NSF PR 00-81 - October 25, 2000
This material is available primarily for archival
purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information
may be out of date; please see current contact information
at media
contacts.
New Ergonomic Keyboard Relieves Wrist Pain
Peter McAlindon has taken the stress out of using
computer keyboards. McAlindon, with assistance from
the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR) program, has developed
an ergonomic alternative that could increase comfort,
prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and help millions with
other disabilities gain access to the power of computing.
"This new keyboard is testimony to the power of small
businesses, supported by the federal government, to
contribute significant public benefits," said NSF
program manager Sara Nerlove.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful wrist condition caused
by repetitive motion, afflicts hundreds of thousands
of computer users in the United States each year.
Others, such as new computer users among the elderly,
are afflicted with arthritis or other physically limiting
conditions. Most alternative keyboards intended to
reduce repetitive stress simply change the shape and
tilt of a conventional keyboard. McAlindon's Keybowl,
however, completely eliminates the finger and wrist
motions required to stroke alphanumeric keys.
A user's hands rest on two domes that slide into eight
different positions. In a technique known as chording,
the user selects combinations of positions to enter
letters, numbers and commands. The Keybowl also has
a built-in navigation capability that eliminates the
need for a mouse, which is expected to further reduce
stress.
McAlindon completed his doctoral research on ergonomic
keyboards at the University of Central Florida. After
graduating, he started a small computer consulting
firm and obtained an SBIR grant from NSF to develop
his design. Tests have confirmed the Keybowl's effectiveness
for people with carpal tunnel syndrome or with limited
motor function in their hands and arms.
"The Keybowl is easy to use and may help temper the
growing worldwide problem of typing-related injuries,"
said McAlindon. "This design and method have the potential
to benefit all typists, including those with temporary
or permanent physical disabilities."
The second phase of McAlindon's SBIR grant will help
his Florida-based company produce a marketing prototype,
the next step toward commercialization. McAlindon
hopes to have a marketable product by the end of the
year.
For more information, see: www.keybowl.com
Broadcasters: For a video of the Keybowl in
operation, contact NSF's Dena Headlee, (703) 292-8070/dheadlee@nsf.gov
Satellite Feed Info: B-Roll package will be
fed via satellite Thursday, October 26th
and Friday, October 27th from 1:15-1:30
pm EDT. C-BAND FEED-Telestar 6, Transp. 9, DL 3880,
Audio 6.2/6.8
***NSF is an independent federal agency which supports
fundamental research and education across all fields
of science and engineering, with an annual budget
of about $4 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states,
through grants to about 1,600 universities and institutions
nationwide. Each year, NSF receives about 30,000 competitive
requests for funding, and makes about 10,000 new funding
awards.
|