Software Keyboard Display Control for Hybrid Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses cannot determine the type of a connected hardware keyboard, leading to inconvenient situations where a software keyboard for inputting characters is not displayed when a numeric keypad is connected, preventing users from inputting alphabets.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with circuitry that detects and determines the type of a connected hardware keyboard, controlling the display of a software keyboard based on the detected type, allowing for appropriate software keyboard display depending on the hardware keyboard's type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the software keyboard is automatically closed when a hardware keyboard is connected, then the hardware keyboard can be used for input, but the software keyboard is also closed when a numeric keypad is connected, preventing alphabet input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the software keyboard display state dependent on the specific type of hardware keyboard connected. Different regions of the keyboard type space have different software keyboard display policies: full keyboards trigger software keyboard closure, while numeric keypads maintain software keyboard display. This resolves the contradiction by allowing hardware keyboard input functionality while preserving software keyboard adaptability for different hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of software keyboard display state based on the detected hardware keyboard type. The system transitions from a fixed software keyboard closure policy to a dynamic policy that adjusts the software keyboard display parameter according to the hardware keyboard characteristics (full keyboard vs. numeric keypad), thereby resolving the contradiction between hardware keyboard usability and software keyboard adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the software keyboard is closed when any hardware keyboard is connected, then the hardware keyboard is prioritized for input, but the user cannot input alphabets when only a numeric keypad is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different software keyboard display policies for different hardware keyboard types. When a numeric keypad is connected, the software keyboard remains displayed to ensure character input capability. When a full keyboard is connected, the software keyboard is closed to prioritize hardware keyboard usage. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable character input regardless of the specific hardware keyboard configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (type detection and conditional control logic) between the hardware keyboard connection and the software keyboard display state. This intermediary evaluates the hardware keyboard type and mediates the software keyboard display decision, ensuring that character input capability is maintained through appropriate software keyboard display while still prioritizing hardware keyboard usage when suitable.
3Device complexity
If a fixed policy is used to close the software keyboard when hardware is connected, then the control logic is simple, but it cannot adapt to different hardware keyboard types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control logic from a fixed parameter (always close software keyboard) to a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on hardware keyboard type detection. The system introduces type detection capability and conditional control parameters that adapt the software keyboard display state according to the specific hardware keyboard connected, resolving the contradiction between control logic simplicity and hardware keyboard type adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a display device, an interface to which a hardware keyboard is connectable, and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to perform a control of displaying a software keyboard in the display device, detect that a hardware keyboard is connected to the interface, determine a type of the detected hardware keyboard, and control a display of the software keyboard depending on the determined type of the hardware keyboard.