Touch user interface

The Touch User Interface (TUI) is a computer-pointing technology based upon the sense of touch. Whereas the Graphic User Interface (GUI) relies upon the sense of sight, the TUI enables not only the sense of touch to innervate and activate computer-based functions, it also allows the user, particularly those with visual impairments an added level of interaction based upon tactile or Braille input.

Generally, the TUI requires pressure or presence with a switch located outside of the printed paper. No to be confused with electronic paper endeavors, the TUI requires the printed pages act as a template or overlay to a switch array. By interacting with the switch, an action is innervated that is cross-referenced with a database in order to select the correct pathway to retrieve the associated digital content or launch the appropriate application such as a communication.

TUI icons may be used to indicate to the reader of the printed page what action will occur upon interacting with a particular position on the printed page.

Turning pages and interacting with new pages that may have the same touch points as previous or subsequent pages, a z-axis may be used to indicate the plane of activity. Z-axis can be offset around the boundary of the page. When the unique z-axis is interacted with, x,y-axis can have identical touch points as other pages. For example, 1,1,1 indicates a z-axis of 1 (page 1) and the x,y-axis is 1,1. However, turning the page and pressing a new z-axis, say page 2, and then the same x,y-axis content position as page 1, gains the following coordinate structure: 2,1,1.

An integrated circuit (IC) is located either within in the printed material or within an enclosure that cradles the printed material. This IC receives a signal from the switching upon the switching being innervated. The firmware located within the IC communicates via Universal Serial Bus (USB) either tethered with a cable or wireless with a wireless protocol adapter to a reference database that can reside on media within a computer or appliance. Upon receipt of the coordinate structure from the firmware, the database correlates the position with a pre-determined link or pathway to digital content or execution command for an application. After correlating the link with the pathway, a signal is sent to retrieve and render the terminal of the path.

External Links Golshani, Forouzan, TUI or GUI -- It's a Matter of Somatics TUI or GUI -- It's a Matter of Somatics, IEEE Computer Society 2007

Mott, M.S. and Benus, M.A., Digital Books with Media-rich Paper: Enhancing Reading Comprehension through Touch User Interface Technology, Digital Books with Media-rich Paper: Enhancing Reading Comprehension through Touch User Interface Technology The Journal of Literacy and Technology, Volume 7, Number 2, 2006

Mott, M., & Barkeloo, J., Developmental Phonics Instruction with Touch User Interface Technology: Moving Toward a Multi-Sensory Approach for Grades Pre-K-2. 'Developmental Phonics Instruction with Touch User Interface Technology: Moving Toward a Multi-Sensory Approach for Grades Pre-K-2, Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2004 (p. 1395). Norfolk, VA: AACE., 2004