Mouse manipulation through switch-control input device for people with disabilities

For the disabled, Microsoft has provided eight keys on the keyboard to direct the movements of the mouse cursor in the Windows Operating System. However, using them is uncomfortable because they are small, poorly located and moved slowly. This study proposes a faster switch-control computer input device using the method of two-grade movement mode, rather than that of Microsoft; this device has other additional functions to help users easily access the computer. The device has 15 switch-sockets. Eight switch-sockets are utilized to control the direction of motion and seven switch-sockets provide additional functions. The structure of this device -which allows users to create operating platforms that fit their requirements; to choose the number of required switches; to locate the switches and establish the movement speed- is an open and human interface. Six users without physical disabilities and two physically challenged users tested the device. Experimental results reveal that the average time taken using the proposed device was faster than that using the Microsoft Windows method by a factor of 6.17- 12.58. Furthermore, the users can combine the proposed device with the speed function-key for a given far target to get the cursor speed improved by 43%.