Split Virtual Keyboard for Eyes-Free Text Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft keyboards on mobile devices are difficult to use accurately, especially when the user cannot continuously look at the screen due to their small size, leading to challenges in text input, particularly for users trying to enter text without visual feedback.
Innovation Solution
A split virtual keyboard system is introduced, where the keyboard is divided into two portions, allowing users to input text using continuous strokes with their thumbs, one portion for character input and the other for control keys like Enter, Backspace, and punctuation, facilitating eyes-free text entry by utilizing a touch-sensitive display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional soft keyboard is displayed on a mobile device screen, then text input functionality is provided, but the small screen size makes it difficult for users to accurately tap keys without continuous visual attention
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keyboard is divided into two separate portions: a first portion for character input and a second portion for control functions (Enter, Backspace, punctuation). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and positioned to accommodate two-handed operation, improving accessibility and accuracy without requiring a larger screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional discrete key tapping to continuous stroke-based input across the keyboard portions. Users draw continuous strokes through multiple keys to input characters, adding a temporal and motion dimension to the input method. This allows more information to be conveyed within the limited screen space and reduces the need for precise key-by-key tapping.
2Measurement precision
If discrete key tapping is used on a small screen, then text input is possible, but users experience 'fat finger syndrome' and difficulty remembering key positions without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the current stroke path and recognized characters in real-time. As users draw strokes across keys, the system updates the displayed text and highlights the current input position, allowing users to verify their input without looking at the keyboard layout itself. This reduces reliance on memorization and improves accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical discrete key-tapping system with a continuous stroke-based input system. Instead of requiring precise individual key presses, users draw continuous paths across multiple keys, and the system decodes these strokes into characters. This substitution reduces the precision requirements for individual contact points and simplifies the interaction model.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a full virtual keyboard is displayed to provide all necessary keys, then complete text input capability is achieved, but the keyboard occupies excessive screen space and reduces visibility of other content
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into two functional portions that can be positioned separately on the screen. The character input portion and control function portion are divided, allowing optimized placement that minimizes total keyboard area while maintaining full functionality. This segmentation also enables the keyboard to adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each keyboard portion is designed to be multi-functional. The first portion handles character input through stroke recognition, while the second portion provides control functions. This universal design allows the keyboard to provide complete text input capability in a condensed format, reducing the overall space required compared to traditional full-keyboard layouts.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a split virtual keyboard that is displayed on a tablet (slate) computing device. The split virtual keyboard includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being separated from the second portion. The first portion includes a plurality of character keys that are representative at least one respective character. The tablet computing device is configured to support text generation by way of a continuous sequence of strokes over the plurality of character keys in the first portion of the split virtual keyboard.