RU227401U1 - DEVICE FOR HANDS-FREE COMPUTER CONTROL - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to medical equipment, in particular to assistive devices for people with disabilities, and can be used for people with paralysis of the upper and lower limbs, with their absence, as well as as an additional computer control circuit for people whose occupation limits the use hands The design contains a holder, an electronic unit, a contact tube, differs in that the holder is made in the form of a frame for glasses with temples, and is equipped with a nose pad; the electronic unit is placed in a housing mounted on the side of a holder-frame; a hollow contact tube is installed on the electronic unit housing with the possibility of being brought to the user’s mouth; in the electronic unit housing there are three interacting modules: a microcontroller, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, while the gyroscope and pressure sensor are connected to the microcontroller via digital interfaces; The electronic unit is equipped with a wire for connecting to a computer via a USB cable. The technical result is expansion of functionality by improving performance characteristics. 3 salary f-ly, 1 ill.

Description

The utility model relates to medical equipment, in particular to assistive devices for people with disabilities, and can be used for people with paralysis of the upper and lower limbs, with their absence, as well as as an additional computer control circuit for people whose occupation limits the use hands

People with tetraplegia (paralysis of the upper and lower limbs) cannot perform any activities with their hands. With high spinal cord damage, conscious control of skeletal muscles is completely impaired. Only groups of maxillofacial muscles and tongue function, since they are innervated by cranial nerves. In addition, when working with a computer, in some cases the use of hands is either difficult, impossible, or insufficient (for example, when giving several commands at the same time).

A device for remote control of a computer without using your hands is known (RU 2245692 C2, 02/10/2005). This design, although it provides effective control of external means (computer) without the help of hands, namely with the help of the maxillofacial muscles, muscles of the tongue and teeth, since it is entirely located in the human oral cavity, however, it is made strictly taking into account the individual characteristics of the structure of the oral cavity a specific person.

A device for remote control of a computer without the use of hands is also known, designed to be placed in the oral cavity and containing, as claimed, a signal processing and transmission module electrically connected to a coordinate block, enclosed in an elastic, waterproof shell, installed on a fixing plate symmetrical relative to the longitudinal plane. to control the cursor and at least two control contacts that perform the functions of mouse buttons (RU 2269325 C1, 02/10/2006).

Disadvantage: in the device known from patent RU 2269325, the electronic module for processing and transmitting signals, a coordinate unit, control contacts that perform the functions of mouse buttons, and connecting wires are located in a single housing, which, in turn, is fixed on a base made based on a cast of the jaw of a specific user. Therefore, for another user it is necessary to manufacture another device that will correspond to his anthropometric parameters. This piece production greatly limits the range of users and makes the device expensive, difficult to operate and low-tech.

A technical solution is known according to the patent RU 2355365 C2 A61F 4/00 (2006.01), G06F 3/033 (2006.01) with a priority date of 07/02/2007, according to which a DEVICE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF A COMPUTER WITHOUT THE HELP OF YOUR HANDS is designed to be placed in the oral cavity and contains prisoners in an elastic waterproof shell, mounted on a fixing plate symmetrical relative to the longitudinal plane, a signal processing and transmission module electrically connected to a coordinate unit for controlling the cursor and at least two control contacts that perform the functions of mouse buttons, characterized in that the fixing plate consists of a central part, a front bend part and a rear bend part, made angled upward relative to the central part and with the possibility of changing the angle of inclination relative to each other along the fold lines, while the front fixing cylinder, intermediate, is adjacent to the end surface of the front bend part of the fixing plate a fixing cylinder is installed on the upper surface of the central part, and a rear fixing cylinder is installed on the upper surface of the rear bending part, above the installed signal processing and transmission module, each control contact is fixed on the lower surface of the central part of the fixing plate, and a coordinate block is fixed on the lower surface of the rear bending parts of the fixing plate.

