Anybody can type on this keyboard because it combines three ways of typing, all active at the same time. You can mix these three methods even within the same word as much as you like:
GKOS Triple Combo Remote1. Typing with six fingers on the back after turning the device around, or
2. Single hand - one thumb typing, or
3. Two hands - two thumbs typing.In other words:
1. GKOS typing - while viewing the front panel (display), use keys A, B, C, D, E, F
2. Number pad multi-tap typing - the legacy way with minor modifications
3. One or two simultaneous keys typing - to type faster on the number pad
For example, to get 'L', you can press:1. GKOS chord for L (A+E+F), orNote that it is possible to type double letters without any waiting inbetween. For example, to get 'RR' press 7+8 and 7+8 (The legacy way would be much slower: 7-7-7-wait-7-7-7).
2. Three times key 5, or
3. Keys 5 and 6 at the same time.Along the lines of the multi-tap method, the most common punctuation symbols (comma, period etc.) are found by pressing * several times. A more comprehensive list of special symbols appears if * is pressed longer.
Compare typing 'ERROR' in the three different ways that are possible with this keyboard:
1. E, A+B+F, A+B+F, A+B, A+B+F (5 entries, total ca. 1...2 seconds)
2. E, 7-7-7, wait, 7-7-7, 6-6-6, 7-7-7 (13 entries plus one wait, ca.5...7 seconds)
3. E, 7+8, 7+8, 1+2, 7+8 (5 entries, ca. 2...3 seconds)A typical application for this keyboard is a remote control for TV or MD etc when a lot of text entry is needed (interactive TV). In GKOS position, the cursor control is logical without much learning when using the game control GKOS characters. A dedicated mouse control on the front panel is also possible. The front panel may then have the GKOS character set visible so that no additional information is necessary for GKOS typing either.
Seppo Tiainen 7.3.2003
