User interfaces and data entry with real time inverse arithmetic coding

This paper introduces real time inverse arithmetic coding and user interfaces based thereupon. The main idea is that information-efficient data entry can be achieved by ensuring that each input’s associated display space and ease of selection are at all times related to the input’s probability of being selected. As with data entry based on inverse arithmetic coding, the layout initially depends on the probabilities of the possible inputs; however, real time inverse arithmetic coding differs in that the user’s actions are interpreted not to navigate this probability distribution but rather to modify it according to a learned update rule, which approximates the conditioning of the probability distribution on the user’s actions. Potential applications of real time inverse arithmetic coding include text entry, file browsing, integrated multi-program user interfaces, assistive technologies for users with movement disabilities, and ergonomic input methods.