Design of a Facial Optical Mouse for Patients with Paraplegic Disability

Abstract

In this work, we present a Facial Optical Mouse with an electronic interface based on optoelectronics devices. A microcontroller with an USB module was used. Development of a device and software have been implemented. This device allows using a computer to the people with severe motor incapacity in extremities superiors, especially those that present quadriplejia. Communication protocol using infrared (IR) to have wireless control of computer cursor have been implemented. A mechanical device have been designed. This design is capable of adjusting to different facial contours, and it takes advantage of optimal facial movements of a quadriplejic person. Software that emulates a physical keyboard on the computer screen allows the character writing in any text processor.