REDUCING KEYSTROKE COUNTS WITH A PREDICTIVE COMPUTER INTERFACE

Abstract

It has recently been demonstrated how techniques of non-deterministic structural modelling can be applied to reduce the number of keystrokes typed by a user in typical interactive computer sessions. The sequence of keystrokes is observed by the machine, modelled, and where possible used to form predictions of the characters about to be typed. This paper discusses the application of such an interface to the physically handicapped. Particular attention is paid to reducing the number of keystrokes needed to enter different kinds of text, such as source programs, interactive commands, and plain English. In some cases up to 50% of a users keystrokes are correctly predicted, resulting in significant keystroke count reductions.