News Smyle Mouse Relies on Facial Gestures to Let Users Control Their Computer Smyle Mouse Relies on Facial Gestures to Let Users Control Their Computer by Patricia Silva, PhD | October 18, 2016 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link Using a computer mouse can be difficult for people with the many diseases or injuries that affect muscular control, including those withĀ multiple sclerosis (MS). Ā SoĀ a company calledĀ Perceptive DevicesĀ has designed a way around that problem, and recently released a new version of itsĀ Smyle Mouse, a device thatĀ tracks facial gestures and translates them to a computer’s “mouse” commands. Smyle Mouse, a Ā hands-free, touch-free, and voice-free computer control device,Ā is designed to helpĀ MS patients and others be more independent users of personal computers or tablets.Ā The device tracks usersā facial gestures via aĀ computer’s built-inĀ webcam, and translates the gesturesĀ into mouse commands, for accurate and responsive control. Users can initiate clicks, scroll up and down, or drag by combining smiles with simple head movements. Several improvements were made to the latest version (1.2), the company said in a press release, allowingĀ for increased user productivityĀ andĀ greaterĀ customization. The software behind the device was designed to be compatible with Microsoft’s Windows operating system (OS), versions 7 and above. Perceptive Devices is also offering a free,Ā 14-day trial period for potential users on its website. Others whoĀ could likelyĀ benefit from a hands-free mouse include peopleĀ with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’sĀ andĀ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or those who have had a stroke. Smyle Mouse can alsoĀ be used for hands-free control of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality devices and applications. “I lost the use of my arms about two years ago so whenever I used the computer I needed assistance. Obviously, my productivity decreased dramatically, impacting not only my career but my family life as well.Ā Before Smyle Mouse, I only spent about 30 minutes a day on my laptop, but now, I can use my laptop over nine hours a day withoutĀ assistance,” Jeff Nicklas, a U.S. user, said in a press release. Perceptive Devices is exploring the device’s potentialĀ inĀ a series of applications, fromĀ medical or surgical ones, to thoseĀ in industrial maintenance, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, security, and defense. Print This Page About the Author Patricia Silva, PhD PatrĆcia holds a PhD in medical microbiology and infectious diseases from the Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands, and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisbon, Portugal. Her work in academia was mainly focused on molecular biology and the genetic traits of infectious agents such as viruses and parasites. PatrĆcia earned several travel awards to present her work at international scientific meetings. She is a published author of several peer-reviewed science articles.
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