PH12015000236A1 - Electronic device for providing a calibrated keyboard configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device for providing a calibrated keyboard configuration determined by an adjusted Bezier curve. The device includes: -storage unit for containing program codes having machine-executable instructions and data; -interface unit having a set of calibration regions within which first and second sets of calibration points can be inputted by a human user, and -processing unit for accessing and executing the instructions from the storage unit. The processing unit may generate a Bezier curve based on the first set of calibration points indicative of the comfortable vertical and horizontal reach of the user's thumb when the instructions are executed by it from the storage unit. The Bezier curve's control points are adjusted in the direction of a second set of calibration points indicative of comfortable gestures of the user's thumb against the interface unit.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PROVIDING o

A CALIBRATED KEYBOARD CONFIGURATION -

Field of the Invention -

The present invention relates to an electronic device for providing a soft or virtual keyboard. More particularly, the present invention relates to an N electronic device for providing such a keyboard of calibrated configuration - which supports natural and comfortable movement of a human thumb. =

Background of the Invention o

The market trend indicates that touch screen mobile phones having large dimensions are ever in demand. As size of a mobile phone becomes bigger however, it becomes more difficult for a user to handle it especially with one hand. Soft or virtual keyboards for such a mobile phone arranged to support one-hand operation are therefore desirable in this regard.

EU Patent Publication No. 2450783 published on 09 May 2012 to Intel

Corporation discloses a configuration of a virtual keyboard for handheld devices wherein virtual keys may be arranged in arcs that are conveniently reached by a user's thumb when the handheld device is held in the user's hand, wherein the placement of the keys may be customized to fit the individual user's thumb or personal preferences.

European Patent Publication No. 2450783 further discloses an implementation wherein an arc-shaped virtual keyboard is provided by first prompting the user to draw an arc with his thumb on the touchscreen surface : and then, if this arc is drawn by the user, recording the location of this arc on the screen display. This location may be used to determine where the corresponding row of keys will be placed on the screen. If more than one row is to be placed on the screen, the user may be prompted to draw a middle arc,

an outer arc, and an inner arc. Each of these arcs is referred to as "calibration - arc" because its purpose is to calibrate the location of the row of keys so that = the keys on that row will be at a convenient position for the user's thumb. The = user may be prompted to retrace each arc more than once so that the handheld device can determined an average position for that arc. The keys » rendered based on the drawn arc support one-hand operation. Pt

A problem associated with the above cited prior art document however - is that, whether each attempt of drawing the curve results in a comfortable or = otherwise uncomfortable reach and other gestures of the thumb is a matter of = trial and error on the part of the user. The user has to repeatedly effect the drawing of the curve until he feels comfortable both in reaching and making other gestures in different portions of the keyboard generated based on the drawn curve. Moreover, such repetitive calibration is not only time-consuming, laborious, and frustrating but may also result in a keyboard configuration that does not accurately fit the natural movement of the user's thumb.

Thus, there remains an outstanding need to provide, among others, an electronic device having a calibrated soft or virtual keyboard configuration which supports one-hand operation and, at the same time, eliminates the need for repeated calibration in accurately achieving comfortable reach and gestures of a user's thumb.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device which provides a virtual keyboard of a configuration that is intended to support one- hand operation and to enable a user to reconfigure such a keyboard configuration like the shape and size of the keyboard in an accurate and indefinite manner during one calibration sequence. :

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The electronic device has a storage unit for storing data and containing program codes. Further provided on the electronic device is an interface unit - for receiving input data to be stored into the storage unit and outputting output i. data from the storage unit. The interface unit has a first set of calibration o regions within which first and second sets of calibration points corresponding to ps the input data can be inputted. The interface unit also has a second set of it calibration regions within which third and fourth sets of calibration points = corresponding to the input data can be inputted. ~

The first set of calibration points includes a first calibration point which = preferably represents a comfortable vertical reach of a user's thumb in relation to the interface unit, and a second calibration point which preferably represents a comfortable horizontal reach of the user's thumb in relation to the interface unit. The second set of calibration points includes third and fourth calibration points which preferably represent comfortable gestures such as click, long lick, press, and swipe of the user's thumb in relation to the interface unit.

Primarily included in the program codes are machine-executable instructions which, when accessed and executed by a processing unit from the storage unit, cause the processing unit to perform the operations of generating on the interface unit an indicia of a relationship of the first and calibration points to one another and as well as generating on the interface unit a graphical representation of a keyboard and corresponding to the output data.

The relationship of the first and second calibration points is determined through an intersection point of a horizontal line derived from the first calibration point and a vertical line derived from the second calibration point. The indicia of said relationship in relation to the intersection point is defined by an initial curve. It is preferable that the initial curve is a Bezier Curve and, more particularly, a cubic Bezier Curve.

