Virtual Keyboard Key Recognition via 3D Spatial Mapping

The patent transitions from a traditional 2D grid-based virtual keyboard to a 3D spatial mapping system. By projecting the keyboard onto a three-dimensional surface and using depth information from the touch sensor, the system creates additional spatial dimensions for key differentiation. This allows keys to be distinguished not only by their 2D position but also by their 3D spatial coordinates, thereby maintaining recognition accuracy even when the overall device size is reduced.

The patent introduces control points as intermediary elements between the user's touch and the actual key identification. These control points serve as reference markers that help the system interpret touch positions more accurately. By establishing a mapping relationship between control points and keyboard keys, the system can determine which key is pressed even when the physical distance between keys is small, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and recognition accuracy.

The patent implements a dynamic keyboard system where the keyboard layout and control points can be flexibly configured and adjusted. Rather than using a fixed static grid, the system allows the keyboard to adapt its structure based on user needs and application contexts. This dynamic configuration enables more efficient input methods while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the complexity is managed through software rather than hardware.

The patent creates a universal keyboard framework that can accommodate multiple input methods and layouts. The same basic structure supports various keyboard configurations, gesture inputs, and application-specific layouts. This multi-functionality allows the system to optimize input efficiency for different use cases without requiring separate hardware solutions, thereby improving productivity while keeping the device structure relatively simple.