Electronic Device Toggle Input Key Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices using toggle input methods for character input suffer from reduced usability due to fixed initial switching orders, and configurations with separate character type switching keys increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a key control unit that adjusts the initial character type of input candidate characters based on the previously confirmed character type, using a toggle input method, and a display control unit to show input characters and candidates, allowing cyclic switching without additional keys for type switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the toggle input method uses a fixed initial switching order, then the system structure remains simple, but the number of key presses increases when inputting characters later in the switching order, reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the initial value of character type switching dynamic rather than fixed. The key control unit changes the initial character type based on the character type of the previously confirmed character, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on input history. This dynamic adjustment reduces the number of key presses needed when inputting character strings with consistent types, improving usability without adding physical keys or complex hardware.
2Ease of operation
If separate character type switching keys are provided, then character type switching becomes easier, but the number of keys increases, raising cost and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the numeric keys multi-functional. Each numeric key not only inputs characters but also serves as a character type switching mechanism through the toggle input method. The key control unit enables character type switching by changing the initial value based on previous input, allowing the same key to perform both character input and type switching functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate switching keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically adjusting the initial character type based on the previously confirmed character type. The key control unit monitors the input sequence and autonomously changes the initial value to match the previous character type, reducing the need for manual type switching operations without requiring additional control keys.
3Measurement precision
If separate control keys are used to designate characters, then input precision improves, but the operation becomes complicated, reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the character designation function and character type switching function into a single operation. When a user presses a numeric key, the system simultaneously handles character selection and type switching based on the toggle input method and the dynamic initial value adjustment, eliminating the need for separate control keys and simplifying the operation while maintaining input precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device that includes a plurality of keys in which the character types of input candidate characters are switched using a toggle input method and a key control unit that changes an initial value of the character type of an input candidate character in the toggle input method to the character type of the character that is input and confirmed already when an arbitrary key among the plurality of keys is pressed.