The lomak Laser-Controlled Keyboard

The lomak computer keyboard is operated via a head-mounted laser pointer. Like the Intellikeys keyboard, the lomak comes with several interchangeable overlays. Currently available in New Zealand, it was released in 2005 by lomak International.

While it shares the input goals of more traditional assistive technology devices for people who can’t use a standard keyboard, the lomak has a unique mode of operation. Instead of requiring the user to “dwell” the pointer on a key to activate it, which is a standard entry mode for many on-screen keyboards, the lomak uses a patented select/confirm strategy to let the user choose the desired key and then confirm that selection by passing over a confirm key to complete the entry. Current overlays include Notesai™, designed for individuals who find the standard layout hard to use. It provides larger spaces between keys and makes the most commonly used keys easiest to access. Musicians are accommodated with a layout that emulates a piano keyboard for use with music software.

Chris Mulcare, the CEO of lomak International, describes the lomak as “plug-and-play hardware that doesn’t require additional software or apparatus. It’s easy to learn and set up.”

The benefits to using a laser pointer, according to Mulcare, are that, “Unlike head tracking technology, you don’t need to calibrate it.” He indicated that it works well regardless of the amount or type of ambient light and, for example, can be used outside. It also solves the issue of having to divide screen space between an on-screen keyboard and word processing or other applications.

While some users might worry about the safety of using lasers, Mulcare maintains that the company has taken steps to minimize the possibility of injury. “The laser is depowered; it’s a modulating, intermittent signal, which is eye safe. In addition, the laser only operates when you’re facing the keyboard, because the pointer only works when it can pick up infrared signals from the keyboard.”

Besides efficiency and safety, aesthetics were also considered. Said Mulcare, “We engaged leading designers because we wanted a product that looked like Sony or Apple produced it.” He finds that younger users think it looks cool, as do their classmates.  Current users include “people from 7 to 75 years of age, with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities.”

The company has multiple ideas for further developing the lomak. Some of the ones that Mulcare thinks are likely are the ability to change languages on the fly, and non-computer applications such as wheelchair control and augmentative communication. He also wants to make sure as many people as possible can use it. “Our philosophy is that we want to make the system customizable so that, for example, the laser could be mounted on a finger or on a pair of glasses. We could even create a finger-operated lomak for people with repetitive strain injuries or arthritis.”