Predictive Input Method for Compact Keypads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input methods on mobile devices with limited keypads, such as smartwatches, are inefficient for entering web addresses and passwords that contain characters and symbols, requiring mode switches and multi-tapping, which slows down input speed and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A predictive input method using a disambiguation input method where multiple characters and symbols are assigned to each key, allowing users to input words, phrases, and sentences by sequences of key presses without switching between character and symbol modes, utilizing a dictionary database to predict and display possible inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional keypad with limited keys (12 keys) is used for input, then the device can be made compact and portable, but the input efficiency and speed deteriorate when entering characters and symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the keypad to handle both character input and symbol input (including web addresses and passwords) within a single unified input mode, eliminating the need for separate symbol mode and mode switching operations. This allows the limited keypad to efficiently handle diverse input types without sacrificing input speed or requiring additional keys.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching between character mode and symbol mode is implemented, then symbols and web addresses can be input, but the input speed and convenience deteriorate due to frequent mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges character input and symbol input into a single unified input mode. The keypad processes both alphabetic characters and symbols (including web addresses and passwords) without requiring users to switch between different input modes, thereby maintaining input convenience while expanding input capability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple characters are assigned to each key (disambiguation input method), then the keypad can be reduced to 12 keys, but the input process becomes more complex requiring multiple presses per character
Solution Approach 1:
The unified input mode processes both characters and symbols through the same disambiguation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate symbol mode operations. This maintains the compact 12-key layout while simplifying the overall input process by providing consistent handling for all input types.
4Ease of operation
If a full qwerty keyboard is used, then character and symbol input is easy and fast, but the device becomes too large for mobile and wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a compact 12-key keypad to provide input ease comparable to a full qwerty keyboard by implementing a unified input mode that handles both characters and symbols efficiently, eliminating the need for mode switching and reducing the overall input steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing by predicting complete web addresses and passwords based on partial input, displaying predicted results for user confirmation. This preliminary action reduces the number of keystrokes needed and accelerates the input process for common input types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention brings the easiness in the input of non-vocabulary phrase and sentence by applying the disambiguation input method used as a predictive input method for words in English-speaking countries to non-vocabulary phrases and sentences including not only characters but also ‘space’ and symbols.