Design team members: Kyle Collier, Damoun Houshangi, Mingdong Qu
Supervisors: Dr. John Zelek
Background
The Morphboard is an innovative new keyboard replacement that is intelligent enough to not only adapt to any application but to the user itself. The Morphboard uses a haptic capacitive touch screen in combination with airborne ultrasound tactile feedback to simulate a real keyboard. This device is designed to enhance the computer user experience by allowing for a more unique and personalized feel by morphing its visual display and feedback based on the application. The Morphboard has the ability to interact with the software and effectively map the inputs to enlarged keys in the optimal ergonomic locations given the frequency of use during the specific application. For gamers this promises a faster input and a more accurate response from the system, along with a more comfortable position for prolonged game play. For the average employee this means reduced chances of carpel tunnel syndrome due to a reduction in force, pressure and recursive movement during typical data input projects. In order to minimize cost, create less noise, ease of integration, and a smooth user experience, it is determined one possible feedback method that is most effect to be an onscreen display.
Project description
The stated objectives for this project are:
-
Develop
a
customizable
keyboard
that
can
be
modified
by
the
user.
- Keys can be scaled and moved around.
- Shortcuts and macros can be assigned to buttons anywhere on the screen.
- Applications can have specific keyboard layout. ie. Racing games can have only the keys required available to the user.
- Notice spelling errors while the user is typing on the keyboard and assist in corrections.
Design methodology
To create such a keyboard a series of design questions needed to be considered. Firstly, the new keyboard must be cheap and easy to install on any laptop or mobile device. This keyboard needed to be light, portable and durable to ensure it does not get in the way or distract the user. Next, custom drivers were required to ensure that the touchscreen, display, and physical feedback from the keyboard are correctly synched together. Finally, specific software with specialized UI and an API was written to allow user to fully customize the Morphboard and for developers to use the keyboard for specific software or games.