Assistive tech

Assistive Technology is any device, software or hardware that helps someone work around challenges.

But what if an additional challenge is the cost of the technology itself?

We used this project to demonstrate whether it was possible to 3D print a viable device for under $20. We started with a Mouth Operated Joystick, aka, a Breath Mouse.

We wanted to use only components that are widely available. The result:

It works! It is a basic mouth operated mouse which can be connected via USB to nearly every PC. The case allows it to mount on standard tripods using a 1/4 inch screw.

Cost

Filament: ~$2

Arduino Pro Micro: ~$7

Thumbstick: ~$2

Disposable E-Cig: ~$2

Miscellaneous wires, parts, screws: ~$2

Total: $15 or less!

Functionality

The user moves the cursor by moving a mouthpiece attached to a joystick. The right mouse button is operated by pushing the mouthpiece towards the case. The left mouse button is emulated by a sensor that recognizes if the user sucks air through it.

Another angle of a 3D printed breath mouse

The internals of an electronic cigarette

Hardware/Software

Moving the mouse is handled by a standard joystick like the ones you would find on a gaming controller. These are easy to find and we are even able to map the less used right click function to the push button of the joystick. The left click is operated by sucking air through the breath sensor found on the end of a disposable E-Cig. All of this is connected to an Arduino Pro Micro that connects to a PC with a standard USB micro cable. The firmware was written by the original designer and is a basic program that translates all of this into mouse movement.

Though our homemade Breath Mouse tasted like Pina Colada for awhile (it did come from an E-Cig), it was worth it to build a viable alternative for those in need of assistive tech.