Team Size: 3
Duration: semester
Introduction
One of the standard problems with trying to develop specialized aids for
the handicapped user is that it is frequently the case that attaching special
input devices also requires specialized software. As a result, standard
software (such as a word processor or a spreadsheet system, for instance)
might be unavailable to the user, i.e. they would be limited to using whatever
specialized word processor comes with the specialized input device. This
means that handicapped users are made into second class users, cut off
from mainstream software use, which, in addition to typically meaning that
the user must settle for inferior systems, also means that they have difficulty
sharing their work files with others.
Goals
The purpose of this project is to overcome this problem by developing a
series of software mechanisms to replace the standard keyboard device with
a "virtual" keyboard (VK). This will be accomplished by using a low-cost
lap-top computer to emulate various interaction methods. For instance,
the LCD screen of the lap-top might display a picture of a keyboard. The
user might then use the lap-top's trackball to select whatever key they
wish the VK to transmit to the main computer (call it the "host").
The host continues to run standard software, such as MS Word. The connection
from the VK to the host runs to the host's keyboard input jack.
The interaction method could be varied to include, for instance, a series
of four buttons that would control a "cursor" on the VK in an up-down-left-right
pattern, along with another key for "select" (emulating the mouse button).
Another approach is to use a "scan" mode for the VK display, allowing the
user to strike any key on the VK's keyboard to make a selection of the
currently highlighted key (emulating a "one button" input device).
Submissions
You are to implement the above strategy for a virtual keyboard device.
Each team will be assigned one of the interaction methods described above.
You are to demonstrate that your VK makes it possible to handle several
different standard software packages running on the host computer, including
MS Word and Excel. Are there any software packages your VK couldn't control?
If so, describe the difficulty and possible solutions, if any.
Blaise Liffick
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Last Updated:
12 March 2000 |
