Dual touch pad interface for a computing device

Abstract

A computing device has a dual touch pad interface that includes a graphical user interface. Further, the computing device includes a first touch pad, which is operably connected to the computing device, that has a plurality of first touch pad sensors arranged in at least one first touch pad shaped layout such that each of the plurality of first touch pad sensors corresponds to a letter from a first subset of a set of letters in an alphabet. In addition, the computing device has a second touch pad, which is operably connected to the computing device, that has a plurality of second touch pad sensors arranged in at least one second touch pad shaped layout such that each of the plurality of second touch pad sensors corresponds to a letter from a second subset of the set of letters in the alphabet.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 960,539, filed on Dec. 5, 2010, entitled DUAL TOUCH PAD INTERFACE, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]This disclosure generally relates to the field of computing. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an input interface that may be utilized with a computing device.[0004]2. General Background[0005]Currently, the most common keyboard layout is the QWERTY keyboard layout design. QWERTY was developed over one hundred years ago as an arrangement of letters on the keyboard layout of a typewriter. The typewriter had metal arms, which each had a character attached thereto so that the character could be imprinted on paper with a keystroke of the key associated with the character. A consecutive ordering of letters led to the metal arms becoming tangled as some frequently utilized characters had associated metal bars in close pro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A consecutive ordering of letters led to the metal arms becoming tangled as some frequently utilized characters had associated metal bars in close proximity to one another.

As a result, the typewriter would jam frequently.

However, these smart phones are generally so small that a user typically has to utilize user his or her thumbs to input data while the other digits are utilized to hold the device.

As another example, some smart phones have a virtual keyboard that is displayed in the GUI, but those smart phones have the same problems.

In addition, the smart phones with a virtual keyboard may typically have a larger GUI than smart phones with a keyboard built in below the GUI, but such smart phones involve additional time requesting the virtual keyboard to be displayed.

As a result, the current inputting interfaces for smart phones are inefficient.

Further, the constant pressing of buttons with the thumbs is often uncomfortable for many users.

In some instances, strain and / or injury on the joints may result.

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