Predictive Multi-Region Keyboard for Low-Precision Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input interfaces struggle with low precision inputs, leading to errors or inoperability, particularly for users with limited dexterity or devices with constrained input interfaces, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and televisions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-region graphical keyboard interface with larger regions and prediction techniques that group symbols into different areas, using machine-learned models to suggest words or phrases based on region selections, improving input confidence and reducing keystrokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional input interface with numerous input options is used, then the device provides comprehensive functionality, but low precision inputs lead to errors or inoperability
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard interface is segmented into multiple distinct regions (e.g., letter region, number region, symbol region), where each region contains a subset of input options. When a user inputs a region selection, the system displays only the symbols within that region, effectively filtering the comprehensive set of input options into manageable subsets. This segmentation reduces the cognitive load and improves input accuracy by preventing confusion among numerous input options while preserving comprehensive functionality through region navigation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual keys are made smaller to fit more options, then the device maintains compact size, but users with limited dexterity experience difficulty with precision input
Solution Approach 1:
The interface transitions from a two-dimensional grid of small keys to a hierarchical structure that adds a third dimension of interaction: region selection followed by symbol selection. Instead of requiring precise direct key presses, users first select a broader region (easier, less precise input) and then choose from a filtered subset of symbols (more precise but fewer options). This dimensional change allows compact device size while maintaining ease of operation through multi-stage input.
3Reliability
If a multi-region graphical keyboard interface is used, then input robustness and accessibility are enhanced, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-organizing all keyboard symbols into distinct regions before user interaction. When a user selects a region, the system has already prepared and filtered the relevant subset of symbols for display, eliminating the need for real-time complex processing. This preliminary organization simplifies the runtime interface while maintaining input robustness, as the multi-region structure is established in advance rather than computed during interaction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to prediction and assistive techniques using a multi-region graphical keyboard interface. In particular, the system can present, on a display of a computing device, a graphical keyboard having a plurality of key regions. The plurality of key regions can include a first key region having a first set of keys and a second key region having a second set of keys. Additionally, the system can receive a first input selecting a first selected region from the plurality of key regions. Moreover, the system can determine, based at least in part on the first input, a first suggestion and a second suggestion. Furthermore, in response to the first input, the system can present, on the display of the computing device, an updated graphical keyboard having the plurality of key regions and a suggestion region. The suggestion region includes the first suggestion and the second suggestion.