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Two control points are provided on the indicia and are moveably o disposed on the interface unit relative to the first set of calibration points. The ~ configuration of the keyboard is based on disposition of the two control points. =

Since the control points are moveable, the configuration of the keyboard region can be adjusted relative to the movement of the control points in the direction - of the second set of calibration points which includes the third and fourth = calibration points. The configuration of the keyboard region adjusted based on =: movement of the control points is defined by a final curve which is preferably a = cubic Bezier curve. =

The provision of the adjustable configuration of the keyboard region - based on the second set of calibration points indicative of the comfortable gestures of the user's thumb in relation to the interface unit ensures that the user can conveniently input text on the interface unit using only one hand. The calibrated keyboard configuration supports the curved natural movement, range of thumb reach, contact size on touch screen, and comfortable gestures of the human thumb. The size of each of the keyboard buttons is preferably arranged to suit users with large thumb contact size and touch screen mobile devices with small dimensions designed for input accuracy.

The provision of the control points which can be adjusted by the user in the direction of the second set of calibration points indicative of the comfortable gesture of the user's thumb against the interface unit ensures that the user effecting the calibration of the configuration of the keyboard region is enabled to reconfigure the configuration of the keyboard region accurately and indefinitely during one calibration sequence without having to repeat inputting : of calibration points which define the comfortable reach and other gestures, or natural movement, of his thumb. :

Another aspect of the present invention provides a machine- implemented method of controlling an electronic device having at least an ]

interface unit. The method includes generating a first set of calibration regions = on the interface unit and receiving a first set of calibration points within the ~ first set of calibration regions. The method also includes generating on the i. interface unit an indicia of a relationship of calibration points included in the . first set of calibration points, providing the indicia with control points moveably fo disposed on the interface unit relative to the first set of calibration points, and nw generating on the interface unit a second set of calibration regions based on = the provided indicia. -

Once the second set of calibration regions has been generated, a second - set of calibration points within the second set of calibration regions is received = and a graphical representation of the keyboard of a specified configuration based on disposition of the control point is generated, wherein the configuration of the keyboard region is adjustable relative to the movement of ; the control points in the direction of the second set of calibration points.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be performed, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an electronic device for providing a calibrated keyboard configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for providing an initial setup required prior to providing a calibrated keyboard configuration suitable for use in the electronic device of Figure 1. ;

Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for providing a calibrated = keyboard configuration suitable for use in the electronic device of Figure 1. 2

Figures 4-22 are screen displays graphically illustrating the flow diagram in Figure 3. i

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments “

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a block diagram illustrating components of an electronic device for providing a calibrated keyboard o : configuration. The electronic device is consistently designated by reference - numeral 100 throughout the ensuing description. The electronic device 100 mainly includes a storage unit 102, an interface unit 104, a processing unit 106, all of which are in communication with one another.

The storage unit 102 stores all data that are associated with the electronic device 100. The storage unit 102 contains program codes having or characterized by machine-executable instructions 108 that can be fetched and executed by the processing unit 106 in order to perform various operations.

The machine-executable instructions 108 may be characterized as a plurality software modules that can be fetched and executed by the processing unit 106 for carrying out a plurality of functions which are designed for the purpose of performing the present invention. The storage unit 102 may include a random access memory (RAM) 110 and a non-volatile memory 112. The plurality of software modules may specifically be stored in the non-volatile memory 112, It is to be understood and appreciated by a person skilled in the art or even a : person having ordinary skill in the art that the non-volatile memory 112 may alternatively be implemented as a flash memory unit or a battery backed up static random access memory (SRAM) unit. :

The interface unit 104 is arranged and operable to permit a user to interact with one or more software modules loaded in the non-volatile memory

112 and generally executed by the processing unit 106 from the storage unit ® 102. Objects can be graphically rendered on the interface unit 104 through its z screen display in response to one or more events detectable by the software 5 modules of the electronic device 100 during program execution. The interface ; unit 104 serves as the graphical unit interface (GUI) of the electronic device os 100 capable of receiving input data from the user and outputting output data - that can be viewed by the user through its screen display. =

The processing unit 106 controls the operations and functions that the = electronic device 100 is capable of performing. The processing unit 106 - accesses and executes the instructions 108 included in the program codes. -

Preferably, the processing unit 106 is a microprocessor characterized by a hardware within the electronic device 100 that carries out the instructions associated with the software modules or computer programs by performing mathematical, logical, and input/output operations. The processing unit 106 may include arithmetic logic unit (not illustrated) for performing operations of mathematical and logical in nature, and a control unit (not illustrated) for : fetching the instructions 108 from the storage unit 102, and then decoding and executing them.

