Soft Keyboard Modifier Key Input via Pen Pressure and Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input methods for electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones, struggle to efficiently implement control key inputs or shortcuts using pen or stylus inputs, leading to cumbersome user experiences and reduced functionality, especially when compared to physical keyboards.
Innovation Solution
The method involves accepting pen input at an input surface, determining modifier key characteristics, and executing associated modifier key functions, allowing for the simulation of keyboard shortcuts without the need for sticky keys or multi-touch inputs, thereby enhancing the functionality of on-screen keyboards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional input methods are used for pen or stylus inputs on soft keyboards, then the device maintains simplicity and compatibility, but the functionality is reduced and user experience becomes cumbersome compared to physical keyboards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of pen input by detecting pressure levels, contact area, and duration to differentiate between regular character input and modifier key input. This allows the system to interpret pen strokes as control keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) based on specific pressure thresholds and temporal patterns, enabling physical keyboard-like functionality on soft keyboards without requiring multiple touch points or complex gestures
2Adaptability or versatility
If sticky keys or multi-touch inputs are used to simulate control key functions, then modifier key functionality can be achieved, but the input process becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and interprets pen input characteristics (pressure, contact area, duration) to determine when a modifier key is being activated. The processor self-services by analyzing the input parameters and automatically triggering the appropriate control key functions without requiring the user to manually activate sticky keys or perform multi-touch sequences, thereby simplifying the input process while maintaining full modifier key functionality
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: accepting, at an input surface, pen input; determining, using a processor of an electronic device, a modifier key characteristic of the pen input; and executing, using the processor, a modifier key function associated with the pen input. Other embodiments are described and claimed.