acm-header
Sign In

Communications of the ACM

ACM TechNews

The Virtual Keyboard Can Soon Be a Reality


View as: Print Mobile App Share:
Tom Cruise using a virtual keyboard in the film "Minority Report."

Researchers are using robot vision to develop virtual keyboards for Google Glass and other applications.

Credit: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Malardalen University researchers are developing virtual technology that could serve as an accessory for Google Glass.

Robot vision is the focus of the research project to develop a virtual keyboard, which has been ongoing since 2005. The keyboard features two bracelets that are placed around the wrists or over the hands. Through sensors, the keyboard can feel the position of the fingertips, the surface, and the movements of the user and uses that information to determine which key is touched, while the user can see it in a pair of Google Glasses. The two units also function as a computer mouse and as a unit for gesture input.

The researchers say the virtual keyboard makes a completely new form of interaction possible. They note the technology has applications for businesses and individuals, is useful for small spaces, and offers relatively new positions that could decrease the risk of repetitive strain injury.

The team is looking for additional funding in order to complete the project in a year.

From Malardalen University (Sweden)
View Full Article

 

Abstracts Copyright © 2014 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA


 

No entries found

Sign In for Full Access
» Forgot Password? » Create an ACM Web Account