Partitioned Virtual Keyboard Gesture Prediction Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing predictive text input methods for electronic devices require users to frequently divert their attention between the keyboard and text input field, leading to eye strain and inefficiency, especially when composing long texts, and do not effectively accommodate different user typing patterns such as rapid and precise typists.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates and displays multiple sets of predicted characters at the input field, allowing users to select them using gestures on the virtual keyboard, reducing the need to focus on the keyboard and improving user experience by maintaining attention on the text field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional predictive text input methods are used, then word predictions are provided, but users must frequently divert attention between keyboard and text input field causing eye strain and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keyboard is divided into multiple partitions (e.g., left, center, right zones) that correspond to different predicted words or character sets. Users can select predictions by tapping different partitions without leaving the keyboard area, eliminating the need to switch attention between keyboard and text field.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioned keyboard acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the text input field. Instead of directly typing each character or switching to a prediction bar, users interact with the partitioned keyboard to select predicted words, which are then automatically inserted into the text field.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple predicted character sets are displayed, then user selection options increase, but the complexity of the input system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple predicted character sets are distributed across different partitions of the keyboard rather than displayed in a separate list. Each partition handles a specific subset of predictions, making the system more versatile while maintaining a simple, uniform interaction pattern (tap partition to select).
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction display function is merged with the keyboard structure itself. The partitions serve dual purposes: they are both the input interface and the prediction display mechanism, eliminating the need for separate prediction bars or lists.
3Measurement precision
If users manually select predicted characters, then input accuracy improves, but processing time increases due to focus switching
Solution Approach 1:
Predicted words and character sets are pre-organized in the partitions before the user needs to input text. The system continuously prepares predictions based on context, so when the user taps a partition, the corresponding prediction is already ready for immediate insertion, eliminating processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically inserts the selected predicted word or character set into the text field without requiring additional user actions. Once the user taps a partition, the selection and insertion happen automatically, reducing both user effort and processor idle time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, including receiving an input of a character from a virtual keyboard displayed on a display; generating at least two sets of predicted input characters based on the input character; displaying at least two of the generated sets of predicted input characters at an input field, wherein each displayed set is displayed at a position in a defined arrangement; and selecting one of the displayed sets of predicted input characters in accordance with a gesture received at a partition of the virtual keyboard is disclosed. An electronic device and a non-transitory computer-readable medium to perform the method are also disclosed.