Disadvantage: the signal processing and transmission module, electrically connected to the coordinate unit for controlling the cursor and at least two control contacts that perform the functions of mouse buttons, are located in the oral cavity. Even when enclosed in a flexible, waterproof shell, it is unhygienic and unsafe, with limited functionality. A device for controlling a computer hands-free, Jouse+ (https://www.compusult.at/web/at/jouse), is known, containing a handset on a tripod permanently installed in front of the user, equipped with an electronic module. Similar signs: controlling actions by breathing into a tube. Disadvantages: the mouse cursor is moved by tilting the physical joystick, it cannot be controlled using combinations of actions, the tube is through, which necessitates the use of a replaceable filter to protect the sensor from saliva. The main disadvantage is the through tube, which carries the risk of damage to the sensor in case of saliva, the complexity of the tripod design and the stationary placement of the device, in which the user must adapt the body position to the location of the tube, that is, limited functionality of the device.

A known device for controlling a computer hands-free, Quha Zono 2 https://www.quha.com/products/quha-zono-2/, contains a holder in the form of a plastic half-rim like headphones, put on top, equipped with an electronic unit with a wireless connection to the computer, and a handset with a sensor of a non-contact operating principle. The design has the following features similar to the proposed solution: moving the cursor by turning the head, using a gyroscope to track head rotation, and the ability to control using combinations of actions. Disadvantages: the air pressure sensor only works for exhalation, since it is not intended for contact with the user, the wireless connection limits the operating time, of the different sensor options for connection, only one can be connected, that is, the device has limited functionality.

The design closest to the claimed technical solution is a device for hands-free computer control, Glassouse pro (https://glassouse.com/product/glassouse-pro/), containing a plastic holder in the shape of a spectacle frame with temples, a contact sensor for placing in the oral cavity and an electronic unit located outside, mounted on the frame. The design has the following features similar to the claimed technical solution: a flexible tube equipped with a sensor, the movement of the computer cursor is achieved by turning the head, and a gyroscope is used to track the rotation of the head. Disadvantages of the prototype: an air pressure sensor is not used (there are sensors for biting, air flow, blinking, puffing out the cheeks, control buttons), wireless connection limits the operating time, that is, the electronic unit must be periodically charged, the electronic unit has physical buttons on the body to switch modes, inaccessible to a user who is deprived of the use of his hands; there is no provision for controlling the computer using combinations of actions, that is, the device has limited functionality.

The objective of the present invention is to develop a non-personalized device for remote control of a computer without the use of hands, with wider functionality, which can be used by any person who needs such a device. The device must be in the same position each time it is used. In addition, the device must be compact, lightweight and non-traumatic for the oral mucosa and tongue. Also, the sensor of the device must be fixed in the oral cavity and removed from it without the use of hands or outside assistance. The device must be reliable in operation and provide a constant power source. The device must provide a full range of hands-free computer control actions, that is, broader functionality.

To accomplish this task, a device for controlling a computer without using your hands is proposed. The device functions as a computer mouse and keyboard. The mouse cursor moves by turning the head. The mouse cursor follows the movement of the head, repeating the direction and speed of rotation. Pressing mouse buttons or specified keyboard keys is done by breathing into the contact tube. Both the direction of breathing (inhalation or exhalation) and its strength are monitored. Air does not pass through the tube, since the system is closed; the contact tube is plugged with a diaphragm with the function of a membrane made of flexible material. In fact, we do not breathe through the tube, but create either pressure or vacuum of air there, acting through the membrane on the breathing sensor. Various combinations of head movement and breathing into the tube are possible. For example, while holding an inhalation, we move our head down and thereby activate the left mouse button.

The device is a holder in the form of a glasses frame with temples, on which an electronic unit is installed in the housing. The frame holder is made of plastic and equipped with a nose pad, which is installed using a rigid detachable connection. The nose pad is made of elastic rubber-like material and must be selected individually based on the user’s physiology. The electronic unit is equipped with a cable for connecting to a computer via a USB interface, which, in addition to the computer control function, provides a power source from the computer.

The electronic unit contains three interacting modules.

A pressure sensor, which measures the pressure generated by the user's breathing, transmits the pressure value to the microcontroller. The sensor is assembled on the basis of a strain gauge, which is attached to a diaphragm that acts as a membrane, and with any change in pressure, a change in electrical resistance occurs. It also contains a chip, which is a 24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Essentially, this module is a strain gauge and an amplifier.

