A head movement image controlled computer mouse

[Wise Young]

• Chen YL, Chen WL, Kuo TS and Lai JS (2003). A head movement image (HMI)-controlled computer mouse for people with disabilities. Disabil Rehabil 25:163-7. Summary: PURPOSE: This study proposes image processing and microprocessor technology for use in developing a head movement image (HMI)-controlled computer mouse system for the spinal cord injured (SCI). METHOD: The system controls the movement and direction of the mouse cursor by capturing head movement images using a marker installed on the user's headset. In the clinical trial, this new mouse system was compared with an infrared-controlled mouse system on various tasks with nine subjects with SCI. RESULTS: The results were favourable to the new mouse system. The differences between the new mouse system and the infrared-controlled mouse were reaching statistical significance in each of the test situations (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HMI-controlled computer mouse improves the input speed. People with disabilities need only wear the headset and move their heads to freely control the movement of the mouse cursor. Department of Electronic Engineering, Hwa-Hsia College of Technology and Commerce, Taiwan. allen@cc.hwh.edu.tw

[Raven]

This is really good news to hear. Thank you Dr. Young.

I was also wondering ... aren't they also attempting to use the idea of eye movement to work with the actions of the mouse? Or am I just recalling some dream I might have had? http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Raven

[paulsask]

Greetings

This has been around for several years now.
I was at our local Abilities Council in 1995 96 and the tech in charge of special needs showed this to me.
It simply looked like a small grey dot that you would stick on a pair of glasses or just bare skin.
It worked great but in my case, I would have this dot stuck to my head until I got someone to pull it off.
I haven't looked into since because at that time I didn't have a pc, and have gotten along ok since.

Paul

[dogger]

here are some details on research being done at USQ in Toowoomba , Qld , Australia , to help high level quads etc use a computer ....
Research details:
Rapid progress is being made on the BrowsMouse, one of the ongoing components which
forms part of this research project. The BrowsMouse is an interface designed to reduce the
impairment a disabling accident can inflict on the victim's life. It enables people who have
little or no use of their arms to operate a standard computer by using their eyebrows.
The BrowsMouse consists of a pair of spectacles, which serve as a mounting frame for
sensors which detect movement of the users eyebrows. The up and down movements of
both eyebrows are conveyed to a small box which generates 'mouse codes' which are sent to
the computer system via infra-red light signals. The received signals are interpreted in
exactly the same way as a conventional mouse. Thus, compatibility problems are avoided
and the user can point and click using their eyebrows.
The BrowsMouse has been developed based on needs and design criteria determined in
earlier stages of this research. It has been designed to minimise the cost to the user. It is
robust, easy to use, light weight and unobtrusive.
After encouraging publicity and links forged with disability groups, the BrowsMouse is about to
undergo extensive field trials with the aim of making it a commercial product. Thus far 18
BrowsMice have been built for evaluation purposes. These units will be distributed among
disability groups, including the Toowoomba Library Disability Access Centre, and individual
users around Australia and overseas.
Research Outcomes:
The future of the BrowsMouse is in providing computer access as well as in giving the users
more independence in their living environment. To enhance independence, home automation
is currently making inroads into the disability industry. The BrowsMouse, which communicates
using infra-red light, will be adapted to link with home automation systems. This will make the
BrowsMouse a very flexible aid for people with disabilities.

thank you
dogger

every day i wake up is a good one .