Noninvasive tongue-motion controlled computer mouse for the disabled

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Assistive Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Spinal cord injuries can lead to tetraplegia, significantly impairing a patient's ability to control their environment.
• Current communication methods for such patients often rely on invasive tongue movement tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a non-invasive computer mouse system utilizing tongue movement.
• To enable individuals with paralysis to control computers and communicate with their environment.

Main Methods:

• A pressure sensor and assistive holder were developed to detect pressure changes from the mylohyoid muscle in the lower jaw.
• These pressure changes are translated into computer mouse control signals.
• The system was evaluated using four training modes based on ISO9241-Part 9 standards.

Main Results:

• Data collected from five participants over seven days demonstrated the system's stability and practicality.
• Key performance metrics including throughput, path efficiency, completion time, and reaction time were analyzed.
• The results indicate the system's viability as an assistive tool for individuals with disabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed non-invasive tongue movement sensing system offers a significant advancement over existing invasive methods.
• It provides a simple, non-invasive means for patients to control computer devices using natural tongue movements.
• This technology has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life and independence for individuals with severe physical impairments.