The gyroscope module, which includes an accelerometer, records head turns and transmits the acceleration and rotation angle values to the microcontroller. It is a module of a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer in one block; it allows you to determine the position and movement of an object in space, and the angular velocity during rotation.

The microcontroller takes readings from the pressure sensor and the gyroscope and accelerometer module. Using algorithms of the installed software, it determines the moment when the mouse and keyboard buttons are pressed, recording head movement in real time. Connects to a computer via a USB interface and acts as a keyboard and mouse.

The speed of mouse movement and the assignment of mouse and keyboard buttons for various commands from the device are configured through an application that remembers the settings and transfers them to the device. With standard settings, the device is ready for use without using the application. When connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC), the device is defined as a standard keyboard and mouse and works without additional drivers on all common operating systems.

The technical result is expansion of functionality by improving performance characteristics.

The technical result is achieved by the design of a device for controlling a computer hands-free, containing a holder, an electronic unit, a contact tube, characterized in that the holder is made in the form of a frame for glasses with temples and is equipped with a nose pad made of elastic material, which is installed using a rigid detachable connection; the electronic unit is housed in a housing, which is mounted on the side on a frame holder; a hollow contact tube is installed on the electronic unit housing with the ability to be brought to the user’s mouth, which is equipped with a flexible wire with the ability to retain its shape and is open from the user’s mouth; the electronic unit contains three interacting modules: a microcontroller, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, while the gyroscope and pressure sensor are connected to the microcontroller via digital interfaces; The gyroscope module includes a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer module in one unit, the pressure sensor contains a strain gauge attached to the diaphragm and is connected to the user's mouth by a contact tube with the ability to measure the air pressure created by the user inside the contact tube, while on the pressure sensor side the contact the tube is plugged with a diaphragm with the function of a membrane made of flexible material, the electronic unit is equipped with a wire for connecting to the computer via a USB cable and is designed to receive power from the computer via a USB cable.

The microcontroller of the electronic unit is equipped with software with the ability to process data from the gyroscope and pressure sensor.

The microcontroller of the electronic unit is designed to be connected to a computer via a USB cable and defined as a mouse and keyboard.

The gyroscope of the electronic unit is designed to detect turns and tilts of the head and transmit information about its position in space to the microcontroller.

The essence of the technical solution is illustrated in the image.

Figure. General view of the device using an example of use.

Where 1 is the frame holder,

2 - nose pad;

3 - contact tube;

4 - user;

5 - electronic unit in the housing;

6 - wire connecting the electronic unit to the computer via a USB cable.

Example implementation.

The device is a holder 1 in the form of a frame for glasses with temples (hereinafter referred to as the holder-frame), on which an electronic unit 5 is installed in a housing, for example, plastic. The frame holder 1 is made of plastic and equipped with a nose pad 2, which is installed using a rigid detachable connection. Nose pad 2 is made of elastic rubber-like material and must be selected individually based on the user’s physiology.

The device is placed on the user's head 4 using a frame holder 1. A contact tube 3 on a flexible wire is connected to the user's mouth from the electronic unit 5, which maintains the desired position, that is, the shape, for the user. Contact tube 3 is hollow and open on the user side and sealed on the sensor side using a diaphragm with a membrane function. The electronic unit 5 is equipped with a wire 6 connecting to a computer via a USB cable, while the computer is its power source via a USB cable.

Electronic unit 5 contains three interacting modules.

A pressure sensor that measures the pressure created by the user's breathing and transmits the pressure value to the microcontroller. The sensor operates on the basis of a strain gauge, which is attached to a tube plug: a diaphragm with the function of a membrane, and with any change in pressure the electrical resistance changes. It also contains a chip, which is a 24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Essentially, this module is a strain gauge and an amplifier.

The gyroscope module, which includes an accelerometer, records head turns and transmits the acceleration and rotation angle values to the microcontroller. It is a module of a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer in one block; it allows you to determine the position and movement of an object in space, and the angular velocity during rotation.

