Features:
- Optimized for Portable Computers and Augmentative Communication Devices
- Indoor and Outdoor Operation
- Directly Powered from Wheelchair Batteries or Battery Pack
- Integrated Power Supply for Laptop Computers
- Wireless Operation
- No Cumbersome Head Mounted Apparatus
- Standard Mouse Pass-Through
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Emulates:
- Microsoft Serial Mouse
- PS/2 Mouse
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mouse
- Apple Macintosh Mouse
HeadMouse for Portables replaces the standard desktop computer mouse for people who cannot use their hands. HeadMouse translates the movements of a user’s head into directly proportional movements of the computer mouse pointer. The HeadMouse is a wireless optical sensor that tracks a tiny and disposable target placed on the user’s forehead or glasses. When this capability is combined with an on-screen keyboard software, such as SofType, the HeadMouse can completely replace the functions of a conventional keyboard. On-screen keyboards provide an image of the keys on the computer display, with key selection made by positioning the mouse pointer over a key. The actual key press is implemented by dwelling over that key for a set period of time or by using an adaptive switch.
The HeadMouse for Portables has been optimized for use with laptop computers and augmentative communication devices (AAC). The lightweight and rugged HeadMouse sensor is attached directly to the computer display or AAC device. Power for the HeadMouse and computer can be provided by the integrated power adapter which is connected directly to a wheelchair mounted battery. There are two optical sensors available for optimum integration with a laptop or AAC device. The standard sensor and miniature sensor options are shown in the photograph below.
The HeadMouse emulates an RS-232 serial Microsoft Mouse, an IBM PS/2 mouse, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) mouse and an Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) mouse. Origin Instruments provides special Smart Cables for converting to the appropriate data format.
Collaboration is facilitated by the mouse pass-through (or Teach) mode of operation. The standard desktop mouse shipped with each order is connected to the HeadMouse and allows a person without disabilities to work with a HeadMouse user. The HeadMouse automatically switches the mouse pointer from head control to hand control when the the desktop mouse is active. This feature is implemented in the HeadMouse and is independent of the host computer or AAC device.
When the Head Mouse is used with on-screen keyboard software, all of the standard personal computer applications are available to the person with a disability.
Portable HeadMouse Specifications
- Standard HeadMouse Sensor Size: 2.5 x 0.75 x 5 inches
- Miniature HeadMouse Sensor Size: 2.5 x 0.75 x 3.3 inches
- Interface/Power Adapter Size: 7.3 x 5.7 x 1.5 inches
- Operating Range: 4 to 60 inches
- Operating Field-of-View: 50° in Azimuth and Elevation
- Measurement Resolution: 0.01 inch Typical*
- Operating Wave Band: Near Infrared
- Standard Target: Paper Thin, 0.25 inch Diameter, with Adhesive Backing
- Switch Interface: 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) Microphone Jacks (One Each for Left and Right Buttons**)
- Secondary Port: Interface for Using the Computer with a Traditional Mouse (Microsoft compatible serial port mouse included).
- 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.)
- Power Output: Conditioned 12 Volts for Use with Available Laptop Power Adapters. Maximum current 2.5 amps.
- Computer Interfaces***
- Serial Port, RS-232C With DB 9 Connector
- Smart Cable for Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mouse
- Smart Cable for Apple Macintosh
- Smart Cable for IBM PS/2
* Measurement parameters are RMS values and are quoted for a 1/4 inch target at 24 inches range under normal florescent room lights. Values will vary with operating range, and to some extent with ambient illumination and target position in the sensor field of view.
** For hardware support of three mouse buttons, the Remote Switch Interface (RSI) is required. For Apple Macintosh computers, the Left button input is used.
*** The default communication link, a standard RS232 serial port, can be used by most IBM PCs and compatibles. Origin Instruments provides Smart Cables for interface to personal computers from Apple Macintosh and workstations from various manufacturers. Smart Cables integrate embedded microprocessors that interface to the Apple Macintosh, IBM PS/2 or Universal Serial Bus (USB) mouse formats.
Mounting accessories are available for unusual installations.
