Bi-directional Tap Communication Device for Data Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data entry systems, such as chorded keyboards and gesture-based systems, require precise aiming and significant finger travel, leading to slower and less accurate data entry.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed chorded data entry system that allows users to tap combinations of fingers on any surface without aiming, using a sensor apparatus and processor to detect finger positions and map combinations to characters or commands, enabling fast and accurate data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gesture-based systems are used to enable data entry without aiming, then ease of operation is improved, but speed deteriorates due to minimum travel distance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data entry process into discrete finger tap events rather than continuous gestures. Each finger tap is an independent, instantaneous action that is detected and processed individually, eliminating the need for continuous motion and minimum travel distances required by gesture-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical motion-based gesture system with an event-based detection system using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, touch sensors) that detect finger tap events instantaneously. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraint of minimum travel distance while maintaining ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If chorded keyboards require precise aiming at specific keys, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to aiming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal arbitrary surface that can serve any purpose rather than a specialized keyboard with fixed key positions. The same surface works for all character and command inputs through different finger combination patterns, eliminating the need for precise aiming at specific manufactured key locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having fixed keys on a standardized keyboard that require aiming, the patent inverts the approach by using an arbitrary surface where the user's finger positions define the input. The system adapts to the user's natural finger placement rather than requiring the user to adapt to fixed key positions.
3Productivity
If physical keyboards are used for data entry, then speed can be maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to fixed key positions and aiming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different finger positions and combinations on an arbitrary surface rather than requiring static positioning on fixed keys. The sensor apparatus dynamically detects which fingers are tapping and interprets the combination, allowing the system to adapt to natural hand positions while maintaining fast data entry speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter from fixed spatial positions (key locations) to variable finger combinations. Any finger combination on the arbitrary surface can represent different characters or commands, providing versatility while maintaining speed through instantaneous event detection rather than continuous gesture recognition.
Data Source
AI summary
Data receiving systems, methods and computer products are provided that include actuators in mechanical communication with fingers. Each of the actuators is arranged to apply a mechanical stimulus to a respective finger.