Visual Mouse Assist 1.0

thingiverse

This device was designed for individuals with disabilities that affect finger motor function but still utilize their shoulder and arm to operate a basic Up, Down, Left, Right pointing device. Those who would benefit from this device do not require precise motion; general UDLR motions accomplish the necessary functions. Paired with Head-tracking Mouse Software such as the one found at CameraMouse.org, users can enjoy quick left and right click options versus blinking or smiling. Up and down can also be set to features like "Scroll up" or "Scroll Down," "Forward" "Back," or any other frequently used function. The goal is to improve user interaction by 5-10x faster than tedious blinking or smiling, which is known to be inaccurate and sometimes aggravating for large projects. This can cause headaches and jaw stress for heavy PC users or those who require a PC for work. This design remains centered at rest with the average arm weight sitting atop it, attached to the desk with a clamp. Only about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of movement is needed to select a direction for an action to be triggered. However, the light base must be affixed to a hard surface to function properly and not move excessively. Using a USB Keyboard Encoder and Antimicro software for Windows, we can set the directions of the VMA1 (Visual Mouse Assist 1.0) to any user-needed function. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BQGH8CL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Paired with a Simple Sanwa or Uxcell Joystick, with the ball removed. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WCKM2VM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The stick is secured in place using simple tapered head M4 hardware and the top to the baseplate. The mounting holes for the stick to the palm rest and the top plate to base are left out, allowing users to drill them based on available hardware. The Height of the stick can be set using washers to drop it further into the frame. Users can also set the at-rest angle using washers as "Shims" to better center the stick to the at-rest position in case the user's arm shape causes a forward or backward tilt inadvertently. Drill holes slightly under-sized and allow screw threads or joystick post threads to cut their own threads. Two-part epoxy can be used to secure the palm rest permanently if desired. However, it stays attached fairly well with just a well-drilled hole and self-cut threads. There is a small ledge on the base where the Keyboard Encoder will be mounted, and holes need to be made for this as there are various styles available. Many off-the-shelf sticks/encoders should work with this design with little modification. Glue or epoxy can be used to bond the top to the base, though a screw may be preferred for those with larger palms and heavier arms. All Sketchup files are included for modifications and customization to suit any need or body type. The Palm rest can be scaled up/down using the measuring tool in Sketchup and scaling tool based on hand measurements from the base of the palm to the first knuckle of the index finger, and the width of the palm at the base of the fingers. This design should be fairly comfortable for most users but please customize as needed. Please feel free to remix these parts for more ergonomics and comfort, and redraw them for easier printing if you have the time. I am sure those who end up using this design will thank you. Please make whatever use of this design you can to improve the lives of those you feel it would help. I seek no compensation and offer this part freely to my friends in the maker world and beyond.