IBM Assistive Mouse Adapter
Published: Jun 21, 2007The new mouse adapter from IBM is the outcome of an idea that IBM researcher Jim Levine had a couple of years ago at an IBM workshop on the problems seniors have in using a computer. This mouse adapter can assist people suffering from hand tremors to eliminate excessive cursor movements, which often prevent them from using a computer.
The adapter is based on an imaging stabilization system used in some camera lenses and is designed to work with any computer and operating system without requiring any additional software and can be switched on or off. It also can be adjusted to the severity of the tremors, and can filter out unintended multiple clicking on the mouse caused by a shaking finger. The mouse adapter plugs between a mouse and computer, and filters signals to remove erratic movements such as those experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease or hereditary disorders such as Essential Tremor.
According to IBM, there are over 750 million people with disabilities worldwide, with 54 million of them living in the US alone.
IBM has licensed its mouse adapter to Montrose Secam Ltd., a small British electronics company that’s selling the device for less than $100 USD through its website.
Source: IBM
