Early experiences using visual tracking for computer access by people with profound physical disabilities

A dozen people who cannot speak and have very limited voluntary muscle control because of cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury have tried using a new technology called the Camera Mouse to access the computer. Nine of the people were successful, in many cases being able to spell words or run commercial software or access the internet for the first time. The Camera Mouse is non-invasive and uses a standard video camera and room lighting to track slight movements of the head or thumb or toe, whatever part of the body a person can control. The Camera Mouse acts as a mouse substitute.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: HCI
• Authors: James Gips, Margrit Betke, Philip A. DiMattia
• Keywords: Camera Mouse, HCI 2001, HCI 2007, Standard Video Camera, Voluntary Muscle Control