Florian Kräutli has developed a piece of software that allows the iPhone to turn any table into an impromptu, invisible full-sized keyboard by analyzing the vibrations caused by fingers tapping the surface.
The system, dubbed Vibrative, uses the three-dimensional accelerometer in Apple’s smartphone to measure the characteristics of each tap on the table, such as the strength and frequency of the vibrations it causes, and compares them to “training data” to work out its approximate location.
The location is converted into a key press on the “virtual keyboard”. Currently, the system determines the intended key correctly about 80 per cent of the time, so the data is also fed into an auto correct dictionary to ensure the words are spelled correctly.
The system needs to learn the vibration patterns for each surface on which it is used, but does not necessarily need to be taught the patten for each key individually.
In a video demonstrating the technology, Florian uses a “keyboard” printed on an ordinary piece of paper to train Vibrative and then type a text message. He also shows the paper is unnecessary for a touch typist, once the system is trained, by typing directly onto the wooden table beneath. Check out the video below…
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