Mouse adapter gives computer access to millions of hand tremor sufferers
IBM today announced its researchers have invented a new computer mouse adapter that enables people who suffer from hand tremors to eliminate excessive cursor movement, thereby allowing more normal use of a personal computer. IBM is licensing the mouse adapter to Montrose Secam Limited, a small British electronics company, which plans to manufacture and sell the Assistive Mouse Adapter.
According to the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF), nearly 10 million people in the United States alone are affected by Essential Tremor, the most common form of hand tremors. The involuntary movements of the hand when using a computer mouse make it extremely difficult to operate a PC. Simple tasks like opening an email or navigating the web are made almost impossible because of the erratic movements of the cursor on the screen.
The new mouse adapter filters out the shaking movements of the hand – in a similar way to how the image stabilizing systems of some camera lenses work. The device, which is designed to work with any PC and operating system, can benefit users in homes and offices, as well as in public places like libraries and universities. No additional software is required; the adapter is simply plugged in between the computer and the mouse and can be switched on or off, and adjusted depending on the tremor severity. It can also be set to filter out unintended multiple clicking on the mouse caused by a shaking finger.
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