eMouse
My partner Emrah Yilmaz and I were driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference for those in dire need. Emrah's personal connection to a family member who lost his hands during military service was our inspiration. Together, we created the eMouse, a pioneering wearable device engineered to empower people with various physical disabilities. The eMouse enables users to fully harness mouse functionalities with extraordinary sensitivity, making it a revolutionary tool in assistive technology. Specifically designed to assist individuals suffering from conditions like hemiplegia, diplegia, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), brain injuries, muscular atrophies, and stroke-related impairments, the eMouse stands out in its field. Its defining feature is a patented embedded image processing system, which sets it apart from other assistive devices. This system precisely translates head movements into cursor movements on the screen, allowing users to interact with digital environments seamlessly and effectively.
In developing the eMouse, our journey began with the creation of an initial module focused on achieving extreme sensitivity, crucial for matching the speed of typing on a keyboard. Despite experimenting with various technologies like eye tracking and voice recognition, we found that none provided the level of precise cursor control we sought. Our breakthrough came when we ingeniously integrated components into a hat, paired with a flashlight. This innovative prototype not only tested our concept but also paved the way for refining the eMouse into the highly responsive and user-friendly device it is today. This process exemplified our commitment to blending creativity with practical solutions to meet the unique needs of our users.
From a user experience standpoint, our goal was to create an extremely user-friendly product. The eMouse exemplifies simplicity with its plug-and-play functionality, allowing users to operate it as intuitively as they would a traditional mouse. This design approach ensures ease of use right from the start, with no complex setup or learning curve, making it accessible and convenient for all users.
INTERFACE OPTIONS
Smartphones
Tablets
Computers
The eMouse offers three distinct modes of operation to cater to different user needs, enhancing its versatility and accessibility:
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Timer-Based Clicking: We developed a system where the cursor automatically clicks after a predetermined time interval. For example, in our user testing, we found that a 2-second delay was generally well-received. This feature is especially useful for users who may find continuous physical interaction challenging.
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Mouth Click: The eMouse includes a mouthpiece equipped with a clicking mechanism akin to traditional mouse buttons. This became the primary mode of operation in the shipped product, aligning closely with conventional mouse usage but adapted for accessibility.
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Speech Recognition System: We successfully integrated a speech recognition system that works in conjunction with head movements. This dual-input method proved effective, offering an alternative way for users to interact with their devices, especially beneficial for those who may have limitations in using physical controls.
A Fusion of Form and Function
In the form studies phase of the eMouse design, my focus was on three crucial aspects: creating a modern, minimalistic design, ensuring optimal ergonomics for effortless placement on the head by a caregiver, and simplifying the activation process. This quest for a contemporary aesthetic was balanced with the need for robust durability, leading us to explore a variety of materials and finishes. The outcome was a device that not only boasts a cutting-edge appearance but also maintains resilience. Collaborative efforts with Emrah culminated in the integration of all essential components into a glasses-like form factor, while also achieving an impressive battery life of over 30 hours, encapsulating the essence of sleek, efficient design in a compact package.