Current Research
JustType - Text Entry and Computer Control On 8 Keys
A method to enter text and control a computer for individuals with severe mobility impairments.
Problem
Individuals with severe mobility impairments typically have few ways to communicate. Their ability to speak is difficult at best with few people that can understand them. They generally have extreme difficulty using a computer because of difficulties using a standard keyboard.
Value Proposition
With 8 keys and disambiguation software, the user can enter text as well as control their computer. Text entry with 0.65 - 1.02 keys per character are possible based on different user options. This keyboard can open communication paths for people that have been shut out for too long.
Underlying Magic
- Reduce the number of keys the user must control to 8 in order to constrain the problem to something the user can manage
- Multiple keyboard layers suppport major tasks:
- Text Entry
- Layer Switching
- Text Edit Control
- Computer System Control
- User Options
- Mouse Emulation
- Text input using 7 ambiguous alphanumeric keys and word level disambiguation
- Selection List Filtering:
- Rote Words
- Punctuation Promotion
- Word Corrections
- Word Predictions
- Simultaneous unambiguous text entry.
- Allow keyboard to listen for external keyboard controlvia multiple access techniques:
- Keypad
- Joystick
- Guarded Touchscreen
- Eye Gaze
- Switch Scanning
Demonstration Videos
The videos below demonstrate a JustType keyboard fully interacting with the applications on the device. This keyboard is not commercially available. We are working with device manufacturers to encourage them to incorporate the features of JustType within an alternative keyboard on their devices.
This video provides a brief introduction to the concepts supported by the JustType Keyboard.
JustType Keyboard Intro.mp4
MP4 video/audio file [32.3 MB]
This video demonstrates the JustType keyboard controlled using a joystick.
JustType Joystick Demo.mp4
MP4 video/audio file [28.4 MB]
This video demonstrates the JustType Keyboard controlled using a keypad.
JustType Keypad Demo.mp4
MP4 video/audio file [20.4 MB]
This video demonstrates the JustType keyboard controlled by scanning keys and selecting using a single switch.
JustType Scanning Demo.mp4
MP4 video/audio file [24.8 MB]
Go-To-Market Plan
We are looking to partner with assistive technology keyboard manufacturers to incorporate the JustType features into a keyboard option within their products. In many cases, their assistive technology keyboard already has most of the needed underlying software and the greatest effort is creating a new user interface.
We will work with research groups to improve the general understanding of effective techniques for severe mobility impairments.
Accomplishments
32nd CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
ATIA 2017 Conference - Where the Assistive Technology Community Meets
Continuous Path presents a paper on JustType at two conferences: 32nd CSUN Assistive Technology Conference and ATIA 2017 in Orlando on January 19th, 2017. JustType is our research into efficient text input and computer control using 8 keys. This technology opens doors for people with significant mobility impairments, enabling them to communicate with others and control their computer.
Efficient Text Input Using 8 Keys.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [315.6 KB]
Slides_Efficient_Text_Input_Using_8_Keys[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.7 MB]
CSUN 2016 Continuous Path presented a paper on JustType at CSUN 2016 in San Diego on March 24th, 2016. JustType is our research into efficient text input and computer control using 8 keys. Copies of the paper and slide deck are available here:
CSUN2016JustType.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
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