|
|
28
July 2003 - Mobile Internet and messaging are
considered to be the engine of the next generation
of mobile devices. New smart telephones from
leading manufacturers will provide full pocket
computer functionality. They will allow users
to browse the Internet, send and receive email
and SMS, and handle personal data and information.
Thus, they will provide all services to mobile
users. However, one of the issues that could
slow down or even prevent such devices from
being widely used is the awkward user interface
for text input.
Dutch
company RL Technologies B.V. developed a new
technology UniTap for ultra muniature keyboards.
Full QWERTY keyboard could be placed into less
then 2 sq. inches footprint. UniTap keyboard
preserves ergonomics of regular computer keyboard,
doesn't require learning, and is cheap in production.
This technology could be fine tuned and applied
for wide range of mobile devices.
This
keyboard is up to 16 times smaller than regular
keyboard. Ideal solution for mobile mini keyboards.
|
As
soon as SMS became popular, traditional 12-button multi-tapping
for alphanumeric input was considered to be a major
drawback. Many companies explored different approaches
to solve this problem. Some of the solutions are based
on predictive input using existing 12-button alphabet
legend (Tegic Communications, Motorola, Zi); some others
are based on voice recognition. These solutions are
helpful, but still limited in practical use.
Using
a common keyboard has always been considered to be the
most efficient way of alphanumeric input. Therefore,
some manufacturers of mobile devices have embedded compact
keyboards into their devices (BlackBerry, Handspring).
Other manufacturers designed electronic keyboard add-ons
(Ericsson, Alcatel). Such keyboards provide a simple
and familiar interface, but they are small. Because
of the size the keys on these keyboards are difficult
to press without pressing adjacent keys. Advanced passive
chorded keyboards (DigitWireless, Intel) increase usability
of a compact keyboard, but they are far form being ideal,
because they have a non-uniform, unfamiliar layered
interface and they still do not have an optimal size.
Thus,
a technology that would preserve ergonomics of a full-size
conventional computer keyboard, but allow for its use
in small mobile devices, is still demanded. UniTap allows
a full Latin alphabet keyboard in about one square inch
only (other layouts are also possible). Numbers, letters,
symbols and other functions are available by a single
finger stroke.
| The
main idea of the UniTap system is based on interpreting
activation of several switches as a meaningful function;
however, unlike common practice of other solutions,
this does not prevent from having uniform legend
symbols placements. Such approach allows for preserving
ergonomics of full-size key caps, while increasing
functional elements density from 8 to 16 times comparing
to the regular computer keyboards. |
 |
Looking
at the layout above, in order to activate the number
8, a set of 4 keys being at corners of the same rectangle
or its subsets that can uniquely identify the symbol
(for example, 2 keys spanning diagonal of a symbol area)
can act
as trigger for this number. This prevents typing multiple
symbols at the same time.
For
more information about this product visit www.unitap.net
SOURCE
RL Technologies B.V.Press Release Back
to News Reports
|
