Date of Award

2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)

Department

Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Qing Yang

Abstract

The current status of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) stands to develop greatly, with many new technologies offering promising new methods interacting with a computer. The goal of this project is to develop a novel device that is compatible with desktop style point-and-click interfaces designed for mice but has the unique advantages of being 'Untethered' and 'Hands-free'. The use of Electromyography (EMG) and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was initially investigated, leading to an alternative design utilizing a series of small Hall Effect sensors and corresponding magnet(s). The cursor response was identified as the most important factor to ease of use, with physiological tremor being the main source of disturbance. Without friction to cancel physiological tremor, countering algorithms were developed to improve ease of use. A final prototype was developed as part of testing and for proof of concept.

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