Keyboards Under Development 

Contents

Anthony Paras
Wrist Positioning Aid

Johan Ullman M.D.
Ullman Keyboard

Keybowl, Inc
Keybowl

KMC Concepts
ErgoMaster

Protomic
DataStealth

Typelighter
IM-4U

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Here is a listing of various styles of keyboards under development but you might find them quite interesting all the same.

Anthony Paras (inventor)
149 West 4th St., #5E
New York, NY 10012
email: ajp@earthlink.net
www: http://home.earthlink.net/~ajp/

Wrist Positioning Aid (patent pending)
(click on image for full size version)

• Compatibility: In Development
• Estimated Price: In Development
• Availability: In Development

The Wrist Positioning Aid (patent pending) is a keyboard enhancement that prevents the keyboard from functioning while the user's hands are not properly positioned for safe typing. The system detects that the user's hands are resting on the integrated wrist-rest and disables the keyboard. Additionally, an LED indicator lights to remind the user to lift his or her hands before attempting to type.

We are at the prototype stage, and are currently looking to licence the device.

This idea occurred to me after I had done some research into proper typing technique. I learned that a wrist-rest should only be used while NOT typing, and that attempting to type while the hands are "resting" is a major source of injury. The Wrist Positioning Aid prevents this dangerous habit that can lead to RSI.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked:  Nov'97)

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E2 Solutions (Gary Friedman)
265 W. California Blvd. #4, Pasadena, CA 91105 USA
Gary.Friedman@E2Solutions.com

DataEgg

• Compatibility: PC
• Estimated Price: In Development
• Availability: In Development

The DataEgg is a round, one-handed, chording computer with a two-line LCD display (similar to the Microwriter AgendA). It can also serve as an alternative computer keyboard through a computers serial port (currently supporting the PC, although it would not be too hard to support X or a Mac if they wrote the driver).

More info is available in NASA Tech Briefs, December 1992, Newsweeks "Technology Supplement" of December 12, 1992, or EE Times, March 8, 1993.

Update Note:

----------
From: David Friedman
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 1997 12:16 AM
To: K. S. Wright

Subject: DataEgg Comments

InHand Development Group does not seem to have anything to do with the DataEgg at the moment. Gary Friedman, the inventor of the DataEgg, does seem to be going ahead with it, though. The DataEgg is currently being developed as a stand alone device. It may later be turned into a keyboard replacement. He offered to put me on a mailing list to hear about it when it became available. He also had this to say: 
---------------
 If you are going to list updates to the FAQ list(s), please mention that the product idea is still alive, but had been placed in incompetant hands in the past. I am now working to build up my new company (E2 Solutions) to the point where I will have the capital I need to develop and bring it to market properly. Please forward all correspondence to me at Gary.Friedman@E2Solutions.com.  
Thanks!!  
-Gary Friedman
-------------------------
Hope that is helpful.
-David Friedman (No relation to Gary.)

(Information last checked:  Sept'97)

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Johan Ullman M.D.
Inst. for Orthopedics Div. for Occupational Orthopedics
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Göteborg Sweden
http://www.medinova.se

Ullman Keyboard

The Ullman Keyboard was primarily designed to accomplish automatic learning of touch typing while solving the RSI problems that typing normally causes in back , neck and shoulders as well as mouse arm and carpal tunnel syndrome. How? - Just let the natural behavior decide the design, instead of adapting behavior to stupid design. 

On the assumption that RSI in office work is mainly caused by to much static work and lack of dynamic work, the Ullman Keyboard was developed as an attempt to reduce the RSI problems, by minimizing the static muscular work needed to perform VDT work while maintaining the need for dynamic work.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

Comments:

I read in a Swedish newspaper that he (Johan Ullman) hopes to start manufacturing it before the end of this year. -- Lars Haraldsson

(Information last checked:  Feb'99)

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Keybowl Inc.
Winter Park, Florida
(407) 622-7774 or 877) 363-7774
Fax: (407) 622-7772
info@keybowl.com
http://www.keybowl.com

Keybowl - orbiTouch

• Estimated Price: $399 currently with a 20% pre-order discount.
  Availability: Target launch date is December 2000

The Keybowl™ keyboard represents an entirely new method of typing. It is the first keyboard that totally eliminates finger motion and wrist motion.   It is also the first ergonomically designed keyboard geared to all typists, especially those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or other physical upper extremity disabilities.

Key Features Include:

• Total elimination of finger movement while typing and navigating
• Minimization of wrist movement
• Easy to learn
• A solution to help combat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as it relates to typing.
• Allows people with upper extremity disabilities an ability to effectively type and navigate computer systems with little or no pain.
• Extensively researched keyboard.  Visit their ergonomic research section to learn about the development of the Keybowl™.

