WO2020044363A1

WO2020044363A1 - Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device for handicapped

Info

Publication number: WO2020044363A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Preeta Sharan; Anup M. UPADHYAYA; Srujana R.
Original assignee: Oxford College Of Engineering Bangalore; Indian Council of Medical Research
Current assignee: Oxford College Of Engineering Bangalore; Indian Council of Medical Research
Priority date: 2018-08-31
Filing date: 2019-08-13
Publication date: 2020-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-28

Abstract

A Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) includes a spectacle frame (102) configured to be worn by the user, the spectacle frame (102) defines a front portion (104) having a plurality of lenses (106) configured to cover eyes of the user, a plurality of temples (108) pivotally coupled to the front portion (104), the temples (108) being configured to extend beyond the ears of the user, and a head band (110) coupled with the temples (108); a processing unit (112) disposed within the spectacle frame (102); an eyewink sensor (114) disposed proximally with the plurality of lenses (106), the eyewink sensor (114) being communicably coupled with the processing unit (112); a head movement sensor (116) disposed proximally with the plurality of temples (108), the head movement sensor (116) being communicably coupled with the processing unit (112); and an Bluetooth enabled device (118) disposed within the spectacle frame (102).

Description

“SPECTACLE MOUNTED WIRELESS MOUSE AND KEYBOARD DEVICE FOR HANDICAPPED”

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[001] The present disclosure relates to input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by a computer system. Specifically, the present disclosure discloses a Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device for handicapped.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

[002] Each day, the ability to use GUIs or windows-based software applications on a personal computer becomes more essential to both personal and professional achievement. This capability is essential to take advantage of employment and educational opportunities both in and out of the computer industry. The most widely used computer operating system as well as most popular office applications (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages) all utilize GUIs. Moreover, with the advent of the Internet and the emergence of e- commerce, the ability to effectively and efficiently utilize GUIs will become critical in all aspects of life.

[003] At the user level, GUIs are utilized by employing three basic computer mouse operations: (1)“point-and-click”; (2)“drag-and-drop”; and (3)“double- click”. However, while basic, these three operations actually require complex and coordinated hand and eye movements. The majority of computer operators take for granted the complex set of mouse movements, mouse clicks, and keyboard manipulations inherent in using GUI applications. Furthermore, the typical user is scarcely aware of the powerful user functionality created by the mouse and keyboard that allow him to efficiently utilize the software application. In fact, as a typical user's skill levels increase, the keystrokes and mouse clicks become more automatic and intuitive, causing the interface's look and feel to become deceptively easy to manipulate. However, for physically disabled individuals, the basic operations necessary to properly utilize GUIs and window-based applications are oftentimes arduous and cumbersome if not at times impossible.

[004] Physically disabled individuals who lack the ability to utilize normal arm and/or hand movement must depend on assistive devices and/or software to help them control a computer in the same manner as a non-disabled user. Existing assistive devices do not provide disabled persons with a comparable ability to both manipulate screen objects using“point-and-click”, “drag-and-drop”, and “double-click” and to control the keyboard effectively and efficiently.

[005] United States Patent publication US4917516 provides a data input device particularly suited for computers includes a housing which also contains a computer mouse. The mouse functions are executed by moving the entire housing member, and the fingers never move away from their constant "home" key positions for the data input keys. The normal left and right hand keyboard functions are split between two separate keyboard housings adapted to underlie the palms of the left and right hands, respectively. A mouse is in one or both of these housings. Finger wells are provided for the fingers of the operator along with a thumb well in each keyboard member. Data input keys are mounted at various positions within these wells for producing keyed input data to the computer; and the mouse (mice) has (have) a surface movement detecting apparatus for inputting spatial mouse movement signals to the computer.

[006] United States Patent publication US20110074680A1 teaches an improved method of controlling a cursor on a computer screen, without using the hand, by strapping the mouse around the patella section of the leg with a patella strap and utilizing leg muscle movement, while sitting down, to control the direction of the cursor. After manipulating the cursor by using body movement and keeping both hands on the keyboard, the programmable function keys or another hands free or appendage attached push button, motion, or voice device are used to execute a command. By eliminating the need of hand movement to move the cursor, the user is helped to prevent the development of carpal tunnel, DeQuervains tendonitis, debilitating muscle cramps, fatigue and other repeated motion related conditions.

