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to as [SPCL] and the right space bar will be referred to as [SPCR]. In the case that both
the left and the right space bar can be pressed, they are designated as [SPC].
Between the two spacebars is a small five-way function key that can be pressed to the
right, left, up, down or center. This function key enables fast and convenient navigation
both in internal mode and in connection with connected devices, such as a PC or cell
phone. In this context, it functions like the arrow keys on a keyboard.
Behind the space bar are the 40 ergonomic Braille modules with integrated cursor routing
keys. With the integrated cursor routing keys, hereafter called [CR] keys, the cursor can be
placed directly at the text position of a specific Braille module.
To the left and right of each Braille module are three independent navigation keys labelled
N followed by 1 through 6, according to the arrangement of the Braille dots. So top left N1,
below N2 and N3, right N4, N5 and N6. They are embedded in the housing in such a way
that they do not stand out from the Braille modules. The navigation keys have the following
functions:
The left resp. right upper navigation key serves as a read key to move back in the text and
will be called [N1] resp. [N4] in the following.
The lower left or right navigation key is used to read forwards and is referred to below as
[N3] or [N6].
If the left or right middle navigation key is pressed, different additional functions are
triggered. The following is an overview of the names of the navigation keys:
Upper left navigation key: [N1]
Left middle navigation key: [N2]
Left lower navigation key: [N3]
Upper right navigation key: [N4]
Right middle navigation key: [N5]
Right lower navigation key: [N6]
Above the Braille modules is the multifunctional 2-in-1 folding keyboard. This keyboard can
be used in the following two ways:
When folded down, an 8-dot Braille keyboard is available. This allows characters to be
entered using dot combinations in Braille. The keyboard is held in place by magnets, which
means it cannot accidentally flip open when the Activator is being transported. The 8-dot
Braille keyboard consists of 8 ergonomically arranged function keys. The function keys are
used for Braille input and are designated as follows:
7 3 2 1 SPCC 4 5 6 8
In the center of the function keys there is a space bar (space key), hereafter called
[SPCC]. In internal mode it functions as a space bar, in terminal mode, i.e. in connection
with a terminal and a screen reader, it functions as a control key.
A support foot is attached to the upper left and right narrow side of the folding keyboard.
By lifting both support feet and folding the keyboard backwards, a second keyboard, a
computer keyboard, can be used. This allows characters to be entered in the same way as
on a PC. Further information on the computer keyboard can be found in Chapter 6 The
folding computer keyboard.
