Upper-Arm Mouse 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 a more intuitive and non-invasive human-computer interface.
Innovation Solution
An upper-arm computer pointing apparatus equipped with orientation measurers and pressure meters, connected to a computer processor that translates muscle movements into standard computer mouse protocol data for control operations, allowing users to interact with computing devices without manual dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional computer mouse is used, then cursor control and object selection are achieved, but users with motor control conditions or amputations cannot operate it due to loss of manual motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse operation system with a physiological sensing system. Pressure meters and orientation measurers detect muscle pressure and arm orientation to generate cursor control signals, eliminating the need for manual dexterity and mouse button pressing. This substitution enables users with motor control conditions or amputations to control the cursor through natural arm movements and muscle contractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that translates physiological signals (muscle pressure, arm orientation) into computer control commands. The processor receives data from pressure meters and orientation measurers, derives control data, and transmits it to the computing device, serving as a mediator between the user's physiological actions and the computer's response.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure meters and orientation measurers are deployed on the upper arm, then cursor control is enabled for users with motor control issues, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system that can serve multiple user groups (able-bodied users, users with motor control conditions, and amputees) through a single apparatus. The pressure meters and orientation measurers on the upper arm provide a common interface that adapts to different user capabilities, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each user group.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the user's own arm muscles and movements as the control mechanism, eliminating the need for external hand-operated controls. The pressure meters detect muscle contractions and the orientation measurers detect arm positioning, allowing the user's body to serve itself as the control interface, thereby reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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 amputees and individuals with motor control issues to use computing devices intuitively, mimicking regular mouse operations, while also being suitable for non-amputees in industrial settings, promoting continued use of arm muscles and enhancing user experience.
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 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
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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.