[007] United States Patent publication US20050151673 provides an adjustable wearable ergonomic split keyboard and mouse data input device that includes two hand modules as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The keys are arranged in rows (FIG. 2A) with sets of keys where each is flexibly assigned to a finger of the operator. The keys of the keyboard are arranged on fmgerlike components (FIG. 9E) which are attached to a palm support structure (FIG. 10E). Each key (80) mounted on top of a fmgerlike component is generally adjustable to the operator's wish. Such configuration will remain locked during operation due to a self lock mechanism (44, 45, and 14). The operator can change the settings with two fingers by pressing on a button (43) and twisting up or down. The operator can adjust each key to a desired distance (FIG. 2C) from the fingers to achieve maximum comfort. A thumb section (FIG. 12E), located adjacent to the forefinger, comprises a thumb support structure (68), a pointing device (66) and a relatively flat area which may include the spacebar key (90) or a group of command keys. The palm support (FIG. 11B) is shaped with angles (120) and curves (114) which provide counter pressure points to the palm. Straps (117, 118) and arm support components (FIG. 14A) are optionally attached to the keyboards for wearability.

[008] United States Patent publication US20090153477 provides a computer mouse glove for transferring computer mouse functions to the hand of a computer user. The glove includes: a glove member having finger fittings and a thumb fitting; a computer cursor control system having buttons and a tracking system having an optical tracking device; a computer module; a power module; a connection module; a tracking ball; and a power switch. The glove member encases a user's hand. The computer cursor control system controls functions of a cursor on a computer screen. The buttons provide mouse electrical switching functions. The tracking system controls movement of the cursor on a computer screen. The power module provides energy to the computer glove mouse. The connection module transmits electronic signals from the computer glove mouse to computer module. The tracking ball controls movement of the computer cursor. The power switch enables a user to select either the tracking ball or optical tracking device.

[009] However, there is immense need to develop a simple, cost effective, and more efficient device for handicapped / disabled individuals, incorporating features of a wireless mouse and keyboard that is distinct from all conventional designs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device for handicapped/disabled user. The device of the present disclosure is designed to greatly improve the ability of disabled individuals who have limited or no use of their hands to use software applications utilizing Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). The device includes a spectacle frame configured to be worn by the user, the spectacle frame defines a front portion having a plurality of lenses configured to cover eyes of the user, a plurality of temples pivotally coupled to the front portion, the temples being configured to extend beyond the ears of the user, and a head band coupled with the temples; a processing unit disposed within the spectacle frame; an eyewink sensor disposed proximally with the plurality of lenses, the eyewink sensor being communicably coupled with the processing unit; a head movement sensor disposed proximally with the plurality of temples, the head movement sensor being communicably coupled with the processing unit; and a Bluetooth enabled device disposed within the spectacle frame.

[0011] In an embodiment, the device is wirelessly coupled to a computer system.

[0012] In an embodiment, the wirelessly coupled includes a Bluetooth connection.

[0013] In an embodiment, the head band is flexible, and is configured to secure the device with head of the user. [0014] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to provide a cursor movement, mouse click, and text input to a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system.

[0015] In an embodiment, the processing unit receives an input from the eyewink sensor to enable the mouse click corresponding to eye blink detection of the user.

[0016] In an embodiment, a single eye blink corresponds to a left click, and a successive eye blink corresponds to a double click or vice-versa.

[0017] In an embodiment, the eyewink sensor is an infrared (IR) sensor.

[0018] In an embodiment, the processing unit receives an input from the head movement sensor to enable the cursor movement corresponding to head movement of the user.

[0019] In an embodiment, the head movement sensor includes an accelerometer and gyroscope.

[0020] In an embodiment, the processing unit receives an input from the Bluetooth enabled device to enable speech input of the user to type in text.

[0021] In an embodiment, the processing unit is ATMEGA 328P Processor system.

[0022] In an embodiment, the processing unit, the eyewink sensor, the head movement sensor, and the Bluetooth enabled device are incorporated in a single chip module.

[0023] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0025] Figure 1. illustrates perspective view associated with a Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device for handicapped / disable user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2a-2c illustrate different schematic views associated with the Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device of Fig. 1; and

[0027] Figure 3 illustrate an isometric view of Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device for handicapped / disable user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates perspective view of left side temple enclosure for battery in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates perspective view of right side temple enclosure for single chip module containing the processing unit, the head movement sensor and the Bluetooth module in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0030] Figure 6 illustrate a block diagram wherein the device is wirelessly coupled to a computer system.

[0031] Figure 7 illustrate an interaction of Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) with computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

[0033] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device for handicapped/disabled user. The device includes a spectacle frame configured to be worn by the user, the spectacle frame defines a front portion having a plurality of lenses configured to cover eyes of the user, a plurality of temples pivotally coupled to the front portion , the temples being configured to extend beyond the ears of the user, and a head band coupled with the temples ; a processing unit disposed within the spectacle frame; an eyewink sensor disposed proximally with the plurality of lenses, the eyewink sensor being communicably coupled with the processing unit; a head movement sensor disposed proximally with the plurality of temples, the head movement sensor being communicably coupled with the processing unit; and an Bluetooth enabled device disposed within the spectacle frame.

