Hands-free mouse helps disabled nose through the net
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 | 11:41 AM ET
CBC News
Computer users who can't move their hands are testing a device that allows them to point and click using their nose.
Thirteen patients at St. Vincent Hospital in Ottawa are currently trying out the "nouse" developed by the Elizabeth Breyer Research Institute and the National Research Council as a new alternative to a regular computer mouse.
The user controls the nouse by turning her head. Nodding downward serves as a click of the mouse button.
(CBC)
Among them is Linda Baker, who was on the internet regularly until multiple sclerosis caused her to lose mobility in her arms. She hopes to get back online and reconnect with others who have the disease.
"I have a rare form of the disease and it's kinda nice to talk to someone else who has the same kind — just to see what they're doing, how they're making out," said Baker, who tries hard to be independent and uses her head to operate her wheelchair.
During a test run, the nouse used a camera to detect Baker's nose and show it on the screen like a mouse pointer. As she turned her head, the "pointer" followed across the screen. Tilting her head down worked like a click of the mouse button.
Occupational therapist Hilary McKee said the device will open doors for many people.
Linda Baker was often on the internet until multiple sclerosis took away her ability to use her arms. Now she hopes to get back online and reconnect with other people who have MS.
(CBC)
"Computers are so integrated into our lives these days it's really important for people with disabilities to be able to access the computer and use it to its full advantage."
There is a range of devices on the market that help people with physical disabilities use computers. Some have a camera that tracks head or eye movements and others are operated with the user's mouth.
The National Research Council says the nouse tracks the user's movements better than other camera-based devices that focus on the eyebrows and mouth, which can be difficult to recognize when a face is slightly tilted.
The nouse's developers say they hope to find a private company that can bring it to market once they finish fine tuning the device this fall.
