The Kord® Wrap ~ a driver steering wheel interface for auto and telematic use

The Kord® Wrap
We make an intuitive, ambidextrous chording Human Machine Interface HMI for Human Computer Interaction HCI
using a chordic Graphic User Interface GUI, suited to wearable and handheld, onehanded mobile computing devices.

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Description
The Kord® Wrap is a 3, 4 or 5 key input device which can be fitted to hand held objects like a vehicle steering wheel or other equipment grips. Made from flexible material it is comfortable to hold and is easy to retrofit to varying diameter objects.

It can be fitted on an auto steering wheel for either hand and is operated by pressing single or multiple keys (called chording). Graphic buttons on the windshield screen show the user which fingers (and hence keys on the Kord® Wrap) to depress in order to produce a particular action. For telematic applications (e.g. AutoPC) the vehicle display can be mounted anywhere in the line of site. By using windscreen displays and audio feedback a driver can easily learn the command sequences and is then able to operate the computer with little visual attention or eyes-free. As the proliferation of in car electronic equipment grows, so do the many and varied human machine interfaces to control them. The Kord® Wrap brings the haptic (human computer interaction) point of contact to one central place, additionally the flexible, software based chordic GUI allows for unlimited modification and extension. Whilst voice recognition is currently promoted as the ideal interface for auto PC applications, all current in vehicle systems have some form of alternate direct input mechanism for situations when voice is impractical.

It can be used to control a variety of mobile electronic devices and can be provided in serial, parallel, or keyboard plug models. All units require appropriate Kord® Software to control them. Programs and drivers are available for Windows® CE and Windows® 32 platforms.

The Kord® Wrap is normally made of thin neoprene with the switch assembly sealed inside to an IP 66 rating. The Kord® Wrap is connected via a 2.5m length of shielded cable to the appropriate plug. A wireless version is currently under development. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Installation merely consists of plugging in and running the desired Kord® Software.

Specifications
(Subject to change without notice)

Casing: Neoprene
Attachment radius 25mm - 45mm
Switches: Sealed momentary 3,4,5 configurations
IP Rating: IP 66, spray and rain proof
Cable: 2.5m woven shielded cable
Interface: Keyboard, serial or parallel (wireless under development)
Weight Typical - 150 grams
Dimensions Typical - 150mm x 90mm x 4mm