Virtual Keyboard Predictive Text Partitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing predictive text input methods for electronic devices require users to divert attention from the keyboard, leading to inefficiencies and eye strain, especially when inputting long messages, as they often necessitate refocusing between the input area and suggested words displayed elsewhere on the screen.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates and displays predicted sets of characters within the virtual keyboard at locations corresponding to subsequent candidate input characters, allowing users to input characters without diverting attention, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and speed by keeping focus on the keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If predictive text suggestions are displayed outside the keyboard area, then users can see word predictions, but users must divert attention from the keyboard causing inefficiency and eye strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the predictive text display with the keyboard structure by integrating word suggestions directly into partitions of the keyboard layout. This allows users to view predictions and input characters within the same visual field, eliminating the need to shift attention between separate display areas and maintaining continuous focus on the keyboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the touchscreen by displaying predictive text in partitions below or adjacent to corresponding letter keys. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows both keyboard interaction and prediction visibility to coexist without interfering with the horizontal typing flow, reducing eye movement while preserving information visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If predictive text is displayed elsewhere on the screen, then users can access suggested words, but users experience eye strain from refocusing between input area and suggestions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the predictive text display function with the keyboard structure itself, creating an integrated interface where suggestions appear within keyboard partitions. This merger eliminates the visual separation between input area and predictions, allowing users to access predictive options without refocusing and thereby preventing eye strain.
3Area of stationary object
If the touchscreen area is small, then the device is compact and portable, but character input becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the limited touchscreen real estate by integrating predictive text displays within keyboard partitions. This efficient use of space allows the keyboard to provide both letter input and word predictions without requiring additional screen area, maintaining compactness while improving input ease through reduced eye movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical space within the keyboard layout to display predictions in partitions below or near corresponding keys. This dimensional arrangement maximizes the use of available touchscreen area without expanding the overall device size, allowing rich predictive functionality within the constraints of a compact form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including receiving an input of a character from a virtual keyboard displayed on a display, generating a set of predicted input characters based on the input character, and displaying the generated set of characters in partitions of the virtual keyboard in proximate association with candidate letters is disclosed. An electronic device and a keyboard configured to perform the method are also disclosed.