Prototype Keyboard [LOCT]
Maker and role
Mike Watling, Inventor
Mike Watling, Maker
Production date
1982-1984
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Object detail
Accession number
2021.48.3
Maker
Production period
Description
Prototype keyboard, named LOCT (Light Operated Computer Terminal).
Part 1: Concave wooden unit mounted on a wooden base. The top face of the keyboard has pairs of lights set into the board to form three circles, two smaller ones flaking a larger central circle with lights in the centre. The letters from A-Z are printed around the central circle while the numbers 1-0 and special characters are printed alongside the proper right circle. Neon orange and yellow dots have been painted onto the board. At either side of the keyboard a metal pole with plastic cap at one end is fixed to the keyboard on a pivot. Beneath the keyboard, circuitry can be seen.
Part 2: Rectangular wooden base with a protruding rod at each end.
Part 1: Concave wooden unit mounted on a wooden base. The top face of the keyboard has pairs of lights set into the board to form three circles, two smaller ones flaking a larger central circle with lights in the centre. The letters from A-Z are printed around the central circle while the numbers 1-0 and special characters are printed alongside the proper right circle. Neon orange and yellow dots have been painted onto the board. At either side of the keyboard a metal pole with plastic cap at one end is fixed to the keyboard on a pivot. Beneath the keyboard, circuitry can be seen.
Part 2: Rectangular wooden base with a protruding rod at each end.
Brief History
The LOCT is the first prototype for the LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) assistive technology device and was built by Mike Watling between 1982 and 1984. The keyboard was mounted vertically in a frame that allowed angle adjustments. Glasses with a mounted light source plugged into a front port on the keyboard. By moving their head, the user directed a beam of light which activated sensors in the keyboard, selecting characters to type into a connected computer.
The LOMAK device was developed in New Zealand for people with a physical disability who cannot use a standard computer keyboard or mouse.
The LOMAK device was developed in New Zealand for people with a physical disability who cannot use a standard computer keyboard or mouse.
Media/Materials
Record level
Object Parts
Collection
Credit Line
Mike Watling et al. 1982-1984. Prototype Keyboard [LOCT], 2021.48.3. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
![Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard [LOMAK]; Mike Watling](https://collection.motat.nz/records/images/medium/57362/80bf0762f9a18d87ba01ac1bd0443524ac2e4553.jpg)
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