UTS to develop iPad on-screen keyboard

Set to make touch-typing easier, reduce hand fatigue
UTS computer systems researcher, Christian Sax

UTS computer systems researcher, Christian Sax

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has developed an on-screen keyboard for tablet devices, with the launch set to be extended to the iPad.

LiquidKeyboard, developed by UTS computer systems researcher, Christian Sax, enables users to use touchscreen devices with both hands, which eliminates the need for users to purchase additional hardware and preventing hand fatigue.

“Touch-typing is almost impossible for users on popular touchscreen devices,” Sax said. “People cannot feel the keys and need visual clues and specialised predictive text to type successfully.

“This can be very tedious and cause terrible hand fatigue.”

With the on-screen QWERTY keyboard, Sax said he hopes touch-typing will become less of an issue for users thanks to the device.

“With the new LiquidKeyboard, we have developed a virtual keyboard that adapts automatically to a user’s hand physiology, such as hand size and finger position,” he said.

“As soon as your first four fingers touch the surface, in one fluid motion, an entire keyboard is constructed. The system senses the pressure and position of a user’s fingers on the touch screen.”

Sax has been given the go-ahead to develop an iPad version of the technology, with UniQuest’s manager of innovation and commercial development, Leigh Angus, saying that this will allow UTS to further improve the LiquidKeyboard.

“Providing the technology via a popular touchscreen platform will enable us to see how users respond and will help us refine the product for market,” Angus said.

“The system empowers users to use all ten fingers on touch screens and will potentially attract new users who previously felt excluded."

The keyboard development comes as CIOs this week revealed their approach on iPad use in the enterprise.

Follow Lisa Banks on Twitter: @CapricaStar

More about: University of Technology Sydney, UTS
References show all

Comments

1

Anon

Wed 19/01/2011 - 13:59

Stupidest thing I have ever heard.

iPads already have a realistic QWERTY keyboard, and it is a cinch to touchtype on. The WPM may not be up to the standard of a physical, but its definitely comparable.

Some fancy keyboard that is dynamic will not improve the ability of people who are 100% used to standard non-changing keyboards.

2

Chrissomerry

Wed 19/01/2011 - 20:12

@ Anon,
It's a university, it's their job to explore all possible options and to research and refine existing technologies. Big technological leaps are made through minor experimentation, even if the experiment does not yield instant positive results for the materialistic masses.

3

Robert

Thu 20/01/2011 - 01:37

I hope developers of my favorite http://hot-virtual-keyboard.com/ will add a new feature like this.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the Computerworld comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: iPad, LiquidKeyboard, on-screen keyboard, touch-type, UTS
Whitepapers
All whitepapers
Sign up now to get free exclusive access to reports, research and invitation only events.
Featured Download
/downloads/product/133/feeddemon/

FeedDemon

FeedDemon is an easy-to-use RSS reader for Windows which will keep you informed with the latest news and information. The Google Reader Synchronization allows you ...

Computerworld newsletter

Join the most dedicated community for IT managers, leaders and professionals in Australia