On-Screen Keyboard Quick Tasks for Text Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-screen keyboards for small form factor devices, such as mobile phones, face challenges in text editing tasks like formatting, inserting missing characters, and language translation due to their limited size and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of quick tasks on on-screen keyboards, where keys can perform both default character entry functions and additional editing tasks based on interaction scenarios, allowing users to trigger editing operations like formatting, punctuation insertion, and translation with a single keystroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional on-screen keyboards are used for text editing, then the device maintains simple operation, but text editing tasks become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements quick tasks that allow keyboard keys to perform multiple functions - both default character entry and additional editing tasks like formatting, punctuation insertion, and translation. This multi-functionality enables users to accomplish complex text editing operations with single keystrokes, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures common text editing operations as quick tasks associated with specific keys. When text is selected, these pre-prepared tasks are automatically available for immediate execution, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through multiple menus or settings to perform common editing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are assigned to keyboard keys, then text editing capability is improved, but key functionality becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key functionality where the action performed by a key press depends on the current state - specifically, whether text is selected or not. When text is selected, the key triggers the associated quick task; when text is not selected, the key performs its default character entry function. This dynamic behavior provides versatility without requiring users to learn complex multi-key combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, disposable quick task configurations that can be easily applied and discarded. Each key is associated with a specific quick task that can be executed once when needed, then the system returns to its default state. This approach provides high versatility through simple, state-dependent key actions rather than complex permanent key reconfigurations.
3Productivity
If quick tasks are implemented on on-screen keyboards, then text editing efficiency is improved, but the interaction scenario detection becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the selection state of text and automatically determine when quick tasks should be activated. This feedback loop continuously checks whether text is selected and triggers the appropriate key behavior accordingly, enabling high productivity through automated state detection rather than complex user input analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard system automatically detects interaction scenarios and manages quick task execution without requiring explicit user commands. The system monitors its own state (text selection status) and autonomously determines when to apply quick tasks versus default key functions, improving productivity while keeping the user interface simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Quick tasks for on-screen keyboards are described in which an on-screen keyboard supports a plurality of quick tasks configured to edit selected text in defined ways. Quick task functions may be assigned to keys of the on-screen keyboard in addition to the default actions or "normal" character entry functions of the keys. During text input, the keys operate normally to perform a function related to character entry, such as to cause input of corresponding text character. When text is selected or in other designated interaction scenarios, operation of a key associated with a quick task may automatically trigger the quick task to modify selected text in a corresponding way. Thus, the same key of an on¬ screen keyboard may be employed to initiate a function related to character entry or apply of a quick task to text depending upon the interaction scenario.