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

Benefits of technology

The dual touch pad interface enables faster and more comfortable text input by allowing seamless thumb motion over touch pads, reducing strain on thumb joints and allowing users to develop muscle memory for letter positions, thus improving typing efficiency and reducing discomfort.

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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