Multitouch Text Input via Simultaneous Multi-Point Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small size of portable electronic text input devices limits the speed and accuracy of text entry due to the small size of keys or touch-sensitive areas, requiring users to perform individual contact actions that are cumbersome and slow.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect simultaneous contact with multiple touch-sensitive areas to input text characters, using a processor to identify and map these contacts to corresponding text characters, and provide visual and audio feedback for confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device size is reduced to make it portable, then the device becomes more portable and easier to carry, but the text entry speed and accuracy deteriorate due to smaller keys or touch-sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point contact input to multi-point simultaneous contact input by utilizing multiple touch-sensitive areas across the device surface. This dimensional expansion of input methodology allows users to press multiple keys simultaneously with different fingers, dramatically increasing text entry speed while maintaining device portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the text input task into multiple simultaneous contact points rather than sequential single-point contacts. By segmenting the input action across multiple touch-sensitive areas that can be activated concurrently by different fingers, the system achieves faster text entry without requiring larger individual key areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the key size is reduced to fit more keys on the device, then the device functionality is improved, but the text entry accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in precise contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from one-dimensional sequential key pressing to two-dimensional simultaneous multi-point contact. Users can press multiple smaller keys at once with different fingers, maintaining high accuracy through natural finger distribution while achieving faster input and preserving device functionality.
3Device complexity
If individual contact actions are used for each text character, then the input method is simple to implement, but the text entry speed deteriorates due to the need for sequential contact actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the text input process into simultaneous multi-point contacts rather than sequential single-point contacts. Each text character can be formed by pressing multiple keys at once with different fingers, dramatically reducing the number of contact actions required while maintaining relatively simple system implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple contact actions into a single simultaneous operation. Instead of requiring separate contact actions for each key, the system allows multiple keys to be pressed and registered simultaneously, combining what would be multiple sequential operations into one concurrent action, thereby increasing text entry speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Text input may be entered on an electronic text input device by a user simultaneously contacting at least two of a plurality of discrete touch sensitive areas on a first surface of the device. A text character for input is determined, based on the touch sensitive areas which are detected as being simultaneously in contact with the user. The determined text character is locked by subsequent user action. A second surface of the device, such as that opposite the first surface, may include a display on which the determined text character and other information may be displayed.