The processing unit 106 may be provided in the electronic device 100 such that it interacts with subsystems included in the same electronic device 100. The subsystems of the electronic device 100 may include, by way of example, a transceiver 114 for providing signal transmission and reception functions, a data converter 116 for converting data stored in the storage unit 102 from one format to another such as from analog to digital, a serial port 118 for providing communication and information exchange with an external device, a speaker 120 for processing voice signal output, and a microphone 122 for processing voice signal input.

The software modules characterizing the instructions 108 included in - the program codes stored in and ready to be fetched from the storage unit = 102 by the processing unit 106 of the electronic device 100 may be grouped = according to their functions. The software modules mainly include a keyboard - module 124, a voice communication module 126, and a data communication i» module 128. Other software modules 130 may likewise be included in the el storage unit 102. The keyboard module 124 preferably includes a calibration = module 132, a configuration module 134, a text prediction module 136, and a 3 character mapping module 138. Other keyboard modules 140 may likewise be > included in the keyboard module 124 stored in the storage unit 102. =

The calibration module 132 is preferably arranged to perform calibration operations. The configuration module 134 is preferably arranged to perform operations related to laying out of keyboard buttons and keyboard regions according to calibrated ergonomic comfort zones in the keyboard configuration.

The text prediction module 136 is preferably arranged to perform operations related to suggesting and predicting texts to be entered by a user on the keyboard region. The character mapping module 138 is preferably arranged to perform operations related to mapping specific characters and functions to buttons as well as handling input gestures such as, by way of example, click, long click, and press and swipe. The character mapping module 138 may further be arranged to determine what specific type of action is performed against the keyboard of the electronic device 100 depending on the gesture effected by the user.

It is to be understood and appreciated that the illustrated software modules 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 and 140 of the electronic device for providing a calibrated keyboard configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention may or may not correspond to discrete blocks of software codes, depending on how they are arranged. In this regard, it can be readily realized that the functions described for each module :

126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 or 140 can be performed by executing © various code portions which are stored on one or more non-transitory, non- ~ volatile computer-readable memory 112 of the electronic device 100 at 5 predetermined time intervals. o

It is also to be understood and appreciated that the execution of the program codes from the non-volatile memory 112 can be done on appropriate = computing resources, and that the modules 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, - 138 and 140 are merely in segregated forms based on their intended = functions for the sake of illustrating how they are relevant to the - implementation of one or more embodiments of the electronic device for - providing a calibrated keyboard configuration of the present invention. The illustrated modules can be fewer or greater in number, as it is well known in the art of computing that such program codes representing various functions of different modules can be combined or segregated in any suitable but efficient manner insofar as software execution is concerned.

The calibration module 132, which provides the calibration functions of the present invention, is in communication with the interface unit 104 through the processing unit 106. The interface unit 104 is intended for receiving input data to be stored into the storage unit 102 and as well as for outputting output data from the storage unit 102. The interface unit 104 has a set of calibration regions within which first and second sets of calibration points corresponding to the input data can be inputted.

When the machine-executable instructions 108 included in the program codes are accessed and executed by the processing unit 106, the processing unit 106 performs, among others, the operations of: (1) generating on the interface unit an indicia of a relationship of calibration points included in the first set of calibration points to one another, wherein the indicia has a control point moveably disposed on the interface unit relative to the first set of calibration points; and (2) generating on the interface unit a graphical = representation of a keyboard of a specified configuration and corresponding to - the output data based on disposition of the control point, wherein the . : configuration of the keyboard region is adjustable relative to the movement of the control point in the direction of the second set of calibration points. pos

Greater details of the aforesaid operations that can be performed by the _ processing unit 106 are illustrated in Figure 2. The term "configuration" may - refer to the physical characteristics of the keyboard region such as shape or 5 form, dimension or size, area or region, and arrangement of keys. It is to be = understood and appreciated that the two or more relationships of the - calibration points included in the first set of calibration points, and that two or more controls points may suitably be arranged in the electronic device providing the calibrated keyboard configuration of the present invention. :

The provision of the control point which can be adjusted by the user in the direction of the second set of calibration points indicative of the comfortable gesture of the user's thumb against the interface unit ensures that the user effecting the calibration of the configuration of the keyboard is enabled to reconfigure the configuration of the keyboard region accurately and indefinitely during one calibration sequence without having to repeat inputting of calibration points which define the comfortable reach and other gestures, or natural movement, of his thumb. :

The keyboard configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention may include three user interface sections, namely: (1) a text prediction section; (2) an alphabet section; and (3) a function button section. The herein illustrations and descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention in relation to the keyboard configuration may be applicable to a 5-inch diameter electronic device such as a smart phone. It is to be understood and appreciated that electronic devices of various dimensions and specifications, in general, may be arranged to provide the = calibrated keyboard configuration of the present invention. -

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating a process for providing an initial setup required prior to providing a calibrated oe keyboard configuration. The flow diagram in Figure 2 will now be described in - conjunction with the components of the electronic device in Figure 1. Upon = installation or initialization of the software modules of the electronic device in - accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the o electronic device provides the user with a prompt for choosing whether to - either configure or reconfigure the settings or use the default settings of the keyboard. If the event chosen by the user is to configure or reconfigure the settings of the keyboard, a setup module associated with the configuration module may be presented on the interface unit of the electronic device. It is to be understood and appreciated that the illustrated flow in Figure 2 may include other phases or procedures in addition to what will be described below.

