IBM Develops Mouse for Shaky Hands
IBM announced it has created a mouse adapter that will help people with hand tremors use a computer with less difficulty. The device uses an algorithm similar to the one which stabilizes an image on camcorders to filter out unwanted movements. The adapter will plug in between the computer and mouse, meaning no special mouse is required.
A user can configure the device based on the severity of the hand tremor, and could also use it to filter out unwanted mouse clicks due to a trembling finger. A recent study found that more than 10 million Americans are affected by some type of hand tremor. IBM licensed the technology to British electronics firm Montrose Secam, which is expected to make the adapter available for less than $100 USD.