A microprocessor controlled optical keyboard emulator
Frank Hludik, J.R. LaCourse, P. Caron · 2003
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.>