Oboe-like Braille Input Interface for Wearable Computing (OBOE)
Principal researcher
Name: Tomohiro Amemiya
Project details
Start date: 2004
End date: 2005
Description: The project developed a wearable interface for textual input on the basis of Braille input method. The device, named OBOE, is operated by both hands, which is good for portability and can be used while standing. The users get their input operations confirmed clearly by feeling the click since the buttons of the proposed device are the same mechanical switches as used in keyboards for desktop computers. The results of an experiment of learning effect revealed that the users who had no experience of Braille input could type Japanese phrases at 35.4 Braille codes per minute, and who had experience at 112.4 Braille codes per minute. Thus novices can master the proposed device and experts can input text very fast by using OBOE. Based on the results of questionnaire by the subjects, we discussed the comparison with a Braille typewriter, the optimum layout of keys for OBOE, and the posture of holding.
Other organisations involved in this project
Last updated: 01/04/2008