Touch Screen Input Region Overlap for Simultaneous Keyboard and Mouse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen displays require time-consuming input operations when using both software keyboards and virtual pointing devices simultaneously, as users must selectively choose between defined regions, leading to a demand for improved operability.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a touch screen display is configured to set multiple input regions, detect touch operations based on duration, and output corresponding data, allowing simultaneous use of software keyboards and touch pads without region switching, using modules for region setup, operation detection, and data output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software keyboard and virtual mouse are defined in different regions, then each input device has dedicated space, but users must selectively switch between regions causing time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the software keyboard and virtual mouse into the same display region, allowing both input devices to coexist without requiring users to switch between different spatial regions. The virtual mouse is displayed as a transparent or semi-transparent overlay on top of the software keyboard, enabling simultaneous access to both functions within a single region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic display characteristics where the virtual mouse changes its transparency or visibility state based on interaction context. When the user interacts with the virtual mouse, it becomes more prominent; when not in use, it blends with the background, allowing flexible adaptation of the display region without permanent structural changes.
2Productivity
If virtual mouse is displayed as transparent overlay on software keyboard, then both input devices share same region improving efficiency, but region definition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input functionality into distinct logical components (software keyboard and virtual mouse) that can be independently controlled and displayed. Each component maintains its own functional definition while sharing the same physical display region, allowing complex region management through modular component design rather than monolithic region definition.
3Ease of operation
If multiple input regions are set on small screen, then sufficient operation regions are maintained, but screen real estate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the virtual mouse display within the software keyboard region, similar to nested dolls. The virtual mouse is rendered as a transparent or semi-transparent element that overlays on top of the keyboard characters, allowing both the keyboard and mouse to occupy the same spatial envelope without requiring additional screen real estate.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a touch screen display, a first region setup module, a second region setup module, an operation detection module, a first data output module and a second data output module. The first region setup module sets a first region including plural input regions on the touch screen display. The second region setup module sets a second region overlapped with the first region. The operation detection module detects whether a touch operation is a first operation or a second operation. The first data output module outputs first data corresponding to a first potion of the first region where the touch operation is performed, when the first operation is detected. The second data output module outputs second data corresponding to a second position where the touch operation is performed, when the second operation is detected.