Head-Mouse is an inexpensive microprocessor-controlled infrared-light-based system that indicates head position in realtime, so as to enable a computer user to control cursor movement on a computer display by head movement without any head constraints or head mounted apparatus (glasses, helmet, etc.). By activating the system using a designated key on a standard keyboard or by using a foot-operated or other kind of switch or special head,motion, the user can position the cursor in the same manner as the conventional mouse by changing head direction thereby allowing use of presently available software. Such a head direction user-computer interface should be competitive for the general personal computer "mouse" market, and should have significant advantages in laptop, disabled, oriental character, entertainment, and military niche markets. It could also easily be adapted to operate as a three-dimensional headmouse.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The research will provide a substitute mouse for existing personal and other computers (especially laptop, computer interracing for the disabled, oriental character interface, entertainment, and military markets).
