Project Title:

HeadMouse: A Head Direction, User-Computer Interface

92-1-12.09-1142                                                   NAS08-39842
HeadMouse:  A Head Direction, User-Computer
     Interface
Eyetech Corporation
416 S. Linn Street, Suite 9
Iowa City, IA  52240
Shaugun Pan                                          (319-339-1142)

Abstract:

     HeadMouse is an inexpensive, microprocessor-controlled,
infrared-light-based system that indicates head position in real-
time. This system enables an operator to control the cursor
movement on a computer or a display by using only head movements
without the need for head constraints or head-mounted equipment
(glasses, helmet, etc.). By changing head direction, the user can
position the cursor in the same manner as a conventional mouse.
Therefore, any software that incorporates a mouse can be used with
this system. The HeadMouse can establish the user's habitual
motion dimensions in partial-gravity environments and can
incorporate the user's postural input in real-time, fully
interactive, virtual reality systems, which will free the user's
hands to accomplish other manual tasks.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Such a head direction, man-
machine interface will be competitive for the general personal-
computer "mouse" market and have significant advantages in laptop,
disabled, oriental character, entertainment, and military markets.
It could also be easily adapted to operate as a three-dimensional
head-mouse.

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