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SmartNav - Use Your Head

by Andrew Downie, Information & Technology Services, OTEN-DE

It is both true and a cliché that computers can be extremely valuable to people who have a wide range of disabilities. For those who cannot use hands, though, operating a computer presents some significant challenges.

Options have been available for quite some time. Speech input is one and we'll say a bit more about it towards the end of this item. Another relatively longstanding option is to mount the equivalent of a mouse on the user's head. Combined with an on-screen keyboard and switch(s), this can provide slow but effective access to the computer.

Initially, the head-mounted mouse was connected to the computer via a cable (some examples still do this). As the user's head moves, the mouse pointer travels across the screen. In simple terms, activation of a switch (there is a host of switch options) produces a mouse click.

Enter the SmartNav. This very innovative product, formerly known as the Track IR, breaks new ground in several areas. While we're reluctant to discuss price early on in reviews, the SmartNav represents a major coup in this important area; while some rival products cost thousands, it costs hundreds. Nor is the user connected to the computer by a cable. While this feature isn't new, it represents a huge bonus in something which is so relatively inexpensive. And yes, there's more! Not only is there no cable, there's also no headset. Instead, a small adhesive dot is placed on the user's forehead or glasses. As the user's head moves, a sensor atop the computer monitor tracks the dot and the mouse pointer is thereby moved around the screen. The SmartNav can be used in conjunction with a switch to produce mouse clicks.

Alternatively, the accompanying software offers a dwell facility. That is, if the user holds the pointer on an item for a pre-determined period, the equivalent of single, double or right click (depending on choice) occurs. Included in the software is an on-screen keyboard. This can be used to write into standard applications.

The SmartNav can be used with Windows 98 and later and a version for the Macintosh is almost with us. The sensor connects to the computer via the USB port, so be sure the relevant machine is equipped with one (there are usually two) before purchase.

Installation is essentially the same for desktop and notebook computers. Having installed the software, simply secure the sensor to the top of the monitor of a desktop machine or to the upper edge of the open lid of the notebook. With the other end of the sensor's cable plugged into a USB port, apply a dot to the user's forehead or glasses (yes, we've pretty much exhausted jokes hinging on marks, beasts and branding). Some care may be needed to avoid the sensor mistaking reflections from windows and other reflective surfaces for the dot on the user's head.

Is it effective? Very much so! The wireless operation allows the user to move around freely and to recommence work at the computer without need for outside assistance. Operation range is at least a metre, allowing both flexibility and good ergonomics. Used alone, the SmartNav has much to offer people who have severe physical limitations and who need/want to use computers. It would also be a great adjunct to speech input software. Used together, these rather diverse input options could provide a great deal of power. Speech input can provide fast and efficient preparation of documents. The SmartNav can then serve to augment that facility when talking simply isn't enough.

The SmartNav is produced by NaturalPoint Inc in the USA . You can visit their web site at www.naturalpoint.com. It is available in NSW from Ability Technology (Phone (02) 9907- 9736). Cost is an extremely modest $529. The Mac version will be a little more expensive when it arrives.

SmartNav