The flow illustrated in Figure 2 commences at block 200 wherein the setup module displays on the interface unit a language selection and continues to decision block 202 to determine whether a particular language included in the language selection has been received from the user through the interface unit of the electronic device. The flow moves back to block 200 to continue with the display of the language selection on the interface unit so long as the setup module has received no language selection. Once such language selection has been received however, the flow advances to block 204 wherein the setup module loads and displays on the interface unit a default character mapping for the selected language.

A confirmation for the character mapping is thereafter displayed on the : interface unit by the setup module, as shown in block 206. If a positive confirmation is received as determined in decision block 208, the flow advances to block 210 wherein the setup module provides calibration touch = request on the interface unit. Otherwise, a negative confirmation determined in - the decision block 208 causes the flow to be redirected to block 212 wherein = the setup module displays character mapping customization interface. At o subsequent decision block 214, a loop is formed within the period of = customization. Once the customization is done, the flow is directed to the " aforesaid block 210 wherein the calibration module in communication with the 5 setup module provides the calibration touch request interface. -

Next to block 210 is block 216 wherein the calibration module requests = one user input (i.e., calibration point) for each calibration region. A loop is - formed when the requested user input for each calibration region is not detected by the calibration module as determined in decision block 218. On the detection of such requested input, the flow moves forward to block 220 : wherein the calibration module determines the comfort path and calculate ergonomic zone, and then to block 222 wherein the calibration module calculates the text prediction, the alphabet, and the function button sections of : the keyboard region based on the determined comfort path and calculated ergonomic zone in the preceding block 220.

The flow concludes by applying the configuration or layout of the keyboard and the character mapping, as shown in final block 224. In the final block 224, all the settings, preferences, and calibration data are applied to the keyboard. The ergonomic virtual keyboard is ready for use on the conclusion of the flow.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating a process for providing a calibrated keyboard configuration suitable for use in the electronic device of Figure 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The flow diagram in Figure 3 will now be described in conjunction with the components of the electronic device in Figure 1 and with the screen displays graphically illustrated in Figures 4-22. As illustrated in =

Figure 1, the calibration module, the configuration module, the text prediction - module, and the character mapping module, all of which may reside in the storage unit of the electronic device or any suitable machine, are required for ; providing the calibrated keyboard configuration for use in the electronic device i of the present invention. pe

In term of calibration, the operations performed by the calibration ~ module of the present invention provide the calibration function. Particularly, > the calibration module is arranged to attune the curvature of the configuration i of the keyboard to the capability of the user to effect touch actions against the = keyboard. The calibration module is specifically arranged to calculate and recognize the ergonomic comfort zone in the keyboard configuration that is optimal for the user in terms of effecting touch actions using his or her one hand. Calibration of the left and the right hand may be separate for both hands, which may have different natural movement and reach of the thumb.

The operations performed by the calibration module in relation to providing a calibrated keyboard configuration may be divided into two phases.

The first phase of the operations arranged to be carried out by the calibration module is concerned with determining the most comfortable height and width for the virtual keyboard. On the other hand, the second phase of the ) operations arranged to be carried out by the calibration module is concerned with determining the curvature of the ergonomic comfort zone. :

Prior to performing the first phase calibration operation, the calibration module provides on the interface unit of the electronic device a prompt for choosing which of the hand of the user (left hand or right hand) that the user desires to use in the course of providing the keyboard configuration. Once a choice has been made by the user and received through the interface unit, the calibration module is adapted to compute the height and width of the calibration regions. The height calibration region (CR;) may have a minimum > and maximum limit. For example, the range may be from 40% to 70% of the - screen display height. On the other hand, the width calibration region (CR>) =: may have a range of 50% to 75% of the screen display width. These height and width calibration regions (CR; CR.) are preferably placed near the sides of - : the interface unit or screen display of the electronic device as separately " illustrated in the screen displays of Figures 4 and 5, respectively. 0

Through the first phase of the operations arranged to be carried out by o the calibration module as shown in block 300, the first set of calibration points = (CP, CP, are obtained. The calibration module initially provides on the user = interface a prompt for plotting a first calibration point (CP;) included in the first set of calibration points (CP, CP; within the first calibration region (CR) included in the first set of calibration region (CR; CR). The first calibration point (CP;) is made to indicate the most comfortable keyboard height of the user's thumb, as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 4. After which, the calibration module provides on the interface unit a prompt for plotting a second calibration point (CP;) included in the first set of calibration points (Py and Py) within the second calibration region (CR) included in the first set of calibration regions (CR; and CR). The second calibration point (CP) is made to indicate the most comfortable keyboard width of the user's thumb, as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 5.

