Students make functioning computer keyboard from paper

2013/11/12

A paper keyboard is often used by beginners to get familiar with the layout of a computer's keys. Now, students at a south China university have found a way to use paper to create real input devices for computers and mobile phones.


An innovation lab at the South China University of Technology has developed technology that allows users to input by typing on a sheet of paper.


As the user touches the letters and numbers written on the paper, an optical device detects the strokes, then specific software sends them to the computer or mobile phone.


Such technology can free the user of a small handheld device, particularly mobile phones, from typing on narrow tabs.


The paper keyboard, together with other inventions such as a loudspeaker that can quickly be turned into a microphone, were displayed at an activity named "Crazy Lab."


Lu Tao, the organizer, said the activity aims to show the interesting side of science and attract more youths to technology innovation.


(Source: Xinhua)