Abstract
People with physical disabilities in their upper extremities face serious issues in using classical input devices due to lacking movement possibilities and precision. This article suggests an alternative input concept and presents corresponding input devices. The proposed interface combines an inertial measurement unit and force sensing resistors, which can replace mouse and keyboard. Head motions are mapped to mouse pointer positions, while mouse button actions are triggered by contracting mastication muscles. The contact pressures of each fingertip are acquired to replace the conventional keyboard. To allow for complex text entry, the sensory concept is complemented by an ambiguous keyboard layout with ten keys. The related word prediction function provides disambiguation at word level. Haptic feedback is provided to users corresponding to their virtual keystrokes for enhanced closed-loop interactions. This alternative input system enables text input as well as the emulation of a two-button mouse.
Highlights
People with muscular dystrophy (MD) and some other muscle and nervous system disorders lose gross motor control while retaining fine motor control in the early stages
In comparison to the system developed by MacKenzie et al [5], our system has a total of 10 possible inputs and replaces mechanical switches with Force sensing resistors (FSRs)
We report on a modular multisensory human–machine interface designed to provide computer access for people with physical disabilities in the upper extremities
Summary
People with muscular dystrophy (MD) and some other muscle and nervous system disorders lose gross motor control while retaining fine motor control in the early stages. Typical neurological symptoms of MD are muscle weakness and ataxia, as well as loss of balance and coordination [1]. FA is a slowly progressing disease with symptoms that first appear around puberty Another related disease is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a hereditary neuromuscular disorder that leads to weakness in the body, arms and legs. It affects both boys and girls between six months and three years of age and progresses rapidly [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
