Smart TV Input Method Using Time Thresholds for Character State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input methods for characters on smart TVs, such as English full keyboard and nine-square grid keyboards, are inefficient due to complex operations required for switching between uppercase and lowercase states, significantly reducing input efficiency when multiple state changes occur in a string of characters.
Innovation Solution
An input method and system that determines the state of a character based on time information and threshold values, allowing for automatic switching and locking of character states by comparing dwell times with predefined thresholds, thereby simplifying the process of inputting characters and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional English full keyboard or nine-square grid keyboard is used with direction keys to select characters, then character selection is possible, but input efficiency is greatly reduced when multiple state changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of key press duration to control character state. By pressing a numeric key for different time durations (short press vs. long press exceeding threshold), the system selects different character cases (lowercase vs. uppercase), eliminating the need to repeatedly press direction keys to reach shift keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the character state selection function from the traditional keyboard layout and integrates it directly into the numeric key input process. The state switching capability is embedded in the key press duration detection, separating the state control from the character selection movement.
2Ease of operation
If shift key is pressed to switch character state, then uppercase or lowercase input is achieved, but repeated pressing of direction keys to move cursor to shift key reduces input efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the character selection and state selection operations into a single action. The numeric key press simultaneously selects the character and determines its case through duration-based detection, combining what were previously separate operations (character selection + state switching) into one unified input gesture.
Solution Approach 2:
The numeric key itself provides the state switching function through differential press duration detection. The system automatically detects whether the press duration exceeds the threshold and selects the appropriate character case without requiring the user to manually navigate to or press a separate shift key.
3Ease of operation
If traditional keyboard input method is used with multiple direction key presses, then character selection is possible, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses press duration as a control parameter to simplify operations. Instead of requiring multiple discrete key presses (direction keys to move cursor, then shift key for state change), the system uses a single parameter variation (press duration exceeding threshold) to control both character selection and state selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an input method and input system for solving the problem of low efficiency of inputting characters due to the complicated operations during the selection of the states of characters. The method includes: receiving character input information, and determining an inputted character and time information associated with the input operation according to the character input information; and selecting a state of the character according to the time information and a time threshold value for switching state. When the time information is long, the current state of the character can be switched to other states; when the time information is short, the state of the character can be maintained to be the current state; and when the time information reaches a certain length, the current state of the character can be switched to other states, and the switched state is locked so that subsequently inputted characters maintain such a switched state. The state of the character can be selected only according to the comparison result between the time information and the time threshold value for switching state, which avoids the complicated operation for switching the states of characters, and improves the efficiency of inputting characters.