Tongue mouse: Cursor control with your mouth!

TL;DR

A creator builds a unique mouse controller that is manipulated by the tongue, which may be useful for swiping movements in certain environments.

Transcript

hey guys I've got another unusual game controller for you this is a mouse that you control with the tip of your tongue so it's got a plastic sort of retainer kind of housing that sticks up to the top of the roof of the mouth and then moving the tongue across the sensor is just like moving your finger across the sensor of an optical mouse so like th... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎮 The tongue-controlled mouse is a unique and unconventional game controller.
• 🎮 While not ideal for precise cursor control, it may have applications in specific environments and interfaces.
• 😋 The mouse was created using components from a trackball and modified for tongue control.
• 🖱️ The tongue-controlled mouse may be useful in scenarios where hands-free computer interaction is desired, such as augmented reality or wearable technology.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the tongue-controlled mouse work?

The mouse is created by using an optical sensor from a trackball, with modifications to improve movement accuracy when controlled by the tongue. The tip of the tongue is used to glide across the sensor, similar to how a finger moves across an optical mouse.

Q: What are the limitations of the tongue-controlled mouse for precise movements?

The creator found that achieving precise XY movements, like cursor control on a screen, may be challenging with the tongue-controlled mouse. The tongue does not provide the same level of precision as hands and fingers, which are commonly used for accurate pointing tasks.

Q: Are there potential applications for the tongue-controlled mouse?

The tongue-controlled mouse may have potential in environments where a traditional keyboard and mouse setup is not feasible or desired. It could be useful in augmented reality or wearable technology scenarios, allowing users to interact with computers while keeping their hands free for other tasks.

Q: Can the tongue-controlled mouse be used for gaming?

The precision required for aiming and shooting in games is likely not achievable with the tongue-controlled mouse. However, it may be suitable for swiping movements or gross movements similar to a joystick's hat switch.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The creator built a mouse using the optical sensor from a trackball, modifying it to be controlled by the tongue.

• They changed the light to green for better contrast on the tongue, and added a plastic assembly for accurate sensing and movement.

• While precise cursor control may not be achievable, the mouse could be useful for swiping movements in specific interfaces.