IBM invents mouse to aid hand tremors

NEW DELHI: IBM has rolled out a new computer mouse adapter, that enables people who suffer from hand tremors to have completely normal use of a personal computer.

IBM is licensing the mouse adapter to Montrose Secam Ltd, a small British electronics company, which will manufacture and sell the Assistive Mouse Adapter for under $100.



The involuntary movements of the hand when using a computer mouse make it extremely difficult to operate a PC. Simple tasks like opening an email or pressing a web button are made almost impossible because of the erratic movements of the cursor on the screen. According to the press release, the new mouse adapter could change all that. It works by filtering out the shaking movements of the hand — in a similar way to how the image stabilizing systems of some camera lenses work. The device, which works with any PC and operating system, can benefit users in homes, offices as well as in public places like libraries and universities.



No additional software is required; the adapter is simply plugged in between the computer and the mouse and can be switched on or off, and adjusted depending on the tremor severity. It can also be set to filter out unintended multiple clicking on the mouse caused by a shaking finger. Montrose Secam will donate a percentage of sales from the adapter to local tremor foundations to help offer support and advice to sufferers of tremor conditions.