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AlphaTapp

alfaniner

Penultimate Amazing
alfaniner
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Introducing AlphaTapp!
http://alphatapp.org

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I created this method of communication a few weeks ago. It is so simple I was wondering if maybe it was too obvious, or possibly revolutionary. (I'm hoping for the latter). It is not a commercial venture, just something I think will be useful.

I introduced it to some of the younger family members yesterday and they went absolutely crazy for it. They even helped me with a few corrections and refinements!

The web site is still a work in progress, but I have all the necessary information posted at this time. I welcome suggestions, either to the listed email or here. (I'm going to redo the video.)
Introducing AlphaTapp. It is an easy communication method that takes only a few minutes to learn. All it requires is the five fingers of one hand,and a surface to tap. AlphaTapp can be used with either the right or the left hand. Starting with the thumb as A/1 and moving outward,different combinations of finger taps will communicate your message silently.

AlphaTapp is a method than can be learned in about 10 minutes. It is not a “secret”code, as, similar to American Sign Language, anyone watching and knowing the symbols can read it. It is a method for subtle or silent communication in these very noisy times. It is intuitive. Many of the combinations look like the letters they represent, and the letter representations follow a logical sequence.
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(cross-posted here because it is an educational tool and I forgot Forum Community was members only)
 
Mr. Skinny said:
They already have a method for that called Tap Code. You don't need to see the senders hands in order to communicate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_code
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Tap Code is aural. AlphaTapp is visual and silent (although I can imagine a way to make it an aural code - but it wouldn't be as efficient as Morse Code.) I searched for anything that might have been similar to this configuration and didn't find any.

Verde said:
From 6 onwards there is duplication between the number and letter codes. How do you differentiate those?

V.
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That's what the "#/A" sign is for -- switching between alpha and numeric (like the Num Lock key). I didn't put all the details in the OP - that's what the web site is for. But if I'm missing something there or if it's confusing, I'd like to hear about it.
 
alfaniner said:
Tap Code is aural. AlphaTapp is visual and silent (although I can imagine a way to make it an aural code - but it wouldn't be as efficient as Morse Code.) I searched for anything that might have been similar to this configuration and didn't find any.
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I understand that. I was commenting on MNBrandt's comments about prison communication, where an aural method is probably more practical.

ETA: Couldn't you just use a silent version of the Tap Code where one hand would represent the column numbers and the other hand would represent the row numbers?
 
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Well, I'll say this: It took me under a minute to grasp the basics. It would take many, many hours of practice to be able to read somebody's signs. And I can't think of a reason in the world why it would be more practical than the ASL letter alphabet.

Also, I think the numbers need to be rethought.

Otherwise, good luck.
 
Ah, thank you for the info on those other systems. I was not aware of them (although I have used punched paper tape in the past, I did not make the association). I will add that info to the web page.

I think what surprised me about my system is that it is pretty easy to learn, and the kids eagerly took to it. They are going to introduce it to school friends today and we'll see if it goes "viral" or not.
 
Be great when watching a movie with someone. You could tell each other what you think of the movie, without disturbing the rest of the audience.
 
I find it nearly impossible to simultaneously tap my M & L fingers without the R finger also coming down. (I seem to recall that is not uncommon.)
 
I recall reading a science fiction story years ago. I can't recall the title. It featured futuristic soldiers who used a device called "comtac" (?) that used a tap code somewhat similar to this. They had haptic devices implanted into the skin of their abdomens that would transmit the tap codes to them. I seem to remember it was 3 bit and a set of particular tap codes was used for common tactical orders.
 
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