Metaphor Computer System – Keypad, 5-function, wireless
Keypad: Model 114 ML1, serial number 8/02-03589, assembly number
97-0104-04, wireless.
Metaphor Computer Systems (1982–1994) was a Xerox PARC spin-off
that created an advanced workstation, database gateway, a unique graphical
office interface, and software applications that communicate. The Metaphor machine was one of the first
commercial workstations to offer a complete hardware/software package and a
GUI. Although the company achieved some
commercial success, it never achieved the fame of either the Apple Macintosh or
Microsoft Windows.
Hardware
The Metaphor workstation had a wireless keyboard, wireless
mouse, wireless numeric pad, and a wireless 5-function keypad (for sale here is
the keypad only; I have already sold the other items). All these input devices
docked in the desktop workstation where they were recharged. Objects on the
desktop and open applications had a uniform command set that could be
controlled by the keypad which had Copy, Move, Delete, Options, and Size.
Workstations were connected with Ethernet. The industrial design of the
workstation was done by Mike Nutall of Matrix Product Design. It won a gold
medal from the IDSA. The workstation itself was engineered by James Yurchenco
at David Kelley Design. Both Matrix and David Kelley Design were precursors of
IDEO.
Two different workstations models were produced. Workstation One
had an external electronics enclosure. Workstation Two had integrated
electronics. A Workstation Three, which included a color screen, was designed
through final prototypes, but was never taken into production.
GUI Origins
Xerox PARC in 1973 began development of the Alto, widely shown
in 1979. The Alto was the first computer with a bitmap display, mouse and a
desktop metaphor as a graphical user interface (GUI). Xerox commercialized it
as the Xerox Star.
DIS
The Metaphor GUI provided a unique visualization of end-to-end
elements in an enterprise. In total, Metaphor branded this as a Data
Interpretation System (DIS), which is a class of Decision Support System (DSS)
The DIS software was designed to show in one workflow, the access of data from
SQL databases, its analysis and then its presentation. This was accomplished by
using graphically iconic applications for database gateway, spreadsheet, plot,
email, and printing tools all connected by arrows. These were animated when the
workflow ran. The workflow collection was called a Capsule.
Buyers in the U.S. will pay actual shipping costs, as estimated
by eBay’s shipping calculator.
Refunds can be requested within 14 days of delivery. The
shipping fees are non-refundable.