HeadMouse for Portables

Many people are unable to use a standard desktop computer mouse because they have only limited use of their hands. But if a computer user has fairly good control of his or her head movements, a head-controlled mouse is a good alternative input device. Several models are available; many consist of a head band with an attached pointer stick and are generally known as head sticks. The stick is used to manipulate a standard track ball or track pad for on-screen pointer movement. In a similar manner, mouse buttons or keyboard keys can be pressed. This input method allows someone to generally use a standard computer and software.

A radical departure from the head stick type of head-controlled mouse is a new device called, aptly enough, the HeadMouse™ for Portables by Origin Instruments. This device eliminates the need to wear a prominent and sometimes bulky apparatus. Instead, the user of the HeadMouse™ wears a tiny, paper-thin dot—technically a "wireless optical sensor"—which adheres to his or her forehead or eyeglasses. The optical sensor attached to the computer tracks the user's head movements and translates these movements into direct movements of the on-screen mouse pointer.

Mouse buttons are actuated by using one of three methods: if the person can use a special adaptive switch, it is plugged directly into the HeadMouse.™ Or, if the person is verbal, voice recognition programs, such as those provided by Dragon Systems and IBM can be used to actuate mouse buttons. Finally, there are "dwell" utilities that allow one to pause the mouse pointer over an area of the display for a programmable time and the utility will actuate the mouse button. These "dwell" utilities also allow one to perform double clicks and drag operations. The Headmouse™ can be used with all personal desktop computers and laptops, including Macintosh. It also works with AAC (augmentative alternative communication) devices, such as a Dynavox™ or Freestyle.™

The HeadMouse™ emulates: Microsoft Mouse, IBM PS/2 Mouse and the Apple Macintosh Mouse. When the HeadMouse™ is used with an on-screen "keyboard," such as SofType,™ most standard computer applications are accessible. An on-screen keyboard is a program that puts an image of a keyboard on the display with characters entered into standard applications by positioning the mouse pointer over a key and clicking the mouse button. Simply put, one can now really use his or her head when word-processing!

The receiving end of the HeadMouse,™ a lightweight sensor, is attached directly to the computer display. Power for both the HeadMouse™ and computer is provided by the integrated power adapter, which may be connected directly to a wheelchair-mounted battery or battery pack. Special Smart Cables are provided for converting input to the appropriate format. Mounting accessories are available or can be developed for unusual installations.

Download the HeadMouse for Portables demonstration videos

To download a video demonstration of the HeadMouse,™ please follow these instructions:

Download Instructions for Macintosh:

Download the Quick-Time version to the right.

You must have QuickTime to view the videos.

If you do not have QuickTime, you can download
it here.

These files come in StuffIt format. Simply clicking on the downloaded file will unstuff it, and then you may view it using QuickTime.

Download Instructions for Windows:

Download the AVI version to the right.

An AVI viewer is included with Windows.

HeadMouse™ Specifications (Portable Model)
HeadMouse sensor size: 2.5 x 0.75 x 5 inches
Standard target: paper thin, 0.25-inch diameter, with adhesive backing
Interface/power adapter size: 7.3 x 5.7 x 1.5 inches
Operating range: 4 to 60 inches
Operating field-of-view: 50 degrees in azimuth and elevation
Measurement resolution: 0.01 inch typical
Operating wave band: near infrared
Computer interfaces:
Serial port, RS-232C with DB 9 connector
Smart Cable for Apple Macintosh
Smart Cable for IBM PS/2
Switch interface: 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) microphone jacks
Secondary port: interface for using the computer with a desktop, Microsoft Compatible, serial port mouse.
Input power: 12 or 24 volts DC, designed for direct connection to a battery.
Supplied with 120 VAC wall transformer for domestic use.
(240 VAC power adapter is available for international use.)
Accessory power output: conditioned 12 volts for use with available laptop power adapters.

Cost: $1,700 to $1,900

HeadMouse™ and SofType™ are manufactured by:
Origin Instruments Corporation
854 Greenview Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050-2438 USA
Voice: 972-606-8740
Fax: 972-606-8741
E-mail: sales@orin.com
www.orin.com

The HeadMouse™ is also distributed internationally through:

Woodlake Technologies, Inc.
650 W. Lake Street, Suite 320
Chicago, Illinois 60661
Voice:(800) 253-4391 or(312) 655-9200
Fax: (312) 655-8615
E-mail: offsys@mcs.com
www.woodlaketec.com

Woodlake Technologies, Inc. performs assistive technology evaluations and makes recommendations for equipment.

Note: Infinitec Inc. does not endorse or recommend this product and has no liability for the results of its use. Infinitec Inc. has received no consideration of any type for featuring this product on this Web site. The information offered herein is a summary; it is not comprehensive and should be carefully evaluated by consumers with the assistance of qualified professionals. The intention of Infinitec Inc. is to offer consumers a brief overview of various assistive technology devices and their applications.