J Advanced Keyboard In fogrip, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana has introduced the BAT'" chord keyboard for computer data entry as an alternative to standard computer keyboards, a system ific applications. that offers special utility to Because it can be ;operated disabled people but also provides advantages to the general population of com- puter operators. The BAT employs chordic job access for workers technology, in which operators disabilities such a finger key combinations - like striking a chord on a piano - for text or graphics input. based on Braille). Infogrip offers a two-unit Designed for single-hand use, Infogrip cites a number of system, one BAT for each A SPINOFF COMPUTER the BAT has only seven keys advantages for the general hand (above). compared with 101 on the population of keyboard users: The BAT chord keyboard, standard (QWERTY) keyboard. the operator need not look at says Infogrip, is "easier to KEYBOARD OFFERS Five of the keys are positioned the keyboard; one-handed use learn than touch typing and the directly under the thumb and frees the other hand for moving basic chords can be learned in IMPROVED JOB fingers; the other two are posi- a mouse (below), flipping about an hour." tioned so that the thumb can through documents or holding The chordic input technolo- easily reach them with a slight a phone; the unit's ergonomic gy was developed jointly by ACCESS FOR movement to the left or right. design reduces the strain and Infogrip and Stennis Space By pressing a combination of fatigue commonly associated Center, with test and evaluation DISABLED WORKERS keys, the BAT user can enter with prolonged use of tradition- assistance by Mississi-p -p i State University. NASA is interested in the potential of chordic technology for speeding human interaction with flight computers on board aircraft or spacecraft, and additionally in creating a low cost tactile/ visual training system for the handicapped. TM BAT is a trademark of Infogrip, Inc. comp;ter Technology