At subsequent decision block 302, the calibration module determines whether the first and second calibration points (CP, CP) are detected and received. Failure to detect and receive the first and second calibration points (CP, CP;) causes the flow to move back to block 300 in which the height and width calibration regions (CR; and CR;) are displayed on the interface unit. A successful detection and receipt of the first and second calibration points (CP;,

CP), however, causes the calibration module to progress to block 304 wherein the calibration module is triggered to compute for the diagonal base line (Lp)

= using the first calibration point (CP;) indicative of the comfortable height of the © user's thumb and the second calibration point (CP; indicative of the : comfortable width of the user's thumb. - :

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Along with the diagonal line (Lp), the calibration module likewise i» computes for horizontal line (Ls) derived from the first calibration point (CP) fe! and vertical line (Ly) derived from the second calibration point (CP). The = diagonal line (Lp) may specifically be computed by obtaining a line that passes B through both the plotted first and second calibration points (CP, CP»), as o separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 6. The horizontal line (Ls) ol may specifically be computed by obtaining a horizontal line that passes through = the first calibration point (CP;), as separately illustrated in the screen display of

Figure 7. The vertical line (Ly) may specifically be computed by obtaining a vertical line that passes through the second calibration point (CP), as ; separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 8.

Once at least the horizontal line (Ly) and the vertical line (Ly) are computed, the calibration module is triggered in block 306 to compute for the intersection point (£y) of the same horizontal line (£4) and the vertical line (Ly), as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 9. The computed intersection point (Px), the first calibration point (CP;), and the second calibration point (CP,), and the diagonal line (Lp) are preferably required in computing for the second set of calibration regions (CR; CR,) comprising the third and fourth calibration regions (CR; CR.) in the subsequent calibration phase, as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 10.

On the determination of the three calibration points (CP; CP and Py), the calibration module is triggered to compute for an initial cubic Bezier curve (C1) in block 308, as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 11.

The initial Bezier curve (C;), which is a parametric curve commonly used in computer graphics and related fields, may have a general equation of: B(t) = ® (1- )°Po + 3(1- t)’tP; + 3(1- t)?P; + £3P3 where t € [0,1]. -

Applying points Py, Pw and Px to the general equation provides: B(t) = (1- t)°Pw + 3(1- t)’tPx + 3(1- H)tPx + 3Py, where t < [0,1]; Xpw being the x- coordinate of the width point (CP); and Xp. being the x-coordinate of the Ft bottom comer point (Psc). Px serves as 2 points, 2; and A, necessary to = compute the initial curve. The aforementioned equation provides the initial _

Quadratic Bezier Curve (C)). o

After obtaining the initial Bezier curve in the previous block 308, the calibration module computes for the second set of calibration regions (CR,

CR4) enclosed by the computed Bezier curve and Bezier base line, as shown in ; block 310. Subsequently, in block 312, the calibration module computes for a diagonal line passing through points Py and Ps and as well as the region enclosed by diagonal line Lp and curve line Cj, as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 12. The computed diagonal line is marked in Figure 12 as Lg while the enclosed region as "R." The calibration module divides the region (R) into two parts using the diagonal line Lz as the dividing line, as separately illustrated in the screen displays of Figures 13 and 14. The two derived and displayed regions specify the area for the second calibration phase, as shown in block 314.

The second phase of the operations arranged to be carried out by the calibration module is concerned with determining the curvature of the ergonomic comfort zone. At block 316, the calibration module requests for user inputs (CP; CPs) on the third and fourth calibration regions (CR3 CRY).

The calibration module prompts the user to plot one point on each of the two regions (CR5; CRy). The third calibration point (CP;) included in the second set of calibration points (CP; CP) may be received and plotted on the third calibration region (CR3) included in the second set of calibration regions (CR; j

CRy), as separately illustrated in the display screen of Figure 15. The fourth ® calibration point (CPy) included in the second set of calibration points (CP; CP) - may be received and plotted on the fourth calibration region (CRy) included in = the second set of calibration regions (CR; CRy), as separately illustrated in the . screen display of Figure 16. -

If the third and fourth calibration points (CP; CPs), which are clearly = illustrated in the screen display of Figure 17, are detected and received as BN determined in decision block 318, the flow advances to block 320 wherein the & calibration module computes calibrated control points (P;, P,) characterized by .

Bezier points using the third and fourth calibration points (CP; CP;) inputted by ~ the user through the interface unit of the electronic device. Otherwise, a loop in the flow is formed between block 316 and decision block 318 which can only be broken upon detection and receipt of the third and fourth calibration points (CP; CP). After which, the calibration module may provide the user with a prompt instructing the user to readjust the control points (P;, £5) of the indicia characterized as the initial Bezier curve to pass through the received and plotted third and fourth calibration points (CP; CPy), as separately illustrated the screen display of Figure 18. While two control points (P;, P,) are illustrated, it is to be understood and appreciated that any number of such control points (Py P2) may be used in the present invention.

The configuration of the keyboard region that is relative to the : movement of the control points (#;, P,) in the direction of the third and fourth calibration points (CP; CPs) included in the second set of calibration points (CP; CPs) may be based on the final ergonomic Bezier curve marked as Co as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 19. After which, the calibration module computes the ergonomic zone, as shown in block 322 and as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 20. It is now apparent that the comfort zone is computed after the readjustment of the control points (Py Poin the direction of the third and fourth calibration points (CP; CPy) !

indicative of the comfortable gesture of the user's thumb in relation to the & interface unit of the electronic device. The upper curve limit (Cy) of the zone = has an offset of 5% wider than Ca The lower curve limit (Cy) of the zone has - an offset of 80% narrower than Cj, as illustrated in the screen display of Figure . 21. po -!

After computation of the ergonomic comfort zone in the previous block = 322, the flow then progresses to block 324 wherein the sections of the ~ keyboard configuration are computed by the calibration module. Specifically, o the calibration module computes text prediction, alphabet, function button, and o palm hole, as separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 22. The - upper limit of the Text Prediction section is 15% wider than Cy while its lower limit is 5% narrower. The upper limit of the alphabet section is same with the lower limit of the Text Prediction section while its lower limit is 40% narrower than Cy. The upper limit of the function button section is same with the lower limit of the alphabet section while its lower limit is the same with the lower limit of C5 The rest of the remaining section is allotted to the palm hole section.

The sections are separately illustrated in the screen display of Figure 22.

The flow concludes at block 326 wherein the calibration finally displays the calibrated keyboard configuration based on the previous steps. Specifically, the calibration module displays all the buttons based on the computed sections. It should be noted that all ratio, percentages, or offsets mentioned in the sections could still vary depending on one or more implementations of the electronic device for providing a calibrated virtual keyboard configuration of the present invention.

As mentioned, the keyboard configuration provided by the electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention includes three sections, namely: (1) text prediction section; (2) alphabet section; and (3) function button section. Aside from these three sections, there = may also be a non-functional section that can be implemented in the keyboard = configuration. This non-functional section may be referred to as the "palm hole = section" which is located at the bottom corner of the keyboard configuration.

The text prediction section is preferably disposed in close proximity to an outer i portion of the keyboard region. Each of the alphabet and function button sections is preferably disposed in close proximity to an inner portion of the = keyboard region. on

The palm hole section has the purpose of avoiding unnecessary touch - input by the Thenar muscles or the part of the palm located at the base of the . thumb. These Thenar muscles often cause unnecessary touch input during one-hand operations. It is to be understood and appreciated that the calibrated keyboard configuration of the electronic device of the present invention may desirably be applied in portrait screen orientation of the electronic device, and that obvious modifications to the components of the herein illustrated electronic device and how these components interact with one another in order to apply the calibration process of the present invention may be performed without substantial experimentation. In this regard, it should be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that the calibrated keyboard configuration of the electronic device of the present invention may be applied in a different screen orientation of the electronic device.

The text prediction section is placed at the farthest or outer section of the soft keyboard because this section is the least used amongst the three functional sections. Each text suggestion is lined up horizontally along the outer part of the Alphabet section. In case of text suggestion overflow, this section behaves like a roulette or a carousel view in order to view the overflowed text suggestions.

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The alphabet section is placed near the most comfortable zone because @ this is the most used among the three functional sections. It should be noted that the default character mappings in this sections are arranged in such a way o that the most frequently used characters are set as primary characters and the i. less frequently used characters are mapped as secondary characters. - [I

The function button section is placed near the "palm hole" for this 0 section is the second most used section among the three functional sections. i.

In terms of character input method in respect of the calibrated keyboard = configuration, one feature of the present invention is its ingenious method of character or function input. The character input method implements a press and swipe method which enables the keyboard to map one to nine actions or characters in a single button. The character input method is effective in ; optimizing layout space and, at the same time, making buttons larger to increase the input accuracy and to improve user experience in general. Such character input method is best implemented in the alphabet and the function buttons sections.

