Predictive URL Domain Key for Mobile Data Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of electronic devices, especially in wireless communication devices, face a data entry burden when typing URLs due to the need to include domain extensions, as existing interfaces require manual selection or typing of fixed top-level domain extensions like '.com', which is tedious and inefficient, especially in devices with limited screen space.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a predictive URL user input key function that dynamically updates the domain extension key based on the entered URL information, allowing users to select a likely domain extension with a single key function, reducing the need for manual typing and improving data entry efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If users manually type the full URL including top-level domain extension, then complete URL entry is achieved, but data entry time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata entry timeVSAvoiddata entry effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the domain extension based on the entered domain name and proactively suggesting the complete URL with the appropriate top-level domain extension before the user finishes typing, thereby reducing the user's data entry burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically completing the URL entry process - the electronic device autonomously detects the domain name being typed, determines the appropriate top-level domain extension, and inserts it into the URL field without requiring manual user input for this portion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a fixed top-level domain extension key is provided, then domain extension entry is simplified, but adaptability to different domain extensions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedomain extension entryVSAvoiddomain extension flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The domain extension key transitions from a static, fixed value to a dynamic element that automatically changes based on the detected domain name. The system monitors user input in real-time and updates the suggested top-level domain extension accordingly, making the interface adaptive rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of the domain extension key dynamically - instead of displaying a fixed extension like '.com' indefinitely, the displayed extension parameter is modified in real-time based on the detected domain name, allowing the same key to serve multiple domain extension types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If users select from pre-configured domain extension menus, then domain extension selection is assisted, but interface complexity and screen space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedomain extension selectionVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the domain extension selection task from the complex menu interface and consolidates it into a single dedicated key function. Instead of requiring users to navigate through menus with multiple options, the system isolates the essential function to a single key that automatically provides the relevant domain extension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The domain extension key serves multiple functions: it acts as a regular input key for other characters, functions as a shortcut to insert common domain extensions, and dynamically adapts to suggest the appropriate top-level domain extension based on the entered domain name, thereby replacing what would otherwise require a complex menu system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2728836B1Electronic device with predictive URL domain key function
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2728836B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2728836B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2728836B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method, electronic device, processing system, and computer program product, for at least presenting a uniform resource locator (URL) domain extension at a user interface. User input data corresponding to at least a portion of a URL domain is received at the user input interface. A processor concatenates the received user input data into a first character string. The first character string is displayed. The processor predicts a domain URL extension as a second character string that when concatenated with and following the first character string completes at least one of a URL domain and an email address, by comparing the first character string with a set of candidate character strings to find a likely match. The second character string is displayed in visual association with a user input key function of the user input interface.