A microprocessor controlled optical keyboard emulator

Abstract

An optical keyboard emulator (OKE) which allows individuals with severe motor dysfunction to access personal computer systems by small head movements is discussed. The OKE incorporates a focused optical headpointer which can detect one light-emitting diode (LED) on a driven LED keyboard array providing the high information bandwidth of the direct selection technique. The spacing of the LED array, a reference light pointer, and a key memory system provide improvements over commercially available systems allowing individuals without accurate head control to utilize this device. The OKE is microprocessor-based, yielding versatility in keyboard layout and compatibility between computer systems while being completely transparent to the personal computer.<>