Dynamic Virtual Keyboard with Intent-Based Task Icons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual keyboards are cumbersome and difficult to use for certain activities as they require users to exit and re-enter applications, leading to inefficient access to desired functionalities.

Innovation Solution

An intent-based, dynamic system that generates and displays task icons within virtual keyboards, allowing users to access associated functionalities directly without leaving the application, and provides in-keyboard search functionality to reduce computational complexity and clutter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional virtual keyboards are used, then text input functionality is provided, but users must exit and re-enter applications to access other functionalities, increasing operation time and reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of access to functionalitiesVSAvoidtime to exit and re-enter applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functionalities (text input, search, and quick access to applications) into a single virtual keyboard interface. The keyboard serves as both an input device and a launchpad for various applications and search functions, eliminating the need to exit the current application to access these features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual keyboard is designed to perform multiple functions beyond text input. It includes integrated search capability, direct access to frequently used applications, and contextual functionality based on the active application, making it a universal interface for various tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If task icons are dynamically generated in the virtual keyboard, then access to functionalities is improved, but device complexity increases due to intent classification and dynamic generation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiency to functionalitiesVSAvoidcomplexity of intent classification system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of user intent based on the active application and contextual information before generating the virtual keyboard layout. This allows the keyboard to be pre-configured with relevant task icons and search functionalities tailored to the current context, improving access efficiency without requiring complex real-time processing during user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If search functionality is integrated into the virtual keyboard, then user experience is enhanced by reducing navigation steps, but computational overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation simplicityVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The search functionality is integrated locally within the virtual keyboard interface rather than requiring a separate system-wide search implementation. The keyboard can present search icons and perform searches contextually based on the active application, providing localized search capability that reduces navigation steps while optimizing computational resources by leveraging the existing keyboard framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3469477B1Intelligent virtual keyboards
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3469477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3469477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3469477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer media for intent-based, dynamic generation and display of task icons within virtual keyboards are provided herein. A system can include a processor, an intent classifier, and a user interface generator. The intent classifier can be configured to determine user intent candidates based on contextual information. A user interface generator can be configured to generate the virtual keyboard for display and, upon receiving an indication of a user intent determined based on the user intent candidates, generate a task icon within the virtual keyboard. The task icon represents functionality associated with the determined user intent. Interaction with the task icon in the virtual keyboard can launch functionality associated with the determined intent. The user interface generator can also be configured to present a search interface upon receiving an indication of a user interaction with the virtual keyboard.