Evaluating the hands-free mouse control system: An initial case study

Abstract

An initial user study evaluating the HAnds-free Mouse COntrol System (HaMCoS) will be presented. The system allows its user to fully operate a Windows® PC without using the hands. It requires a special piezo-based input sensor in order to pick up the muscular activity of a single dedicated muscle of the user. The idea is to detect intentional contractions of the monitored muscle, and to use this information for emulating a two-button mouse device. In addition, the software framework renders any keyboard input unnecessary, so HaMCoS represents a comprehensive input method for persons who are unable to reliably employ the hands (e.g., tetraplegics). The paper will take a closer look at the specifics of the system followed by a discussion of the experiences gained by potential end users in a first case study. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.