Hands-free computing
Encyclopedia
Hands-free computing is a term used to describe a configuration
of computers so that they can be used by persons without the use of the hands interfacing with commonly used human interface devices such as the mouse
and keyboard
. Hands-free computing is important because it is useful to both able
and disabled users
. Speech recognition
systems can be trained to recognize specific commands
and upon confirmation of correctness instructions can be given to systems without the use of hands. This may be useful while driving or to an inspector or engineer in a factory environment. Likewise disabled persons may find hands-free computing important in their everyday lives. Just like visually impaired have found computers useful in their lives.
This can range from using the tongue
, lips, mouth
, movement of the head to voice activated interfaces utilizing speech recognition software and a microphone or bluetooth
technology.
Examples of available hands-free computing devices include mouth-operated joystick
types such as the TetraMouse, the QuadJoy, the Jouse2 and the IntegraMouse and camera
based head tracking systems such as SmartNav, Tracker Pro, FreeTrack
, HeadMouse Extreme and HeadMaster. The joystick types require no physical connections to the user and enhances the user's feeling of independence. Camera types require targets mounted on the user, usually with the help of a caregiver
, that are sensed by the camera and associated software. Camera types are sensitive to ambient lighting and the mouse pointer may drift and inaccuracies result from head movements not intended to be mouse movements. Other examples of hands-free mice are units that are operated using switches that may be operated by the feet (or other parts of the body), such as the NoHands Mouse and the switch-adapted TetraMouse.
Configuration
The term configuration has several meanings.In computing it may refer to:* Computer configuration or system configuration* Configure is the output of Autotools and used to detect system configuration...
of computers so that they can be used by persons without the use of the hands interfacing with commonly used human interface devices such as the mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
and keyboard
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
. Hands-free computing is important because it is useful to both able
Able
Able may refer to:In science and technology:* Able, a U.S. 1946 nuclear weapon test, part of Operation Crossroads* ABLE , a simplified programming language* Able space probes, probes in the Pioneer program...
and disabled users
User (computing)
A user is an agent, either a human agent or software agent, who uses a computer or network service. A user often has a user account and is identified by a username , screen name , nickname , or handle, which is derived from the identical Citizen's Band radio term.Users are...
. Speech recognition
Speech recognition
Speech recognition converts spoken words to text. The term "voice recognition" is sometimes used to refer to recognition systems that must be trained to a particular speaker—as is the case for most desktop recognition software...
systems can be trained to recognize specific commands
Command (computing)
In computing, a command is a directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task. Most commonly a command is a directive to some kind of command line interface, such as a shell....
and upon confirmation of correctness instructions can be given to systems without the use of hands. This may be useful while driving or to an inspector or engineer in a factory environment. Likewise disabled persons may find hands-free computing important in their everyday lives. Just like visually impaired have found computers useful in their lives.
This can range from using the tongue
Tongue
The tongue is a muscular hydrostat on the floors of the mouths of most vertebrates which manipulates food for mastication. It is the primary organ of taste , as much of the upper surface of the tongue is covered in papillae and taste buds. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly...
, lips, mouth
Mouth
The mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food andsaliva. The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth....
, movement of the head to voice activated interfaces utilizing speech recognition software and a microphone or bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
technology.
Examples of available hands-free computing devices include mouth-operated joystick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
types such as the TetraMouse, the QuadJoy, the Jouse2 and the IntegraMouse and camera
Camera
A camera is a device that records and stores images. These images may be still photographs or moving images such as videos or movies. The term camera comes from the camera obscura , an early mechanism for projecting images...
based head tracking systems such as SmartNav, Tracker Pro, FreeTrack
FreeTrack
FreeTrack is a general purpose optical motion tracking application for Microsoft Windows, released under the GNU General Public License, that can be used with common inexpensive cameras. Its primary focus is head tracking with uses in virtual reality, simulation, video games, 3D modeling, computer...
, HeadMouse Extreme and HeadMaster. The joystick types require no physical connections to the user and enhances the user's feeling of independence. Camera types require targets mounted on the user, usually with the help of a caregiver
Caregiver
Caregiver may refer to:* Caregiver or carer - an unpaid person who cares for someone requiring support due to a disability, frailty, mental health problem, learning disability or old age...
, that are sensed by the camera and associated software. Camera types are sensitive to ambient lighting and the mouse pointer may drift and inaccuracies result from head movements not intended to be mouse movements. Other examples of hands-free mice are units that are operated using switches that may be operated by the feet (or other parts of the body), such as the NoHands Mouse and the switch-adapted TetraMouse.
See also
- Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973In 1998 the US Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities...
- footmouseFootmouseA footmouse is a type of computer mouse that gives the users the ability to move the cursor and click the mousebuttons with their feet.It is primarily used by users with disabilities or with high-back or neck problems...