The microcontroller takes readings from the pressure sensor and the gyroscope and accelerometer module. The microcontroller is equipped with software that allows, using algorithms, to determine the moment when the mouse and keyboard buttons are pressed, recording head movement in real time. As part of the electronic unit 5, the microcontroller is connected via wire 6 to the computer via a USB interface and acts as a keyboard and mouse.

The speed of mouse movement and the assignment of mouse and keyboard buttons for various commands from the device are configured through an application that remembers the settings and transfers them to the device. With standard settings, the device is ready for use without using the application. When connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC), the device is defined as a standard keyboard and mouse and works without additional drivers on all common operating systems.

The device is intended for people who cannot operate a computer using standard controls - a keyboard and mouse due to impaired or absent hands. To control a computer using the device, it is enough to have head mobility. The device functions as a computer mouse and keyboard and allows you to control your computer hands-free.

The housing of the electronic unit 5 contains three interacting modules: a microcontroller, a gyroscope, and a pressure sensor. The gyroscope and pressure sensor are connected to the microcontroller via digital interfaces. The microcontroller is used to process data from the gyroscope and pressure sensor, and when connected to a computer, it is recognized by it as a mouse and keyboard. Gyroscope, a miniature sensor (microchip) that transmits information about its position in space and thereby determines the turns and tilts of the head. As the user tilts, rotates, or moves the device, the gyroscope tracks and calculates changes in tilt angles relative to the axis. If necessary, it compensates and stabilizes these changes.

The device works as follows.

The holder-frame 1 of the device is placed on the user's head 4. The flexible contact tube 3 is brought to the user's mouth 4. The electronic unit 5 of the device is connected to the computer via a USB cable 6.

The computer is controlled using the device as follows: the mouse cursor moves by turning the head. The mouse cursor follows the movement of the head, repeating the direction and speed of rotation. Pressing mouse buttons or specified keyboard keys is carried out by breathing into contact tube 3. Both the direction of breathing (inhalation or exhalation) and its strength are monitored. The pressure sensor is connected to the user's mouth with a special tube. It measures the air pressure that is created inside the tube connected to the user's mouth. Inside the pressure sensor is a 6-pin sensor which is a Wheatstone bridge designed to operate with a regulated 5V DC power supply. The second component in the module is a precision 24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

It is possible to set various combinations of actions. For example, holding an inhale and moving your head down. Different actions can be produced by different degrees of inhalation or exhalation pressure: strong or weak.

Combinations of actions can set various functions, for example:

1. Temporary shutdown of the device.

2. Switch to page scrolling mode.

3. Right or left mouse click

4. Press a predefined key combination.

The device is detected by the computer as a standard keyboard and mouse, does not require installation of drivers for its operation, the device works in all operating systems, including smartphones, tablets, TVs and other devices that support standard keyboards and mice.

Claims (4)

1. A device for controlling a computer hands-free, containing a holder, an electronic unit, a contact tube, characterized in that the holder is made in the form of a frame for glasses with temples and is equipped with a nose pad made of elastic material, which is installed using a rigid detachable connection; the electronic unit is housed in a housing, which is mounted on the side on a frame holder; a hollow contact tube is installed on the electronic unit housing with the ability to be brought to the user’s mouth, which is equipped with a flexible wire with the ability to retain its shape and is open from the user’s mouth; the electronic unit contains three interacting modules: a microcontroller, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, while the gyroscope and pressure sensor are connected to the microcontroller via digital interfaces; The gyroscope module includes a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer module in one unit, the pressure sensor contains a strain gauge attached to the diaphragm and is connected to the user's mouth by a contact tube with the ability to measure the air pressure created by the user inside the contact tube, while on the pressure sensor side the contact the tube is plugged with a diaphragm with the function of a membrane made of flexible material, the electronic unit is equipped with a wire for connecting to a computer via a USB cable and is designed to receive power from the computer via a USB cable. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcontroller of the electronic unit is equipped with software with the ability to process data from the gyroscope and pressure sensor. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcontroller of the electronic unit is designed to be connected to a computer via a USB cable and defined as a mouse and keyboard. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gyroscope of the electronic unit is designed to detect turns and tilts of the head and transmit information about its position in space to the microcontroller.