Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate typing and pointing performance and improvement over time of
four able-bodied participants using an intra-oral tongue-computer interface for
computer control. BACKGROUND: A physically disabled individual may lack the
ability to efficiently control standard computer input devices. There have been
several efforts to produce and evaluate interfaces that provide individuals with
physical disabilities the possibility to control personal computers. METHOD:
Training with the intra-oral tongue-computer interface was performed by playing
games over 18 sessions. Skill improvement was measured through typing and
pointing exercises at the end of each training session. RESULTS: Typing
throughput improved from averages of 2.36 to 5.43 correct words per minute.
Pointing throughput improved from averages of 0.47 to 0.85 bits/s. Target
tracking performance, measured as relative time on target, improved from averages
of 36% to 47%. Path following throughput improved from averages of 0.31 to 0.83
bits/s and decreased to 0.53 bits/s with more difficult tasks. CONCLUSIONS:
Learning curves support the notion that the tongue can rapidly learn novel motor
tasks. Typing and pointing performance of the tongue-computer interface is
comparable to performances of other proficient assistive devices, which makes the
tongue a feasible input organ for computer control. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: Intra-oral computer interfaces could provide individuals with
severe upper-limb mobility impairments the opportunity to control computers and
automatic equipment. Typing and pointing performance of the tongue-computer
interface is comparable to performances of other proficient assistive devices,
but does not cause fatigue easily and might be invisible to other people, which
is highly prioritized by assistive device users. Combination of visual and
auditory feedback is vital for a good performance of an intra-oral computer
interface and helps to reduce involuntary or erroneous activations.

Langue : ANGLAIS