Multi-Language Virtual Keyboard Interface for Touchscreen Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch terminals with large screens face challenges in providing an efficient character input interface, as existing keyboard layouts are inconvenient for multi-language input and require significant finger movement, especially when switching between languages.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simultaneously provide a first and second keyboard on a touchscreen, allowing users to input multiple languages efficiently by displaying different languages on each keyboard, with the ability to switch and combine languages through drag inputs and language selection keys, optimizing keyboard layout and position based on user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a QWERTY keyboard interface is provided at the whole lower end of a large terminal, then the keyboard layout is intuitive and rapid for single-language input, but the distance one would have to move his finger becomes quite large
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard interface is divided into a first keyboard and a second keyboard that can be independently positioned and sized on the touchscreen. This segmentation allows each keyboard to be optimized for specific functions - one for primary language input and another for secondary language or symbol input - thereby reducing the overall finger movement distance while maintaining intuitive layout benefits
2Device complexity
If only one input mode is provided on small screen terminals, then the interface is simple, but it cannot meet the need for multi-language input
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple keyboard interfaces (first keyboard for primary language, second keyboard for secondary language or symbols) into a single touchscreen interface. These keyboards can be displayed simultaneously or switched between, allowing users to input multiple languages efficiently without changing physical devices or complex configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard interface is made dynamic by allowing users to switch between different language modes and input modes (alphabetical, numerical, symbolic) on demand. The system adapts to user needs by providing different keyboard layouts and configurations based on the selected input mode, enhancing versatility while maintaining simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a keyboard interface for a small terminal is applied to a terminal having a large screen, then the existing layout is familiar, but the size of each key and a distance between keys in a keyboard are relatively great to significantly increase a moving distance of a finger
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard interface utilizes the additional screen real estate of large terminals by arranging keyboards in a two-dimensional flexible layout rather than being constrained to a single fixed position. Multiple keyboards can be positioned at different locations on the touchscreen, allowing users to optimize key placement and reduce finger movement distance while maintaining familiarity with standard keyboard layouts
4Adaptability or versatility
If users need to simultaneously input in a plurality of foreign languages, then the global communication need is met, but it is very inconvenient for a user to change input languages every time
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple keyboard interfaces for different languages in advance and displays them simultaneously or makes them readily switchable. Users can pre-select their preferred languages and have corresponding keyboards ready for immediate use, eliminating the need to change input languages manually during typing and enabling seamless multi-language input
Data Source
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Figure 3b
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for providing a character input interface in an electronic device having a touchscreen. The method comprises: displaying, on the touchscreen, a first keyboard interface including a single keyboard for inputting characters; based at least on identifying, while displaying the first keyboard interface, that the electronic device is in a landscape mode, displaying together a character input area and a second keyboard interface on the touchscreen, wherein the second keyboard interface includes a first keyboard and a second keyboard, wherein the first keyboard and the second keyboard comprise a first type of character keys and a second type of character keys, respectively, and wherein the second keyboard further comprises a plurality of character-type selection keys comprising a language selection key for selecting a type of character keys for a spoken language; based on receiving, through the touchscreen, a user touch input for one of the plurality of character-type selection keys of the second keyboard while displaying the first type of character keys and the second type of character keys, replacing the second type of character keys of the second keyboard with a third type of character keys while displaying the first type of character keys of the first keyboard; and displaying a plurality of characters in the character input area, wherein one character of the plurality of characters is inputted with a character key of the first type of character keys and another of the plurality of characters is inputted with a character key of the third type of character keys, wherein the first type of character keys is for a first spoken language and the second type of character keys is for a second spoken language, and wherein the first spoken language is different from the second spoken language.