Prototype Keyboard [LOMAK]
Maker and role
Mike Watling, Inventor
Mike Watling, Maker
Production date
1998
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2021.48.8
Maker
Production period
Description
LOMAK Prototype Keyboard.
Rectangular wooden unit with set of hinges on bottom edge. The top face of the keyboard has pairs of lights set into the board to form three circles, two smaller ones flanking a larger central circle with lights in the centre. Several other groupings of lights are placed in the interface. 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. "C/Lock / Shift / Hold 'On' / MOUSE ON/OFF / Shift / Hold 'Off' / F/Shift / CTRL / Shift / Point Spd 'On' / Shift / Point Spd 'Off' / Alt" is printed on the face. A series of multi-coloured cables extend from the bottom edge of the unit. At either side of the keyboard a rectangular wooden panel is fixed to the keyboard on a pivot.
Rectangular wooden unit with set of hinges on bottom edge. The top face of the keyboard has pairs of lights set into the board to form three circles, two smaller ones flanking a larger central circle with lights in the centre. Several other groupings of lights are placed in the interface. 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. "C/Lock / Shift / Hold 'On' / MOUSE ON/OFF / Shift / Hold 'Off' / F/Shift / CTRL / Shift / Point Spd 'On' / Shift / Point Spd 'Off' / Alt" is printed on the face. A series of multi-coloured cables extend from the bottom edge of the unit. At either side of the keyboard a rectangular wooden panel is fixed to the keyboard on a pivot.
Brief History
This is the second of Mike Watling’s light activated keyboard prototypes, made in 1998 for development at AUT (Auckland University of Technology). In the 1980s Watling had worked alone on his concept for a device to provide severely disabled people with another means of communicating, before setting it aside due to limited interest from potential partners in developing it further. In 1998 Watling enrolled in a Diploma of Applied Sciences at AUT, which allowed him to work on the development of the keyboard and gave him access to the support and knowledge needed to bring it to a market-ready product.
The LOMAK is an assistive technology device developed in New Zealand for people with a physical disability who cannot use a standard computer keyboard or mouse.
The LOMAK is an assistive technology device developed in New Zealand for people with a physical disability who cannot use a standard computer keyboard or mouse.
Marks
C/Lock / Shift / Hold 'On' / MOUSE ON/OFF / Shift / Hold 'Off' / F/Shift / CTRL / Shift / Point Spd 'On' / Shift / Point Spd 'Off' / Alt Printed
Media/Materials
Record level
Object Parts
Collection
Credit Line
Mike Watling et al. 1998. Prototype Keyboard [LOMAK], 2021.48.8. 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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