Design and feasibility study of an integrated pointing device apparatus for individuals with spinal cord injury.
Despite the commercial availability of numerous computer-pointing devices, many severely disabled individuals still rely on customized equipment to operate computers. This study presents a novel Integrated Pointing Device Apparatus (IPDA) that integrates numerous commercial pointing devices. The novel IPDA, which complies with a standard USB 1.1 interface, is compatible with most tested computer-pointing devices and flexibly integrates commercial computer devices, tailoring them to suit individual needs. By using simple integrated circuit design and low-cost electronic components, this low-cost apparatus is easily maintained. The feasibility of the IPDA was evaluated by four subjects with high-level cervical (C4-5) spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants performed normal move-and-click and drag-and-drop tasks typically performed by computer pointing devices. Each participant not able to use a traditional computer mouse or trackball were able to operate a computer adequately with the IPDA and three including one operating a trackball with his chin, operated computers easily and smoothly. This feasibility study showed that the IPDA effectively integrates commercial pointing devices, thereby providing the possibility for some people with SCI to obtain computer operability. This study demonstrated the advantages of flexibility, low cost, and acceptable efficiency of the novel IPDA.
Chen
Hsieh-Ching
HC
Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168 Jifong E. Road, Wufong Township, Taichung County 41349, Taiwan, ROC. hcchen@cyut.edu.tw
Liu
Yung-Ping
YP
Chen
Chia-Ling
CL
Chen
Chih-Yong
CY
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000295:instrumentation; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface