Scientists invent invisible keyboards. Can't they focus on cloaks?

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in the US have developed something called the Relative Keyboard, which is (kinda) an invisible keyboard. At least, you type on a blank touchscreen, and the software figures out what you meant to type by measuring the relative distance between your keystrokes.

Dictionary-based filtering works out what you meant to say, although experiments have shown the technology is apparently variable - some people type nearly as fast as on a proper keyboard, while others can't get their heads round hammering out words on imaginary keys at all.

Anyway, the researchers are presenting a paper on the relative keyboard at a conference this month. I can't help thinking that if you're going to be tapping away on a touchscreen, you might as well have virtual keys displayed on it. But perhaps I've missed the point.

Relative Keyboard paper (via New Scientist)

Related posts
CES 2008: Logitech's new diNovo Mini wireless keyboard works a treat with your home entertainment set-up
Artemy Lebedev brings the touch screen to the keyboard with the Optimus Tactus
Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme keyboard is just scary

del.icio.us this | Stumble It! | Share Comments (0)