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Development of a Computer Input System for People With Disabilities Using a Commercial Mouse and Switches

By Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Shih, Ching-Tien; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 414-421
Publication Date: November 2009

Study undertaken to develop a novel method to attain complete computer mouse functions through single direction physical movement. The researchers developed an input system that can be used by persons with disabilities who cannot operate current commercial pointing devices. The input system employs a redesigned mouse driver, the mouse transfer driver (MTD), which adjusts and constrains mouse functions. The system transfers mouse function in real time using four special switches linked to a special-switch universal serial bus (USB) device. The MTD software determines the mouse holding orientation, mouse operation direction, whether horizontal or vertical, and functions of the switches. Each switch function is individually defined as one of click, double-click, movement/scroll and vertical/horizontal movement to suit the user's individual needs. The proposed system has the following merits:
(1) The MTD is software based and does not require additional hardware or circuit preservations.
(2) The driver program is run in Windows OS immediately after the device is attached, realizing plug and play.
(3) The system supports all standard interfaces of commercial input devices including PS/2, USB, and wireless interfaces.
The system was tested with 3 participants with disabilities who were unable to use commercial pointing devices. Their efficiency in target pointing was within 31, 21, and 26 percent of able performance, respectively. Based on test results, the authors conclude that this method effectively enables people with disabilities to operate computers.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited   (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)

International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine    (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J57603
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