Virtual Keyboard Interface Layer Segmentation for Mobile Typing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in providing efficient and flexible keyboard interfaces, leading to cumbersome user interactions, especially when the display size is not ideal for typing with thumbs while gripping the device.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of methods and interfaces that allow for the display of virtual keyboards with customizable key sets and sizes, including the option to toggle between languages and display additional keyboard options, which can be accessed through gestures and affordances on the touch-sensitive surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional touch-screen keyboard interface is used on portable devices, then the device can provide basic typing functionality, but the interface becomes complicated and requires memorization of key sequences and menu hierarchies, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of keyboard interactionVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard interface is segmented into multiple virtual keyboard layers, each dedicated to specific functions (alphanumeric input, emoji selection, special characters). This segmentation eliminates the need for users to navigate complex menu hierarchies, as each function has its own dedicated layer accessible through simple gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual keyboard implements dynamic switching between different keyboard layers based on user gestures. The system transitions from a static, rigid interface to a dynamic one where the keyboard layout and functionality change in response to user actions, such as long-pressing a key to access additional options or switching between language layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the display size is increased to provide better typing experience, then typing comfort improves, but the device becomes less portable and harder to grip with both hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetyping comfortVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of keyboard layout by providing multiple virtual keyboard configurations optimized for different input methods. Users can switch between standard QWERTY layouts, Dvorak layouts, and other configurations, allowing comfortable typing on smaller displays without requiring a larger physical device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimension of interaction through gesture-based controls and virtual layer switching. Instead of relying solely on physical display size, the system adds virtual dimensions for keyboard customization and configuration, allowing users to access advanced typing features without increasing the physical footprint of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple language keyboards are provided, then language versatility improves, but the interface complexity increases and requires more memory resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage supportVSAvoidkeyboard management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual keyboard system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple language layouts and input methods through a single interface. The same virtual keyboard infrastructure supports English, French, Spanish, and other language configurations, eliminating the need for separate keyboard applications for each language and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a virtual keyboard is displayed on the touch-sensitive display, then keyboard functionality is provided, but power consumption increases compared to physical keyboards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual keyboard is implemented as an on-demand overlay that appears only when typing is required and disappears when not in use. This periodic activation pattern, rather than continuous display, significantly reduces power consumption compared to having a permanent virtual keyboard interface or relying solely on physical keyboards for all input scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11989410B2Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for keyboard interface functionalities

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 APPLE INC

AI summary

A method of providing additional keyboard options for a virtual keyboard. The method occurring at an electronic device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includes, displaying the virtual keyboard comprising alphanumeric keys and a row of one or more keyboard options disposed above or below the alphanumeric keys. The method includes, determining whether additional keyboard options are available, and in accordance with a determination that additional keyboard options are available, displaying an additional keyboard options affordance within the row. The method also includes that upon detection of a selection of the additional keyboard options affordance, ceasing to display at least some of the one or more keyboard options and displaying at least some of the additional keyboard options in the row.