(Information last checked:  Nov'00)

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KMC Concepts
130 Walnut Ct, Santa Rosa CA 95404
(707) 526-0581, Fax: (707) 549-4208
Contact: Kevin Conway (P.T.)

ErgoMaster

• Compatibilty: TBD
• Estimated Price: TBD
• Availability: Not yet (Design in Development)

The Ergo-Master has been designed to feature comfort and changeable positions in your daily typing challenges!

Independently Adjustable Halves: The right and left hand keyboard sections can be independently adjusted to a comfortable position, in seconds, without tools.

Unique Mounting: The two halves of the Ergo-Master are attached to a desktop via a track that is clamped on to the desk. This allows the two halves to be placed at varying distances from each other. This track also enables the keyboard to be folded out of the way underneath the desk when not in use.

Programmable Keys: The Ergo-Master comes with the familiar QWERTY key layout, however, all of the keys are programmable, except for the Pause and Break keys, so that the user can redefine keys to personal preferences for speed and comfort.

Backside Keys: The need for awkward wrist motion when striking "Enter" or "Backspace" is eliminated because these keys are duplicated on the underside of the keyboard, and are comfortably accessed by the thumbs.

Timed Beeper: The user is reminded to make periodic adjustments to posture and/or keyboard position with a timed beep. This feature combined with the ease of adjustability promotes frequent position changes.

Comments

Kevin was previously working with Genovation, Inc., however, last I talked with him, he was looking for a manufacturer to make the keyboard. The keyboard sections clamp to the desk surface with an optional numeric keypad. -KSW-

(Information last checked:  Early'97)

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Protomic
Contact: Benjamin Rossen
Heikampen 40
5672 SM NUENEN
The Netherlands
tel.(31)-40-2913797
fax.(31)-40-2913796
rossen@iae.nl
http://www.protomic.com

 DataStealth keyboard

• Compatibility: TBD
• Estimated Price: TBD
• Availability: Under development

The revolutionary DataStealth keyboard is the result of a joint research project with several major Dutch universities. The design incorporates anatomic and ergonomic principles, offering improved comfort and reduced risk of RSI while increasing productivity.

The keyboard is easy to install (plug & play) and contains its own processor. We can program the keyboard to provide for your special needs.

The DataStealth keyboard can be used on the lap, which relaxes the shoulders and neck of the user.

The DataStealth can also be used on the desk. The wings are designed to tilt the keyboard to the optimum angle for use on a typical desk.

The hand supports spare users' arms, shoulders and neck from static load bearing while typing. These supports move on smooth glide rails so that the entire keypad area can be reached without the user having to raise her hands from the support surfaces.

The keys are arranged in arcs placed for easy reach. Key cap heights also vary, so that the little finger, for example, has a shorter distance to travel to depress the keys.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

Comments

The keyboard project is still on track, and clinical testing will start soon at the Technical University of Eindhoven, biomechanics in co-operation with the National University of Maastricht, human movement studies.
(Benjamin Rossen, Sept. 1, 1998)

(Information last checked:  Apr'99)

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Typelighter, Inc.
http://www.typelighter.com

IM-4U

IM-4U is a patented safety device designed to reduce the risk of computer-related hand injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. IM-4U's dynamic typing meter lets you see in real time when you are typing harder and when you are typing lighter, just like an automobile speedometer lets you see when you are driving faster or slower. This practical biofeedback encourages you to lighten up and take a break.

Additional features of IM-4U include optional audio and visual safety cues that alert you when you type your hardest. When you hear or see the IM-4U safety cue, you automatically pause for a moment, then continue typing. This brief pause, or micro-break, provides a moment of relief from the stress of typing and a stronger reminder to type with a lighter touch.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

Comments

Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 10:45:58 -0400 (EDT)
To: Scott Wright <ergo@inreach.com>
From: Michael Krugman myriad@panix.com

Some months ago I corresponded with you about the IM-4U computer-keyboard safety device under development by my company, Typelighter, Inc. As you will remember, IM-4U is the only safety device that allows computer users to monitor how hard they strike the keys as they type via a dynamic, real-time typing meter. IM-4U also gives helpful auditory and visual feedback when the user types their hardest.

At present we have nearly completed our initial development process, and we are seeking a manufacturer/distributor for the technology. Engineering prototypes of the device are soon to be tested by ergonomists at Xerox, Eastman Kodak, Kaiser Permanente, State Farm Insurance, and several other companies. <snip>

Regards
Michael Krugman

(Information last checked:  Jul'98)

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Last Updated: 01/30/02