Laser Headset Prototype [LOMAK]
Maker and role
Mike Watling, Inventor
Mike Watling, Maker
Production date
1998
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Object detail
Accession number
2021.48.14
Maker
Production period
Description
First prototype of a laser headset for the LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) assistive technology device.
Black fabric headband with a small metal laser attached to one side. A cable runs around the edge of the headband and is held in place by a series of black zipties. The cable is black and red and connects to a small black plastic box which has a black knob.
Black fabric headband with a small metal laser attached to one side. A cable runs around the edge of the headband and is held in place by a series of black zipties. The cable is black and red and connects to a small black plastic box which has a black knob.
Brief History
This is the first prototype laser headset, made by Mike Watling in 1998 and used with the prototype LOMAK keyboards made at AUT (Auckland University of Technology) in 2002, during testing. A small laser is mounted on the side of a headband and is powered by a battery unit attached by a cable. Watling moved the light source from the centre of the face, where it was in his earlier prototype glasses, to the side of the head. Microphone headsets were coming into use in offices around this time and the device did not look too different and so draw attention to the user.
The LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) 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 (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) is an assistive technology device 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. 1998. Laser Headset Prototype [LOMAK], 2021.48.14. 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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