Fall detection for control of computer or apparatus

Abstract

A rate-of-change mouse ( 420, 720 ) positions a cursor ( 388, 724 ) of a display device or monitor ( 390, 726 ) in response to a user actuating transducers ( 16, 17, 422 A, 422 B, 722 A, 722 ), and performs switching functions, such as left click, right click, or click and drag mouse-switching functions, when a rate-of-change of an electrical signal of one of the transducers ( 16, 17, 422 A, 422 B, 722 A, or 722 B) exceeds a predetermined limit. In addition, macro select, “hot key” actuation, and any other selected switching functions are actuated by moving a body member such as a head ( 18 ), hand ( 64 ), or finger ( 67 ) more rapidly. Optionally, more rapidly actuating one or both of the transducers ( 16, 17, 422 A, 422 B, 722 A, 722 B), in selected directions and/or in selected sequences, accesses and controls augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) devices, environmental control units (ECUs) ( 14 ), and/or accesses and controls power wheelchairs ( 12 ), and/or accesses and controls other apparatus ( 26 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method which comprises:
 a) selectively actuating a transducer;   b) producing selectively variable electrical signals in response to said selectively actuating step;   c) moving a cursor in plus and minus directions in response to said electrical signals;   d) more rapidly actuating said transducer;   e) performing a switching step in response to said more rapidly actuating step; and   f) preventing said more rapidly actuating step from moving said cursor.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus which comprises:
 means, comprising first and second transducers that are connected to a display cursor, for moving said cursor in X and Y directions in response to body-member actuating said transducers; and   means, being connected to one of said transducers, for performing a switching function in response to more rapidly actuating said one transducer.