Teeth-Activated Mouth Mouse for Low-Fatigue Computer Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for controlling electronic systems, such as eye tracking systems and mouth-operated joysticks, are either too expensive, cumbersome, or cause undue fatigue, and fail to minimize the risk of contact infection.
Innovation Solution
A teeth-operated mouth mouse with sensors disposed at specific tooth positions for controlling computer operations, allowing users to perform tasks like cursor movement and clicking using their teeth, minimizing physical effort and infection risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If eye tracking systems or head-mouse devices are used to control electronic systems, then the control capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical tracking systems with a simple mechanical sensor activation system. Sensors are positioned to be activated by tooth contact, eliminating the need for cameras, processors, and complex algorithms required by eye tracking systems. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive pressure-sensitive sensors instead of expensive tracking technology. The mounting device can be easily replaced or adjusted, and the overall system is designed to be cost-effective compared to commercial eye tracking or head-mouse systems.
2Ease of operation
If mouth-operated joysticks are used for controlling electronic systems, then the control capability is improved, but the user experiences undue fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the user's existing oral structures (teeth and tongue) as the operating mechanism, eliminating the need for external muscle effort. The teeth naturally press against the sensors during normal oral movements, converting passive anatomical features into active control inputs without requiring additional energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively manipulate a joystick with mouth muscles, the system inverts the approach by having stationary sensors activated by passive tooth contact. This reversal of the control paradigm eliminates the need for continuous muscular effort and reduces fatigue.
3Measurement precision
If traditional hand-operated input devices are used, then the control precision is improved, but the risk of contact infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control method using oral cavity contact instead of hand contact. The teeth and tongue serve as intermediaries between the user and the control system, eliminating direct hand-to-device contact and the subsequent hand-to-face transmission pathway that leads to infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control function from the hands and relocates it to the oral cavity. By removing hand contact from the input process, the system eliminates the primary vector for contact infection while preserving precise control capability through tooth-activated sensors.
4Ease of manufacture
If affordable input devices are used, then the cost is reduced, but the device functionality and control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multiple functions with minimal components. The same sensor array that detects tooth position for cursor control also detects pressing actions for clicking, and can be extended for keyboard functionality. This multi-functionality reduces component costs while maintaining comprehensive control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from visual tracking (requiring expensive cameras and processors) to mechanical pressure detection (using inexpensive force-sensitive resistors or piezoelectric sensors). This parameter change enables precise control at a fraction of the cost of optical systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed herein are teeth-operated mouth mouses and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the teeth-operated mouth mouse includes a mounting conforming to a row of upper teeth in the oral cavity of a user; and a plurality of sensors independently disposed at a position corresponding to an individual tooth along the mounting and wirelessly coupled to the computer for transmitting and receiving signals therebetween; wherein, each of the plurality sensors is capable of performing at least one teeth-activating task selected from the group consisting of "moving to the right", "moving to the left", "moving forward", "moving backward", and "enter". Also provided herein are methods of operating a computer with the aid of the disclosed teeth-operated mouth mouse. The method includes selectively clicking one of the plurality of sensors respectively disposed on the mounting by the lower teeth once or twice to instruct the single or double-clicked sensor to perform one of the teeth-activating tasks associated therewith.