An idea of an assistive computer input device using morse code recognition controlled by nipple switch for quadriplegics

Abstract

An idea of a useful assistive computer input device for quadriplegics is proposed in this paper, which will be a bifunctional device: keyboard and mouse. A user can control both functions by clicking a nipple switch combined by nipple and micro-switch with Morse-code encoding. To keep a stable typing speed and ratio for quadriplegics is very difficult, so a fuzzy algorithm will be applied to recognize the unstable Morse-code. This device will use only one microcontroller which contains a USB 2.0 device to fulfill the several tasks. (1) Acquire the input signals from the nipple switch; (2) Translate the input signals to Morse-codes by a fuzzy algorithm. (3) Send the control signals to drive the mouse or to input the data as a keyboard through USB interface. Since we'll only use one microcontroller and one nipple switch in whole device, the dimension of the device will be very small with reasonable low price so that the person with disabilities can afford and use conveniently. The proposed device will be one of the most convenient assistive computer input device for people with severe disabilities, such as quadriplegics. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.