Sliding Candidate Character Box for Compact Device Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact smart devices have limited screen size, making existing input methods like handwriting, T9, and keyboard input impractical due to the small screen size, and voice input is inaccurate in noisy environments.

Innovation Solution

A character input method and apparatus that displays a character input box and a sliding candidate character box on the screen, allowing users to select characters by sliding and tapping, with features like intelligent prediction and language switching, enabling efficient character input independent of screen size and improving accuracy over voice input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a compact smart device is designed with a smaller screen size, then the device becomes more portable and compact, but existing input methods (handwriting, T9, keyboard) become difficult or impossible to use due to insufficient display area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinput operation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input interface is segmented into two distinct areas: a character input box area and a candidate character box area. The candidate character box can be positioned independently (first area or second area), allowing the interface to be divided into functional zones that optimize both display efficiency and user interaction on compact screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in different screen areas (first area vs. second area) to organize input elements. By distributing characters and candidate boxes across different spatial zones, the interface maximizes the use of limited screen real estate while maintaining accessibility and usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the screen size is increased to fully display handwriting strokes, T9 keypad, or keyboard, then input methods become feasible, but the device loses its compact form factor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput method feasibilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The input interface is segmented into two distinct areas: a character input box area and a candidate character box area. The candidate character box can be positioned independently (first area or second area), allowing the interface to be divided into functional zones that optimize both display efficiency and user interaction on compact screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the positioning and display parameters of the candidate character box based on screen space availability. By changing the spatial parameters (positioning in first or second area) and display characteristics of input elements, the system adapts to different screen sizes while maintaining input functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If voice input is used in noisy environments, then input speed may be maintained, but input accuracy deteriorates significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput speedVSAvoidinput accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying multiple candidate characters before the user finalizes input. The candidate character box pre-presents possible character options based on partial input or context, allowing users to select from predetermined candidates rather than relying solely on voice recognition accuracy in noisy environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system provides candidate character suggestions to the user based on their input. This feedback loop allows users to verify and correct potential input errors by selecting from displayed candidates, thereby improving overall input accuracy while maintaining efficient workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4116801B1Character input method and apparatus, and terminal
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4116801B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4116801B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4116801B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5T

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a character input method and apparatus, and a terminal. In the method, a candidate character box is a sliding display box that is capable of displaying a preset quantity of characters, a different candidate character is displayed in the candidate character box in response to a slide operation of a user, the candidate character box includes a selection box, and a candidate character in the selection box is selected, so as to implement information input on a compact smart device.