Control of 2DOF periferal devices by means of intuitive and ergonomic head movements

This article presents the use of accelerometer and gyroscope to track pitch and yaw head movements in static and dynamic references in order to control two degrees of freedom peripheral devices. The interface is expected to be a communication alternative for many users with mobility impairments in upper-extremities, enabling interaction with most of external devices needed to develop a normal life activity, gaining autonomy and independence. We select the wheelchair and mouse pointer as the most useful and representative peripheral devices. At this stage, the system is patent pending with request P2006600109 on January 18th 2006.