Efficient computer operation for users with a neuromuscular disease with OnScreenDualScribe

Abstract

We developed a tool based on a modified number pad to empower persons with certain diseases, in particular of neuromuscular origin, to efficiently operate a computer and enter text. As the keypad lies securely in both hands, the system is ideal for someone who has motor problems using a full-size keyboard. The software offers various assistive techniques. For example, text entry is facilitated with the help of word prediction, and an ambiguous mode with word-level disambiguation allows text entry using the entire Latin alphabet with six keys. In addition to describing the system, we analyze the ambiguous mode and the influence of dictionary size. Initial empirical results with the system, which is already in operation, indicate that it indeed represents a viable alternative by decreasing effort without increasing the time to operate a computer. This journal article mainly differs from the related proceedings paper through an extended literature review and analyses regarding dictionary size.

Exploring the Connection of Brain Computer Interfaces and Multimedia Use With the Social Integration of People With Various Motor Disabilities: A Questionnaire-Based Usability Study

“…All these parameters should be taken into account when working with NMDs. In a survey with NMD patients regarding the desired BCI features priorities, it was found that 63% of the subjects currently use a computer while the rest have stopped ( 13 , 14 ). No information was supplied regarding the preferred computer type or the operating system.…”

MULLE: A grammar-based Latin language learning tool to supplement the classroom setting

“…Text input on mobile devices equiped with touch screens as the primary input device can be difficult, but is relevant to language learning tasks. This general problem led to the development of several alternative input methods (Ward et al, 2002;Kumar et al, 2012;Felzer et al, 2014;Shibata et al, 2016) including Ljunglöf's method of grammar-backed word-based text editing (2011).…”