FingerKeypad: Detection of Tap Location on Finger by Arrival Time Difference of Impact

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a new interface called "FingerKeypad", which is assigned to utilize regions in human fingers as its input. In our proposed system, user can input the characters by tapping his/her finger dactylus on the backside of the device. Recently, it's a user requirement for mobile devices to have many functions and be able to handle large amounts of information. Therefore, developing a new portable device with bigger display and user friendly interface is a must. In mobile devices with full display, touch panel and software key systems are widely used. However, the display area has been occupied by the software key for input operation, which is unfit interface for getting large amounts of information simultaneously. On the other hand, the proposed system can be the solution because it has wide input region on finger dactylus though small detection area from the fingertip and base of finger. Furthermore it doesn't need any visual feedback because of user's tactile perception. This system consists of a bone-conduction microphone to detect the arrival time difference caused by the tap, and a processing unit for input region identification. Finally, the usefulness of proposed interface can be vividly seen after appraising the prototype.