions as users type each character, rather than waiting until all characters are input. The predictions are updated incrementally with each character entry, allowing users to see potential completions early and select them without completing the entire word first, thereby eliminating the need to refocus
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suggested words are displayed away from the keyboard, then users have more options, but rapid and precise typists experience distractions and reduced typing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying predictions at specific locations on the keyboard corresponding to the next candidate input character for each suggestion. This localized placement ensures that predictions are contextually relevant to the current typing position and allows users to scan options within their peripheral vision without disrupting their typing rhythm or focus
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing a virtual keyboard displayed on a display with visual cues is provided. The method includes: receiving an input of a character from the virtual keyboard; displaying one or more sets of predicted input characters in a prediction bar displayed on the display, wherein each set of predicted input characters is located within the prediction bar at a position corresponding to a key of subsequent candidate input character in the set of predicted input characters.