Keyboard Adaptability Guo Zhiguo Alternative communication & access to information seminar 2003 University of Tampere Department of Computer Science

Content  Introduction Universal tenet, unification of input methods, dialog through keys, keyboard (mouse-less), extra adaptations for disable users (disabilities & errors).  Keyboard Analysis Keyboard observations and access tools.  Keyboard Adaptability Equipment, typing tools, and software adaptations. Alternative keyboards.  References Solid State Logic Avant mixing console

Introduction  Universal tenet A fundamental rule of the “ user interfaces for all” or “universal design” philosophies is that user interfaces should be to be adaptable or adaptive, in order to meet the needs of as wide a range of users as possible [1].

Introduction  Unification of input methods an important factor in realizing “easy to use” user interfaces it could bring complexity to users to understand which input device is doing which function and/or feature extra demands for people with special needs

Introduction  Dialog through Keys The most common method of controlling computer or other electronic products, it is also the fastest and easiest to use Since almost all computers associated with a keyboard, it is also the cheapest access method in general.

Introduction  Keyboard Mouse-less access to Windows [Williamson, 2002 ] Windows has been adapted to use without the mouse. - Using keyboard shortcuts defined - Accessing the menus - Graphics & using the MouseKeys feature to move the cursor

Introduction Keyboard Extra adaptations needed for disable users.  Disabilities - rheumatic diseases - stroke - neuromuscular diseases - cerebral palsy - other injuries [Trewin, 2002 ]

Introduction Keyboard Rheumatic diseases Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in joints Stroke Brain injury from a stroke often causes paralysis, loss of feeling, or weakness on one side of the body Neuromuscular diseases The diseases most commonly reported to limit activity are Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [17] Cerebral palsy It is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination. Other injuries Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury… Disabilities

Introduction [Trewin, 2002 ]

Introduction Keyboard Errors occurred while typing100 words(547 key presses) Long key-press errors 17/20, 66% Additional key errors 17/22 3.9% Missing key errors 16/20 2,6% Dropping errors 11/20 reported difficulty using modifier keys Bounce errors7/20 1,4% Remote errors 9/22 1,0% Transposition errors 3/20 0,3% [Trewin, 2002 ]

Keyboard Analysis  The user can hit keys on the keyboard but… Often hits the wrong key Gets letters repeated by mistake Tremor or hits the key several times Can’t hold two keys down at once Suffering pain while typing Typing slow Cannot see keys clearly

Keyboard Analysis  Access tool when the user cannot use fingers, hands or feet to operate the keyboard… Hand/finger/wrist splint Hand-held pointer Hand or chin pointer Voice recognition Expanded or overlay keyboard operated by knuckle or fist on/-screen keyboard access by pointing devices or switches Morse code

Keyboard Adaptability  Equipment adaptation [19]

Keyboard Adaptability Equipment Adaptation [12] [19]

Keyboard Adaptability Equipment Adaptation Footrests [18]

Keyboard Adaptability Equipment Adaptation Wrist rests [20]

Keyboard Adaptability Equipment Adaptation [19]

Keyboard Adaptability Typing tools Mouthsticks and Headpointers [19] [21]

Keyboard Adaptability Typing Tools  Keyguards [16] [17]

Keyboard Adaptability Software  Filters to reduce mis-keying Input Acceptance and Post Acceptance Filters alter the response of the keyboard to eliminate unintentional and multiple keypresses, a Repeat Filter slows down or stops the automatic repeating of characters  Sticky keys to hold down modifier keys Allows shifted characters or commands to be typed without having to hold down a modifier key (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) while pressing a second key.

Keyboard Adaptability Software  Auditory or visual feedback Informs the user when a keypress is accepted by the computer  Mouse Control Mousekeys allows the keyboard to be used to move the mouse cursor and to perform clicking and dragging.

Keyboard Adaptability Visual and Auditory feedback [15][16]

Keyboard Adaptability Ergonomic keyboards  Maltron Keyboard  MS Natural keyboard [3] [13]  Acer Future Keyboard  Kinesis Keyboard [13] [14]

Keyboard Adaptability Chording keyboards [5 ] [4] [24 ]

Keyboard Adaptability Expanded keyboards Big-Keys Big-Keys Plus [27 ]

Keyboard Adaptability Compact & Miniature Keyboards [26 ] [19 ] [25]

Conclusion  It is vital that keyboards are adaptable, and allow the widest possible range of users the best possible level of control. The adaptability can be provided in both forms of hardware and software; especially for the users with physical impairment.

References [1] S. Trewin, Extending keyboard adaptability: An investigation [2] Ming-Chung Chen1, Hwa-Pey Wang2, and Tien-Yu Li2: Teaching Adolescents with Disabilities to Learn Chinese Keyboarding by Using Multimedia Computer Assisted Input Method Learning System [3] Microsoft Natural keyboard: [4] Product information available at: [5] Product information available at: [6] Products information is available at:

References [ [7] Case study: [8] Product information available at : [9] Product information available at: [10] Key Components for 3G Devices, Report No. 15 from the UMTS Forum, January [11] Liberman, S. Test Documentation for Keyboard Navigation, available at: [12] Product information available at [13] Product information available at [14] Production information Available at

References [15] Product information available at [16] Product information available at: /Keyboards_/ /Keyboards_/ [17] Product information available at: [18] [19] forum.co.uk/www/guests/newsletters/update/winter2000/winter2000.pdfhttp:// forum.co.uk/www/guests/newsletters/update/winter2000/winter2000.pdf [20] [21] Mouthstick

References [22] Product information available at: [23] Product information available at: onehanded.htmlhttp:// onehanded.html [24] Product information available at: [25] Product information available at: [26] Product information available at: [27] Product information available at: