Affiliations: [a] School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden | [b] Office for Science and Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Christer Gerdtman, School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University, P.O. Box 883, SE-721 23 Västerås, Sweden. E-mail: christer.gerdtman@mdh.se.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop an alternative computer mouse for disabled persons. The mouse developed is a flexible input device with a multi-click function, which can be attached to a selectable body part (eg head, arm, foot). The mouse has a MEMS-gyroscope as the motion sensor, which is both small and sensitive. A USB-interface with a HID-profile is used to make the installation easy, “plug & play”, and to make it compatible for use on any modern computer, independent of the operating system (Windows, Linux, Mac etc.). The structure is modular to achieve a flexible functionality. The mouse has individually adapted click-functions with selectable click devices, in addition to which, it is possible to define individual settings of the mouse parameters. The functionality can be extended by adding further personal settings, thereby programming the mouse for individual optimal performance. The result is a reliable and useful computer mouse for people with disabilities. In the development process, 23 users have been interviewed, three of whom participated in a 6 month long-term test. The study shows that a computer mouse incorporating a MEMS-gyroscope is a good, flexible solution, providing a high performance technical aid with extremely good sensitivity at a modest cost.
Keywords: Assistive technology, computer mouse, input device, MEMS-gyroscope, human-computer interface, motor disabled, motor impairment
