Prototype Assistive Technology Device for Wheelchair Use
Maker and role
Mike Watling, Inventor
Mike Watling, Maker
Production date
1984
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2021.48.6
Maker
Production period
Description
An unfinished prototype assistive technology device designed for use on/with a wheelchair, using similar ideas to the LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard).
Cylindrical tube with closed base onto which "TERRAIN / 1537.160 / 160mm UPVC / NZS 7649" is embossed. The inside of the tube in painted black and the bottom surface is painted in alternating grey and white stripes which are in a radial fashion. Each strip has a pair of lights located in it. "g p c k f v j x z q w y b" is printed in red around the outer edge of the lights in a clockwise formation with one letter per stripe. "e s a i h l r d m u n o t" is printed on the inner edge of the lights in black.
Cylindrical tube with closed base onto which "TERRAIN / 1537.160 / 160mm UPVC / NZS 7649" is embossed. The inside of the tube in painted black and the bottom surface is painted in alternating grey and white stripes which are in a radial fashion. Each strip has a pair of lights located in it. "g p c k f v j x z q w y b" is printed in red around the outer edge of the lights in a clockwise formation with one letter per stripe. "e s a i h l r d m u n o t" is printed on the inner edge of the lights in black.
Brief History
This object is an unfinished, untested prototype made by Mike Watling in 1984, in which he explored similar ideas to those developed in his later LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard), and the Notesai overlay for the keyboard. The prototype was intended for use on or with a wheelchair, to interact with a computer.
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
TERRAIN / 1537.160 / 160mm UPVC / NZS 7649 Embossed
g p c k f v j x z q w y b Printed
e s a i h l r d m u n o t Printed
g p c k f v j x z q w y b Printed
e s a i h l r d m u n o t Printed
Media/Materials
Record level
Object Parts
Collection
Credit Line
Mike Watling et al. 1984. Prototype Assistive Technology Device for Wheelchair Use, 2021.48.6. 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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