Virtual Key Area Locking for Touch Panel Terminal Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a touch panel of a terminal device is in an unlocked state, there is a high likelihood of virtual keys being mistakenly operated, which can interrupt applications being processed, such as games, due to the increasing size of touch panels and narrowing frames, leading to poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for independently locking or unlocking the virtual key area of a terminal device by receiving virtual key press events and determining if they meet preset conditions regarding time length, order, and number of presses, allowing the state to be set to either locked or unlocked, thereby preventing accidental key presses during application usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the touch panel size is increased and frame is narrowed, then the device appearance is improved and screen-to-body ratio is increased, but the likelihood of mistakenly pressing virtual keys is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking mechanism into two independent parts: touch panel locking and virtual key locking. This allows the touch panel to remain unlocked for full functionality while the virtual key area can be independently locked to prevent mistaken presses, resolving the contradiction between large touch panel area and virtual key press accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different locking states to different regions of the interface. The touch panel maintains an unlocked state for normal operation, while the virtual key area enters a locked state where press events are intercepted and discarded. This local differentiation allows the large touch panel area to function normally while preventing mistaken virtual key presses.
2Reliability
If the virtual key area is locked to prevent mistaken presses, then virtual key press accuracy is improved, but the ability to intentionally press virtual keys is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a virtual key press is intentional versus mistaken and responds appropriately. When the virtual key area is locked, press events are automatically intercepted and discarded if they don't meet release conditions, eliminating the need for user judgment about whether to press or not press virtual keys during application usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the locking mechanism state. When virtual key locking is enabled, the system feedbacks that virtual key presses will be intercepted, guiding user behavior. The automatic detection and response mechanism feedbacks whether a press event should be processed or discarded based on the current locking state and release conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device and a locking or unlocking method for the terminal device are provided. The locking or unlocking method is used for locking or unlocking a virtual key area of a terminal device when a touch panel of the terminal device is in an unlocked state, and the method includes: receiving multiple reported virtual key press events; and determining that the received virtual key press events meet a preset locking or unlocking condition, and setting a state of the virtual key area of the terminal device to a locked state or the unlocked state.