Evaluation method of computer input ability of patients with tetraplegia

Abstract

We describe a measurement and evaluation system of the computer input ability of patients with tetraplegia. We measure the position locus of the mouse cursor when a patient operates the computer using a computer input device such as a ball mouse, a trackball, and a touch pad. We analyze the position locus of mouse cursor in order to analyze the computer input ability of patients. Using this system, we can measure and evaluate the computer input ability of patients using various kinds of computer input devices, and then recommend the best computer input device for each patient. Based on the experiment result using this system, we developed a new computer input device for the patient with tetraplegia. It makes clear that the new computer input device is useful for the patient with tetralegia.