[0034] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0035] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.

[0036] Figure 1. illustrates perspective view associated with a Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) for handicapped / disable user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 2a-2c illustrate different schematic views associated with the Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) of Figure 1.

[0037] Referring to figure 3, the device (100) includes a spectacle frame (102) configured to be worn by the user. The spectacle frame (102) defines a front portion (104) having a plurality of lenses (106) configured to cover eyes of the user, a plurality of temples (108) pivotally coupled to the front portion (104), the temples (108) being configured to extend beyond the ears of the user, a head band (110) coupled with the temples (108). In an example, the head band (110) is flexible, and is configured to secure the device (100) with head of the user.

[0038] Figure 4 and 5 illustrates a plurality of temples (108) pivotally coupled to the front portion (104). In an embodiment, plurality of temples (108) may include a left side temple closure panel and a right side temple closure panel. The plurality temples (108) being configured to extend beyond the ears of the user, a head band (110) coupled with the temples (108).

[0039] Referring to figure 7, the device (100) further includes a processing unit (112) disposed within the spectacle frame (102), an eyewink sensor (114) disposed proximally with the plurality of lenses (106), the eyewink sensor (114) being communicably coupled with the processing unit (112), a head movement sensor (116) disposed proximally with the plurality of temples (108), the head movement sensor (116) being communicably coupled with the processing unit (112), and an Bluetooth enabled device (118) disposed within the spectacle frame (102). In an example, the processing unit (112) is ATMEGA 328P Processor system.

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram wherein the device (100) is wirelessly coupled to a computer system (300). In an example, the wirelessly coupled includes a Bluetooth connection (302). In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) is configured to provide a cursor movement, mouse click, and text input to a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system.

[0041] In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) receives an input from the eyewink sensor (114) to enable the mouse click corresponding to eye blink detection of the user. In an example, a single eye blink corresponds to a left click, and a successive eye blink corresponds to a double click or vice-versa. Further in an example, the eyewink sensor (114) is an infrared (IR) sensor. [0042] In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) receives an input from the head movement sensor (116) to enable the cursor movement corresponding to head movement of the user. In an example, the head movement sensor (116) includes an accelerometer and gyroscope.

[0043] In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) receives an input from the Bluetooth enabled device (118) to enable the text input corresponding to a speech input of the user. Further, as shown in Figure 6, the processing unit (112), the eyewink sensor (114), the head movement sensor (116), and the Bluetooth enabled device (118) is incorporated in a single chip module (304).

[0044] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) for handicapped / disabled individuals. The spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) is simple, cost effective, and more efficient, incorporating features of a wireless mouse and keyboard that is distinct from all conventional designs.

[0045] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

Claims

The Claims:

1. A Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) for handicapped / disabled user, the device (100) comprising:

a spectacle frame (102) configured to be worn by the user, the spectacle frame (102) defining:

a front portion (104) having a plurality of lenses (106) configured to cover eyes of the user,

a plurality of temples (108) pivotally coupled to the front portion (104), the temples (108) being configured to extend beyond the ears of the user, and

a head band (110) coupled with the temples (108);

a processing unit (112) disposed within the spectacle frame (102); an eyewink sensor (114) disposed proximally with the plurality of lenses (106), the eyewink sensor (114) being communicably coupled with the processing unit (112);

a head movement sensor (116) disposed proximally with the plurality of temples (108), the head movement sensor (116) being communicably coupled with the processing unit (112); and

an Bluetooth enabled device (118) disposed within the spectacle frame (102).

2. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) is wirelessly coupled to a computer system (300).

3. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wirelessly coupled includes a Bluetooth connection (302).

4. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head band (110) is flexible, and is configured to secure the device (100) with head of the user.

5. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112) is configured to provide a cursor movement, mouse click, and text input to a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system.

6. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the processing unit (112) receives an input from the eyewink sensor (114) to enable the mouse click corresponding to eye blink detection of the user.

7. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a single eye blink corresponds to a left click, and a successive eye blink corresponds to a double click or vice-versa.

8. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the eyewink sensor (114) is an infrared (IR) sensor.

9. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the processing unit (112) receives an input from the head movement sensor (116) to enable the cursor movement corresponding to head movement of the user.

10. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the head movement sensor (116) includes an accelerometer and gyroscope.

11. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the processing unit (112) receives an input from the Bluetooth enabled device (118) to enable the text input corresponding to a speech input of the user.

12. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112) is ATMEGA 328P

Processor system.

13. The Spectacle mounted wireless mouse and keyboard device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112), the eyewink sensor (H4), the head movement sensor (116), and the Bluetooth enabled device

(118) is incorporated in a single chip module (304).