A "lip reading" click device for disabled computer users

描述(由申请者提供)：该项目旨在改善脊髓损伤(SCI)和其他不能使用标准计算机键盘和鼠标的人的生活质量、计算机可获得性和就业潜力。一些辅助产品，如头追踪器，适合控制鼠标指针的位置。然而，大多数这样的指点产品并不提供用于创建鼠标点击的不显眼或有效的手段。第一阶段SBIR项目开发了一个概念验证单元，该单元可以检测用户嘴巴或嘴唇做出的微妙手势，并将这些手势解释为鼠标点击或其他类型的开关输出，为许多用户需求提供快速高效的解决方案。在第二阶段，我们计划：a)根据残障人士、治疗师、技术员和潜在雇主的意见，完善对原型“唇读”设备的要求；b)将传感设备升级为更紧凑、更容易由用户或护理者安装，甚至不需要对用户进行定位；c)升级信号处理和模式识别算法，为那些有语音或相关电机控制问题的人提供额外的无意手势拒绝；d)为PC创建驱动程序和用户偏好软件，和e)进行短期用户评估和为期一个月的家庭试用，以展示该项目的主要创新。其结果将是，在第二阶段结束时，我们将拥有一个具有高质量外观、手感和功能的“唇读”设备原型，以及来自用户的测试数据，这些数据显示了有用和高效的性能，以及用户对产品的高度满意度和偏好。与公众健康相关：第二阶段SBIR项目的研发将为无法使用标准鼠标点击计算机屏幕上的对象的残疾人士提供一种改进的使用计算机的方式。这项技术还将为非计算机应用提供一种改进的开关设备。该项目的结果将使这些人能够更有生产力，从而提供更好的就业潜力和生活质量的提高。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project aims to improve the quality of life, computer accessibility, and employment potential for spinal cord injured (SCI) and other individuals who cannot use a standard computer keyboard and mouse. Some assistive products, such as head trackers, are suitable for controlling the position of the mouse pointer. However, most such pointing products do not provide an unobtrusive or efficient means for creating mouse clicks. The Phase I SBIR project developed a proof of concept unit that can detect subtle gestures made by the mouth or lips of the user, and interpret these as mouse clicks or other types of switch output, providing a quick and efficient solution to many user needs. In Phase II, we plan to: a) Refine the requirements for the prototype "lip reading" device, based on inputs from people with disability, therapists, technologists, and potential employers, b) Upgrade the sensing apparatus to be more compact, easily mountable by users or caregivers, and even less needful of positioning on the user, c) Upgrade the signal processing and pattern-recognition algorithms to provide additional rejection of unintentional gestures for those with speech or related motor-control issues, d) Create driver and user preference software for the PC, and e) Perform a short-term user evaluation and a month-long in-home trial that demonstrates the main innovations of the project. The result will be that at the end of Phase II, we have a prototype "lip reading" device that has a high-quality look, feel, and function, along with test data from users that shows useful and efficient performance, and a high degree of user satisfaction and preference for the product. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The R&D in this Phase II SBIR project will result in an improved way to use computers for individuals with disabilities who cannot use a standard mouse to click on objects on the computer screen. The technology will also provide an improved switch device for non-computer applications. The results of the project will enable such individuals to be more productive, thus providing improved employment potential and an increase in the quality of life.