Use of a Common Table Architecture for Creating Hands Free, Eyes Free, Noisy Environment (Flex-Modal, Flex-Input) Interfaces

As we look to the design of nomadic systems, we need to find ways to create interfaces that the user can adapt to meet the constraints of different environments. We need to create interfaces that we can use whether we are walking down the hall driving the car, sitting at our workstation, or sitting in a meeting; that we can use when we're under stress or distracted; and that make it easy for us to locate and use new services. This requires an interface that at one point in the day can be used without using vision (e.g., when driving a car), but at other times may need to be totally visual (e.g., on a noisy prop airplane or in a meeting where you cannot use sound). It should also allow you to use a full keyboard and mouse (e.g., when seated) but not require use of these devices since they may not always be usable (e.g., while driving or while walking). Interestingly, this same interface flexibility (including the ability to change modalities) is what is needed to provide access to next generation systems by people with disabilities. That is, if we create fully nomadic systems we will have solved most of the problems and issues around providing access for people with disabilities, with reading problems and for those who are aging. The task in both of these pursuits is identifying ways to create interfaces that are Flex-Modal (the user can chose the sensory modality for information presentation) and Flex-Input (the user can chose which technique they use to input information to the device). Proposed is a method that uses a common table of semantic items that can be built in advance or on the fly. This can then be used as a basis for flex-modal and flex-input interface options.