Pillow-Type Computer Input Device for Serious Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

A pillow type computer input device is proposed. The interface is designed to move computer cursor as the user expect by using his or her head movement. A supporting and care devices around the bed often becomes barriers for the care and assist task for the patient. The proposed pillow type interface is designed not to disturb the care and assist tasks. The head movement of the user is estimated by the four pressure sensors under the pillow. In order to improve the user-friendliness of the interface, the pillow is mounted on the sliding mechanism. Due to these pressure sensors, rotating head movement around the neck and nodding movement of the head can be measured quantitatively. Considering the head movement, the computer cursor is moved by using the original algorithm.