There may be some differences on the input method of the alphabet and function button section; however, they may have similar implementation in ; general. The major difference of the implementation of the alphabet and function sections is that the alphabet section pops out a circular interface after detecting and detecting a press action from the user through the interface unit of the electronic device. The circular pop out displays the secondary characters sectored around the boundary of the pop out. A solo press action inputs the primary mapped character and a combination of a press and swipe gesture towards a specific pop out sector inputs a secondary character. The pop out is necessary because secondary character labels may appear small in the initial : alphabet button appearance. Secondary character labels may be implemented to appear larger in the pop out sectors.

On the contrary, the function button section may be arranged on differently, i.e., without the pop out implementation as compared with the =o alphabet section. Since buttons in the function button section are relatively = larger, secondary character labels likewise have relatively larger fonts whereby = there is no practical need for these buttons to be magnified through pop out i. sectors. Unlike the alphabet section, the function button section may also rt implement toggling actions on its buttons such as the uppercase toggling = button. The function button section may also implement interchangeable ~ primary function buttons which can quickly change to a specific primary = functions after a long press action. An example of that is the settings button, - which can quickly change into voice, handwriting, or clipboard button 7 depending on user selection. All button input method may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention. :

Other than press and swipe input method, other input methods such as clicking, gesture and continuous input may be implemented. Gesture inputs may trigger user profile switching and other functions. Continuous input method enables user to input words without releasing contact on touch sensitive screen characterizing the calibrated keyboard configuration of the electronic device of the present invention.

In terms of customization, the software modules of the electronic device of the present invention may includes a settings and preferences user interface where the user can modify specific configurations of the calibrated keyboard configuration. The settings and preferences user interface may include default and user defined presets, calibration options, language settings, text predictions, and user dictionaries. Further, the settings and preferences user interface may include those options that are normally found in conventional virtual soft keyboard.

The settings and preferences user interface may be accessed by long © pressing the function button. Means for accessing the settings and preferences ~ user interface may not be limited to the aforementioned method, as such user = interface may also be accessed through other methods depending on the on arrangement of software modules of the electronic device of the present i invention. User defined settings and preferences can be backed up to a cloud ~ server or an xml file. These backups may be restored or imported to lessen the = hassle of reconfiguration of the soft keyboard. This soft keyboard may also = have a user profiling function where all settings and configurations can be - saved and mapped to a specific user for multiple user support. -

In terms of language support, the software modules of the electronic device of the present invention supports languages with non-complex alphabet system like the English language. Language support for complex languages may be suitably arranged in conjunction with the aforesaid software modules depending on the implementation of the electronic device providing a calibrated keyboard configuration of the present invention.

In terms of character mapping, each button in the alphabet section may have a customized character mapping that can be effected by the user. This feature enables user to customize the character mappings to their own needs.

It is important to note that default keyboard mappings for the supported languages are optimally mapped according to the most frequently used characters to the least frequently used characters.

Modifying the preset character mappings in the electronic device may have enhancements. Various workflows of the character mapping module for ; modifying character mapping of a specific language may be implemented in the present invention. It should be noted that such workflows may vary depending on the implementation of the electronic device for providing a calibrated 22 i keyboard configuration of the present invention. First, the user may be & prompted by a module for language selection. :

The language selection module specifies the language default mappings and the alphabet characters to be mapped in the process. Next, the character i. mapping selection module is arranged to prompt the user on how many buttons should be displayed and mapped. The maximum and minimum number A of buttons that can be laid out and mapped depends on the number of . alphabets of the language and on the available size of the alphabet region. It & should be noted that one button preferably contains one to nine alphabet o characters. vr

Next, the character mapping module is arranged to prompt the user to choose a button to map characters to. Upon selection, the character mapping module prompts the user to enter the number of characters to be mapped on the selected button. After which, a button along with its pop-up may be presented. The character mapping module may then instruct the user to click a specific section of the presented button where he wants to map the character.

The user may be required to repeat this process until the desired mapping is desirably achieved.

Finally, upon achieving the desired mapping, the character mapping module applies the mapping to the soft keyboard. It will prompt the user to enter a name for the custom character mapping which is necessary for saving or backing up the custom mapping.

It should be noted that the only the alphabet section may have its character mapping modified. The mapping of the function button section may be permanent and may not be modified. Some functions included in the function button section, but not limited to, are: (1) left and right hand operation toggle, character case toggle, emoticon or smiley toggle, delete button, settings button, whitespace buttons, number pad, and common © punctuation buttons. Some buttons, as mentioned, have quick switch = functionalities where the user can switch a specific function, like the settings - button, to another overflowed function, like the voice input and clipboard.

