| Overlay keyboards add missing functionality to | | | | important information about their work. |
| the standard computer keyboard. Each key on an | | | | Information such as downtime, defect codes and |
| overlay keyboard can be programmed to send a | | | | shift information is quickly and accurately entered. |
| sequence of characters or commands to the | | | | - Process control -- control a machine by hooking |
| computer. An overlay keyboard can be used in | | | | an overlay keyboard directly to the machine. |
| conjunction with a standard keyboard or stand | | | | - Point-of-sale-- allows every program to have the |
| alone. The uses for an overlay keyboard are only | | | | advantages of a fast food sales pad. |
| limited by the imagination of the user. | | | | - Games -- use one key to quickly enter |
| Some examples of where an overlay keyboard | | | | commands into a game. |
| can be used include: | | | | - One unique example of where I have used an |
| - Call centers -- to quickly enter information in | | | | overlay keyboard is in writing computer programs. |
| fields and move between programs and options. | | | | Much of the programming code consists of |
| - Medical transcription -- typing long complicated | | | | command statements. Some examples include if, |
| medical description is time consuming and can | | | | while, repeat statements. A lot of typing involves |
| result in typing errors. Programming different keys | | | | repeatedly entering these commands. I |
| for these terms reduces errors and speeds entry. | | | | programmed keys on my overlay keyboard to |
| - Quality control -- simplify the entry of data while | | | | enter the different commands. This leaves me |
| reducing errors. | | | | free to concentrate on the rest of my |
| - Assembly lines -- quickly allow workers to enter | | | | programming. |