MTIS: A Multi-Touch Text Input System

Michael Schmidt, Anja Fibich, Gerhard Weber

Abstract: Entering text by gesture alphabets is not one of the most efficient methods. However, there are special applications and contexts where it shows advantages. Input with little focus of attention is possible and, for short phrases, transition to other input options may be more involving. The work at hand presents a new multi-touch gesture alphabet. Multi-touch can accelerate gesture input and provides the diversity that allows to confine to single strokes that demand less attention. We analyzed the characteristics of the alphabet and compared it to a single-touch variant. Detailed investigations of text input by gestures and results of a user study are provided. The investigations revealed preferences of users and showed the need for individualization and self-definition of gestures. To meet this demands, our approach for classifying template defined letters is demonstrated.