Predictive Character Input Interface for Mobile Keypads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices with limited keypads require users to perform complex and inefficient input mode switching and character selection processes, lacking the ability for continuous character typing across different categories with prediction capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A character input interface with a keypad and sensor unit that displays multiple characters on each key, allowing users to select characters by shifting directions on the key, with a predictive text input method to determine the preselected character based on previous inputs, enabling efficient selection and input of characters across different categories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple character categories are assigned to a single key, then the device size can be reduced, but the operation complexity increases due to frequent mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by predicting the user's intended character based on previous input context before the user actually selects it. The prediction module analyzes the character string being input and pre-determines which character category the user will likely select next, so when the user presses a key, the predicted character category is already active, eliminating the need for manual mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the character input process and using the predicted character categories to dynamically adjust which characters are displayed and highlighted on the keypad. The display shows the predicted character category in advance, providing feedback to the user about what the system expects them to input next, thereby simplifying the selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If multiple characters are displayed on a single key, then the keypad size can be reduced, but the time required for character selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeypad areaVSAvoidcharacter selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The prediction module performs preliminary action by determining which character category the user will likely select before the user actually makes the selection. This allows the system to pre-position the correct character category on the display, so when the user presses the key, the desired character is already visible and ready for selection, dramatically reducing the time needed to find and select characters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting which character category is displayed and highlighted based on prediction results. Instead of showing all character categories equally, the system modifies the display parameters to emphasize the predicted character category, making it the default selection and reducing the number of presses needed to access it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual mode switching is required for different character categories, then input precision can be controlled, but the input efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput precisionVSAvoidinput efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously analyzing the character input context and using prediction algorithms to determine which character category the user intends to input next. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically switch between character categories based on predicted user intent, maintaining precise control over which characters are available for selection while eliminating manual mode switching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The prediction module enables self-service by automatically determining and switching to the appropriate character category without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using its own prediction capabilities to manage character category selection, freeing the user from manual mode switching while maintaining precise control over character input options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3190482B1Electronic device, character input module and method for selecting characters thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 HTC CORP
  • EP3190482B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3190482B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3190482B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for selecting characters and a device thereof. The method comprises the steps of sensing a touch on a first key, which has a plurality of characters marked thereon; confirming the touch and displaying the plurality of characters associated with the first key on a display unit; sensing a shifting motion of the touch on the first key; and selecting one of the plurality of characters associated with the first key in response to the shifting motion of the touch. The present invention further provides a character input module and an electronic device for implementing the character selection method.