Touchscreen Input Device with Segmented Matrix Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screens pose challenges for visually impaired individuals and others in entering confidential data securely and efficiently, as virtual keyboards lack spatial cues and existing solutions increase costs and aesthetic issues, while also compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A data entry device with a matrix of input zones on a parallelepipedic plate, featuring electrically connected contact zones on both surfaces, allowing unique geometric patterns to be detected on the touch screen, ensuring secure and ergonomic data entry regardless of position or orientation, and made of transparent materials to prevent fraudulent monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical keyboard is provided for visually impaired users, then accessibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyboard is segmented into individual key elements arranged in a matrix pattern. Each key is a separate tactile element that can be independently identified, allowing visually impaired users to locate keys through touch without requiring a complete physical keyboard structure. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical keyboard acts as an intermediary device between the user and the touch screen. It provides tactile feedback and spatial orientation without requiring direct integration with the terminal's internal systems. The keyboard translates user input into touch screen coordinates through its matrix pattern, serving as a simple mediator that improves accessibility without complicating the terminal architecture.
2Reliability
If a physical keyboard is provided for security, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into discrete key elements in a matrix arrangement, each representing a specific digit or character. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing compared to traditional secure physical keyboards, as each key can be individually positioned and connected to the touch screen without requiring complex assembly processes or expensive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard creates a simplified copy of the virtual keyboard layout in physical form. Rather than developing a completely new secure input mechanism, the invention replicates the familiar numeric keypad pattern in tactile form, allowing users to interact with the touch screen through a simplified physical interface that maintains security while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Shape
If a virtual keyboard is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but usability for visually impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the aesthetic advantages of the virtual keyboard with the tactile benefits of a physical keyboard. The matrix of physical keys is positioned on or near the touch screen surface, combining the visual appeal of a flat screen display with the tactile feedback and spatial orientation of physical keys. This fusion allows visually impaired users to benefit from both aesthetics and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical keyboard serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the aesthetic virtual keyboard display. It provides tactile guidance without obscuring the visual display, allowing visually impaired users to locate keys through touch while the terminal maintains its aesthetic appearance through the underlying touch screen interface. The keyboard mediates between visual aesthetics and tactile usability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure, ergonomic, and cost-effective data entry on touch screens, enhancing user experience for visually impaired individuals and others by ensuring accurate recognition of input data without displaying the virtual keyboard, thus reducing stress and aesthetic concerns.
Implementation Method 1
said lower face comprising, for each key of said keyboard on the upper face, at least one contact zone electrically connected to a corresponding key on the upper face
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a data entry device intended to be affixed to a touch panel of a terminal. According to the invention, such an entry device comprises a generally parallelepiped-shaped plate, said plate comprising an upper face, at least a part of which comprises a matrix of input areas forming a keyboard, and a lower face, said lower face comprising, for each key of said keyboard on the upper face, at least one contact area electrically connected to a corresponding key on the upper face.