Touchpad Input Filtering for Errant Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for inadvertent input issues in electronic devices, such as touchpads, are inadequate as they often require manual intervention or rely on timing-based filters that fail to effectively filter continued inadvertent touchpad inputs, particularly in scenarios where users hold their hands or fingers on the touchpad for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing intelligent filtering techniques that prioritize keyboard inputs over touchpad inputs and maintain the filtering until the touchpad is intentionally used again, with an optional 'starting zone' requirement and a counter to track repeated inadvertent inputs, leading to a semi-permanent disablement of the touchpad if the threshold is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timing-based filters are used to filter inadvertent touchpad inputs, then some inadvertent inputs are filtered, but the filter fails when users hold their hands or fingers on the touchpad for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the filtering state based on detected input patterns. When inadvertent inputs are detected, the system transitions to a disabled state for the touchpad, and when intentional input patterns are detected, it transitions to an enabled state. This dynamic adjustment allows the filter to adapt to different usage scenarios rather than relying on fixed timing-based filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors touchpad input patterns and uses this feedback to determine whether to enable or disable the touchpad. By analyzing the sequence and characteristics of inputs, the system can distinguish between inadvertent and intentional usage, adjusting the filter state accordingly to maintain reliability across different duration scenarios.
2Reliability
If the touchpad is manually disabled to prevent inadvertent inputs, then input errors are reduced, but user convenience is reduced due to manual intervention requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects inadvertent input patterns and disables the touchpad without requiring manual user intervention. It monitors input sequences, identifies when the touchpad is being used inadvertently, and autonomously adjusts its state to prevent errors, while also re-enabling it when intentional use is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively disables the touchpad before inadvertent inputs can cause problems by detecting preliminary patterns of unintentional contact. This preventive action stops errant inputs from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting after errors have happened.
3Reliability
If the touchpad is continuously disabled to prevent all inadvertent inputs, then input errors are eliminated, but legitimate touchpad usage is also prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a dynamic state that transitions between enabled and disabled based on detected input patterns. Rather than a continuous disable, it enables the touchpad when intentional usage patterns are detected and disables it when inadvertent patterns are detected, adapting the state to current usage context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from input sequences to determine the appropriate state. By analyzing the characteristics, sequence, and context of touchpad inputs, it can distinguish between legitimate and inadvertent usage, adjusting the enable/disable state accordingly to maintain both accuracy and usability.
4Reliability
If a counter is used to track repeated inadvertent inputs and disable the touchpad semi-permanently, then repeated errors are prevented, but the touchpad becomes less responsive to legitimate usage
Solution Approach 1:
The counter mechanism provides feedback about the frequency and pattern of inadvertent inputs. When the counter reaches a threshold indicating repeated inadvertent usage, the system activates a semi-permanent disable state. This feedback-driven approach ensures that the touchpad is only restricted when clear patterns of misuse are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-permanent disable state is not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted. The system continues to monitor input patterns and can transition out of the restricted state when legitimate usage patterns emerge, balancing error prevention with maintaining responsiveness to genuine user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products configured to provide intelligent filtering techniques to reduce errant device inputs are described. For example, filtering out the data input from a touch pad while typing on the keyboard or operating with a pointing stick, even if the touch pad is sensing contact, is augmented by continuing to filter data from the touch pad until the contact on the touch pad ends.