When a long press action is done on these buttons with quick switch os functionality, a pop up containing the overflowed functions is shown where the user can select a specific function to quickly switch to. -

Another aspect of the present invention provides a machine- 5 ; implemented method of controlling an electronic device having an interface o ; unit. The method includes generating a first set of calibration regions on the « interface unit and receiving a first set of calibration points within the first set of calibration regions. The method also includes generating on the interface unit an indicia of the at least one relationship of calibration points included in the first set of calibration points, providing the indicia with at least one control point moveably disposed on the interface unit relative to the first set of calibration points, and generating on the interface unit a second set of calibration regions based on the provided indicia.

Once the second set of calibration regions have been generated, a second set of calibration points within the second set of calibration regions is received and a graphical representation of the keyboard of a specified configuration based on disposition of the control point is generated, wherein the configuration of the keyboard region is adjustable relative to the movement of the control point in the direction of the second set of calibration points.

The herein-described aspects of the present invention may provide the following non-exhaustive list of effects: (1) ergonomic one-handed operation (left hand/ right hand when inserting text while messaging, searching, chatting, ] and the likes; (2) decreased probability of dropping a touch screen device due to overreaching in order to reach buttons or icons when using them single i handed; (3) enabling a user to experience one-hand operation so that only ® one-hand is used to manipulate the touch screen device and the other hand to = do other tasks such as, for example, carrying a baby, carrying a bag, cooking, o holding an umbrella, and opening a door; and (4) reduced strain and wear and g tear of hand ligaments caused by repeated use. hs fu,

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Claims (15)

Co 5 Claims =

1. An electronic device for providing a calibrated keyboard configuration, =o the device comprising: o a storage unit for storing data and containing program codes; . : an interface unit for receiving input data to be stored into the storage unit and outputting output data from the storage unit and having a set = of calibration regions within which first and second sets of calibration = points corresponding to the input data can be inputted; and oe a processing unit for accessing and executing machine-executable instructions included in the program codes, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processing unit from the storage unit, the processing unit performs at least the operations of generating on the interface unit an indicia of at least one relationship of calibration points included in the first set of calibration points to one another, the indicia having at least one control point moveably ] disposed on the interface unit relative to the first set of calibration points, and generating on the interface unit a graphical representation of a keyboard of a specified configuration and corresponding to the output data based on disposition of the at least one control point, the configuration of the keyboard region being adjustable relative to the movement of the at least one control point in the direction of the ! second set of calibration points. ]

Co 5

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the set of calibration regions - includes a first calibration region within which a first calibration point = included in the first set of calibration points corresponding to the input =o data can be inputted.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the set of calibration regions foi includes a second calibration region within which a second calibration I point included in the first set of calibration points corresponding to the - input data can be inputted. =

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the set of calibration regions . includes a third calibration region within which a third calibration point included in the second set of calibration points corresponding to the input data can be inputted.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the set of calibration regions includes a fourth calibration region within which a fourth calibration point included in the second set of calibration points corresponding to : the input data can be inputted.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one relationship of the first and second calibration points is determined through an intersection point of a horizontal line derived from the first calibration : point and a vertical line derived from the second calibration point.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the indicia of the at least one relationship of first and second calibration points in relation to the ; intersection point is defined by an initial curve. :

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the configuration of the keyboard region is adjustable relative to the movement of the at least

C ol one control point located along the initial curve in the direction of the o third and fourth calibration points. =o [Ro :

9. The device according to 8, wherein the configuration of the keyboard - region adjusted based on movement of the at least one control point is - defined by a final curve. SE. Jom

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein each of the initial and final el curves is a Cubic Bezier Curve. w

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes o any one or any suitable combinations of the following: calibration module, configuration module, text prediction module, character mapping module, and language selection module.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard region includes any one or any suitable combinations of the following: a text prediction section, an alphabet section, function button section, and palm hole section. i

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the text prediction section is disposed in close proximity to an outer portion of the keyboard region.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein each of the alphabet and function button sections is disposed in close proximity to an inner ] portion of the keyboard region.

15. A machine-implemented method of controlling an electronic device having at least an interface unit, the method comprising: . generating a first set of calibration regions on the interface unit; ]

oo 5 receiving a first set of calibration points within the first set of o calibration regions; -

Fd ; generating on the interface unit an indicia of at least one relationship of calibration points included in the first set of calibration points; fd :

providing the indicia with at least one control point moveably disposed Ee on the interface unit relative to the first set of calibration points; oo generating on the interface unit a second set of calibration regions © based on the provided indicia;

receiving a second set of calibration points within the second set of calibration regions; and generating on the interface unit a graphical representation of a keyboard of a specified configuration based on disposition of the at least one control point,

wherein the configuration of the keyboard region is adjustable relative to the movement of the at least one control point in the direction of the second set of calibration points.

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