Professor Tanja Schultz and Christoph Amma, computer scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), received the “Google Faculty Research Award”, worth $ 81,000, to pursue their prototype development of “air writing” according to a Feb. 21, 2013, press release.
“Air writing” uses acceleration sensors and gyroscopes attached to a thin glove to capture the movements of hand writing and translates those movements into text. The system is programmed to tell the difference between writing movements and ordinary hand movements so every wrist movement is not translated into text.
At present the prototype has a learning curve that allows for less than three percent translation error from wrist action to the printed word.
The system is one part of a very forward looking concept that would eliminate portable communication devices and computers as we presently know them.
The guts of the computer system is envisioned to be worn in a Wi-Fi compatible jacket or shirt. The designers envision a system that can be washed and worn without damage to the computing software or hardware. All the parts are presently available.
The screen that we presently use would be a pair of glasses with integrated miniaturized screens that would present the same visual acuity that we presently enjoy.
Suggested applications include gaming and news coverage. The system would allow a reporter to make commentary on the spot that could be coordinated with video, audio, and graphics instantly.
The “air writing” system prototype could be marketable in a year.
New laws against “air writing” and driving may replace no texting and driving laws in the near future.
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