NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) 20020080924: Advanced Keyboard

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by  NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

J
Advanced Keyboard
In fogrip, Inc., Baton Rouge,
Louisiana has introduced
the BAT'" chord keyboard
for computer data entry as
an alternative to standard
computer keyboards, a system ific applications.
that offers special utility to Because it can be ;operated
disabled people but also
provides advantages to the
general population of com-
puter operators.
The BAT employs chordic job access for workers
technology, in which operators disabilities such a
finger key combinations - like
striking a chord on a piano -
for text or graphics input. based on Braille). Infogrip offers a two-unit
Designed for single-hand use, Infogrip cites a number of system, one BAT for each
A SPINOFF COMPUTER the BAT has only seven keys advantages for the general hand (above).
compared with 101 on the population of keyboard users: The BAT chord keyboard,
standard (QWERTY) keyboard. the operator need not look at says Infogrip, is "easier to
KEYBOARD OFFERS
Five of the keys are positioned the keyboard; one-handed use learn than touch typing and the
directly under the thumb and frees the other hand for moving basic chords can be learned in
IMPROVED JOB fingers; the other two are posi- a mouse (below), flipping about an hour."
tioned so that the thumb can through documents or holding The chordic input technolo-
easily reach them with a slight a phone; the unit's ergonomic gy was developed jointly by
ACCESS FOR
movement to the left or right. design reduces the strain and Infogrip and Stennis Space
By pressing a combination of fatigue commonly associated Center, with test and evaluation
DISABLED WORKERS keys, the BAT user can enter with prolonged use of tradition- assistance by Mississi-p -p i State
University. NASA is interested
in the potential of chordic
technology for speeding
human interaction with flight
computers on board aircraft
or spacecraft, and additionally
in creating a low cost tactile/
visual training system for the
handicapped.
TM BAT is a trademark of Infogrip, Inc.
comp;ter Technology