Upper-Arm Cursor Control Using Orientation and Muscle Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, or amputations face challenges in using traditional computer mice due to loss of manual motor control, necessitating alternative methods for computer interaction.
Innovation Solution
An upper-arm computer pointing apparatus that includes orientation measurers and pressure meters to measure arm movement and muscle pressure, translating these inputs into control data for a computing device, allowing users to interact with computers through muscle movements without manual dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional computer mouse is used, then precise cursor control and object selection are achieved, but users with motor control impairments or amputations cannot operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse system (requiring hand manipulation and finger clicking) with a wearable upper-arm device that uses orientation measurers and pressure meters to detect arm movements and muscle pressure, converting these into computer control signals without requiring manual dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wearable device between the user's upper arm and the computer system. This device includes orientation measurers and pressure meters that act as mediators, translating natural arm movements and muscle pressure into digital control data that the computer can process
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative input methods are provided for users with motor control impairments, then accessibility is improved, but the interface becomes less intuitive and natural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to interact with the computer using their own natural upper arm movements and muscle pressure, without requiring them to learn or adapt to specialized input methods. The system serves itself by directly translating these natural movements into cursor control and button clicks
3Measurement precision
If hand manipulation is required for mouse operation, then precise control is achieved, but users must grasp and maneuver the device which may be difficult for those with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mouse movement on a flat surface to three-dimensional upper arm orientation detection in space. The orientation measurers capture movement across multiple dimensions (pitch, yaw, roll), providing precise cursor control through natural arm positioning rather than manual manipulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables intuitive and non-invasive human-computer interaction for amputees and individuals with motor control impairments, providing a more natural interface similar to using a standard mouse, while encouraging continued use of arm muscles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one orientation measurer, deployable on at least one area of an upper arm of a user, configured to measure orientation of the upper arm
Implementation Method 2
at least one orientation measurer, deployable on at least one area of an upper arm of a user, configured to measure orientation of the upper arm
Implementation Method 3
at least one pressure meter, deployable on at least one area of the upper arm, configured to measure pressure applied by muscle of the upper arm
Data Source
AI summary
An upper-arm computer pointing apparatus, comprising: at least one orientation measurer, deployable on at least one area of an upper arm of a user, configured to measure orientation of the upper arm, at least one pressure meter, deployable on at least one area of the upper arm, configured to measure pressure applied by muscle of the upper arm, a computer processor, associated with the orientation measurer and pressure meter, configured to derive control data from the measured orientation and pressure, and a data transmitter, associated with the computer processor, configured to transmit the control data to a computing device.