Partitioned Virtual Keyboard Gesture Selection for Predictive Text

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing predictive text input methods for electronic devices require users to frequently switch focus 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 typing.

Innovation Solution

The method 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 divert attention from the text field and improving user experience by allowing input without constant refocusing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If predictive text input methods display predictions at a separate location from the keyboard, then users can see predicted characters, but users must frequently switch focus between the keyboard and text input field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of predicted charactersVSAvoiduser focus switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the prediction display with the keyboard interface by overlaying predicted character sets directly on the keyboard partitions. This merging eliminates the need for separate prediction display areas and allows users to see predictions while maintaining focus on the keyboard, resolving the contradiction between visibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional separation (keyboard in one area, predictions in another) to a layered approach where predictions are displayed in the same spatial dimension as the keyboard but in an overlay fashion. This allows predictions to be visible without requiring users to shift focus to a different location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of predicted characters are displayed, then more input options are provided, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput optionsVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the keyboard into multiple partitions, with each partition displaying a specific set of predicted characters. This segmentation allows multiple prediction sets to be displayed simultaneously in an organized manner, providing diverse input options while maintaining interface clarity through systematic division of the display space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different partitions of the keyboard display different sets of predicted characters tailored to specific typing patterns or contexts. This local differentiation provides customized prediction options in different areas of the interface, increasing versatility while maintaining overall simplicity through localized functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the keyboard is divided into partitions for different gestures, then rapid and precise typing patterns are accommodated, but the keyboard structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetyping pattern accommodationVSAvoidkeyboard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard partitions are dynamically assigned based on detected typing patterns. The system adapts the partition configuration in real-time to match whether the user exhibits rapid typing behavior or precise typing behavior, allowing the structure to remain simple while providing specialized layouts when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The partitioned keyboard structure serves multiple functions: it displays different prediction sets, receives various gesture inputs, and adapts to different typing patterns all within the same interface framework. This multi-functionality accommodates diverse typing styles without requiring separate keyboard structures for each pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If users must refocus between keyboard and text field, then accurate text input can be achieved, but eye strain and processing inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetext input accuracyVSAvoidrefocusing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying all relevant predicted character sets in advance on the keyboard partitions before the user needs to select them. This allows users to see and process prediction options without shifting focus, enabling accurate selection while eliminating the time loss associated with refocusing between keyboard and text field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9116552B2Touchscreen keyboard providing selection of word predictions in partitions of the touchscreen keyboard

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

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.