Assistive Technology

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The is here!

Head Controlled Mouse Pointer

Click on the image above to see the big picture!

Download the User's Manual.

The head controlled pointer replaces computer mouse. It gives you control of your computer with only head movement. The device has two parts: a small camera to be placed on the top of your computer monitor or a laptop computer and a processor unit to be placed anywhere you like. The head controlled pointer is easy to set up: you plug a cable from our head pointer to your computer's mouse port, and you are ready to roll!

How it works

Dotless Mode

Nothing is attached to your head. uses the image of your face to track your head movement.

Dot Mode

A small reflective dot is placed on your forehead or glasses. Small camera, placed on top of the computer screen, accurately tracks the movement of this dot. This mode is useful where very accurate positioning of the mouse cursor is required, e.g, when using drafting and graphics design programs.

Major Features

Eliminates external devices for mouse clicking

Mouse clicks are generated by head movement (e.g., nodding,...). You do not need large button switches, nor any sip-and-puff device.

Rejects Head Movement Tremor

Mouse cursor moves smoothly even for users with significant head tremor.

Works In Any Light Conditions

Nowhere does it get too dark or too bright. will work when your face is lit by direct sunlight (in dotless mode) as well as when you are in complete darkness (in dot mode).

No installation

replaces standard Microsoft Mouse. It requires no installation or setup of any specialized software, does not load your computer's processing resources. In fact, your computer simply thinks it has a mouse connected to it.

Easy upgrading

uses reprogrammable FLASH technology. The firmware can be updated by anyone with a modem or internet connection, or from a diskette. Firmware updates will be available from internet as new features become available.

Wide field of view

Field of view is 60 degrees, and is customizable by changing the camera lens. Standard lenses with M12x0.5 thread are used. Tracking resolution is adjustable beyond user's needs -- the system is capable of tracking involuntary head movement casued by your own heartbeat!

Mimimal infrared radiation

uses minimum amount of infrared radiation to illuminate the dot, much less than some competing products. The radiation is less than 1% of that allowed by the ANSI Z136.1 standard when viewed from a typical distance of 20 inches (50 cm). When it is used in dotless mode, it works using ambient light and does not emit any infrared radiation at all. For more information on infrared light safety, click here

Allows use of Microsoft Mouse simultaneously with head pointing.

has a mouse pass-through port. Any Microsoft compatible mouse can be plugged it and used simultaneously. Moving or clicking the standard mouse overrides the head pointing, head pointing will resume after 4 seconds of inactivity of the standard mouse.

Automatic switchover between Dot and Dotless modes

This is a configurable feature (i.e., it can be disabled or enabled when configuring the). Whether you prefer to use the reflective dot for precision head-pointing, or work without anything attached to your forehead, theis for you! If you are using the dot, it will be automatically detected and "locked in" as long as the dot is within the field of view (60° horizontal, 60° vertical). When the dot disappears, will look for the dot or face again. Whether it finds a dot or face, it will continue tracking.

Technical Data

Field of view: 60° horizontal, 60° vertical
Operating range: 20cm (8") to 200cm (80")
Tracking resolution: 0.0002 rad (0.1mm at head to camera distance of 50 cm)
Computer interface: RS-232 serial port, Microsoft Mouse protocol
Power: 12V/1A (120VAC wall adapter supplied)
Camera Dimensions: 60mm dia. x 60mm long (2 1/4")
Processor Dimensions: 230mm x 120mm x 35mm (9" x 4.7" x 1.4")

Field of view is customizable by changing the camera lens. Tracking resolution is adjustable far beyond reasonable limits -- the system is capable of tracking involuntary head movement caused by your own heartbeat! The camera includes 1/4-20 thread, so it could be mounted anywhere using standard photographic equipment accessories. It is attached to the system box using 1m (3') cable.

Price/Availability

Two models are currently available:

The POINT-01-DT can be factory upgraded to POINT-01-ND. We offer quantity discounts, competitive upgrade (if you presently own competing head-pointer device), and we also offer special pricing for some customers. For details, please send e-mail to info@alfalab.ca.  

This page will be updated frequently. Stay tuned!

We now have a close contender, ZYGO Industries, Inc. -- ion(ht), check it out!

Links to other head pointing device manufacturers ...

EyeTech Digital Systems -- Quick Glance
H.K.Eyecan -- VisionKey
Madenta -- Tracker
Origin Instruments -- HeadMouse
Prentke Romich Company -- HeadMaster Plus

We thank to everybody who stopped by our display at RESNA'97-'99 and CTG conferences, and filled out the survey form or gave us their comments, complaints and good ideas (e.g, the mouse pass-through was implemented after several people asked for it). Your comments, questions, etc. are welcome, please e-mail us at info@alfalab.ca.