Bas-relief pointing device for movement disorder access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer mouse configurations pose significant difficulties for individuals with movement disorders, as they require minimal movement ability and are often expensive and complex to use, limiting access to computing tools for those with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed pointing device with large, easily accessible buttons and a bas-relief configuration allows users to navigate and select objects without needing to hold the device firmly, featuring a USB Plug&Play interface and advanced functions like double click and speed selection, which can be operated with minimal hand movement and both hands, reducing the risk of unintended button presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mouse configuration is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it requires minimal movement ability and becomes difficult to use for people with movement disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse is divided into multiple functional buttons (first button, second button, third button, fourth button) that can be independently activated. Each button corresponds to specific functions (single click, double click, left hold, right hold), allowing users to perform complex operations through simple, discrete actions that are easier to execute with limited movement ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouse incorporates dynamic response capabilities where buttons can be held in activated states (left hold, right hold) and the system dynamically interprets these sustained states as different commands. This allows users to perform multiple functions through sustained button pressure rather than rapid sequential clicks, reducing the movement required.
2Ease of operation
If switchboards with special software are used to replace keyboard and mouse, then access is enabled for people with movement disorders, but the solution becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse is designed to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate devices (keyboard, mouse, switchboard) through a single unified device. The four buttons combine the functionality of traditional mouse operations with simplified access methods, eliminating the need for separate switchboards and special software while maintaining ease of operation for users with movement disorders.
3Ease of operation
If voice recognition devices are used to replace the mouse, then access is enabled for people with movement disorders, but the solution becomes highly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential interaction function from complex voice recognition systems and implements it through simple mechanical buttons. Instead of requiring complex voice processing hardware and software, the solution uses basic button presses that directly translate to cursor movements and selections, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If state-of-the-art devices with eye movement or mouth control are used, then access is enabled for quadriplegic users, but the solution becomes highly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive mechanical buttons instead of expensive state-of-the-art detection devices. The buttons are basic electronic components that can be easily manufactured and assembled, providing a cost-effective solution that achieves the same functional goal (enabling access for users with severe movement disorders) without the high complexity and cost of eye tracking or mouth control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The preferred embodiment of the invention describes a pointing device comprising a cabinet divided in two housings screwed together. Below the upper housing, a flexible, hard-use film contains all button symbols printed thereon and aligned with the housing upper side holes and tact switch actuators.A high-relief surface defines the visible surface of depressed buttons surrounded by restraining circular walls which arise from said high-relief surface.All buttons are placed in a bas-relief surface to avoid undesired or unintended pressings. Moreover, the fact that they are in a depressed surface help people with limb movement disorders to avoid the involuntary movement of their fingers beyond the limits of the depressed buttons, which act as restraining areas, thus avoiding to click, press or hold an undesired button.