As a leading company in user interface technology, PKT Technologies has unveiled an innovative QWERTY keyboard equipped with keys that dynamically change to match the activity of the user, named The Picture Key Board (PKB 5000).
Leveraging on PKT Tech’s patented Picture Key Technology, The PKB 5000 delivers an interface that combines the advantages of a touch screen with the benefits of tactile ‘haptic’ feedback. Each of the keyboard’s 110 keys can be programmed to display any required image and enact a predetermined action. This allows the keyboard to be customised for specific workflows and changed as often as required. Keys can be configured for different languages or linked to specific functions within software applications.
It uses a single, standard computer screen beneath the set of physical keys, wherein between them lies a special material called Bonded Fibre Optic Image Conduit (BFOIC) that allows graphics to be transferred from the screen below onto the cap up top. The graphic on each can be changed through software to match user requirements. PKT Tech’s CEO Philip Belcher said the company’s PKT technology was currently deployed around the world in mission-critical broadcast and movie audio production environments as well as commercial customer interface applications.
The PKB 5000 now takes the advantages of PKT into the wider business environment. Users can expect productivity improvements estimated at more than 20 per cent when compared with using conventional keyboards. As well as boosting productivity, the PKB 5000 lowers operator repetitive strain injuries and fatigue by reducing the need for multi-key operations and mouse clicks. This, in turn, should result in a reduction in lost time due to injury and staff turnover. We have put significant investment into developing the prototype QWERTY keyboard to demonstrate how picture key technology can be leveraged in commercial and industrial applications. We have seen approximately a 20 per cent improvement in process times for our customers in the broadcast and audio post-production sectors. We have also seen significant market advantage for our customers in the gaming machine industries due to PKT’s ability to enable the user interface to reflect the flow of their games, hence attracting players who prefer those machines.
Philip Belcher – CEO of PKT Technologies
Adding on to what Mr Belcher mentioned, PKT Tech is now seeking to accelerate the full commercialisation of its patented keyboard technology and the company is currently in discussion with a range of interested parties. The marketing process for PKT will commence immediately and, given the revolutionary nature of the technology, it is expected an acquisition will be completed swiftly. It is anticipated the acquirer will continue to licence the technology to PKT Tech’s existing licensees following the acquisition.
For more information and to see the keyboard in action, visit their official website here.
