KeyFlow: Acoustic Motion Sensing for Cursor Control on Any Keyboard

Despite typing being a critical operation in the digital age, users still need to frequently switch between the mouse and keyboard while typing. We introduce KeyFlow, a tool that integrates mouse functionality into the keyboard through machine learning, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keyboard surface to move the cursor. The whole process does not press the keys down to differentiate from normal typing and avoid false touches. KeyFlow uses any computer-built-in microphones to capture the acoustic features of these gliding gestures, requiring no specialized equipment and can be set up and tested independently within 5 minutes. Our user research indicates that, compared to traditional keyboard and mouse methods, this system reduces hand movement distance by 78.3%, making the typing experience more focused.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Published
2024-10-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1145/3672539.3686348
Primary Topic
Interactive and Immersive Displays
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

KeyFlow: Acoustic Motion Sensing for Cursor Control on Any Keyboard

Yujia Liu, Qiuyu Lu, Qihang Shan, Zhihao Yao
Interactive and Immersive Displays
article

KeyFlow: Acoustic Motion Sensing for Cursor Control on Any Keyboard

Yujia Liu, Qiuyu Lu, Qihang Shan, Zhihao Yao
article en

Abstract

Despite typing being a critical operation in the digital age, users still need to frequently switch between the mouse and keyboard while typing. We introduce KeyFlow, a tool that integrates mouse functionality into the keyboard through machine learning, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keyboard surface to move the cursor. The whole process does not press the keys down to differentiate from normal typing and avoid false touches. KeyFlow uses any computer-built-in microphones to capture the acoustic features of these gliding gestures, requiring no specialized equipment and can be set up and tested independently within 5 minutes. Our user research indicates that, compared to traditional keyboard and mouse methods, this system reduces hand movement distance by 78.3%, making the typing experience more focused.

Virginia Tech (US), University of California, Berkeley (US), Tsinghua University (CN)
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 83%
Interactive and Immersive Displays
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.