The Oral User Interface Controller (O-UIC): An Assistive Communication Device

Individuals with impairments of the upper limbs are often unable to access and control common electronic devices that are essential to a high quality of life in the modern digital age. Many existing assistive technologies are obtrusive and cumbersome, or challenging to use in certain environments. This can lead to a sense of discomfort and stigmatization for those that rely on them. There is a need for the development of assistive technologies that are portable, discreet, and efficacious. One recent area of research working to address these requirements is the design and validation of intraoral computer interface devices used within the oral cavity. In this thesis, a wireless, assistive computer interface device embedded inside a subject-specific retainer is evaluated for use within the mouth. The O-UIC (Oral User Interface Controller) device was designed with a novel capacitance-measuring sensor apparatus for the detection of contact from the tongue through its plastic housing exterior. Nine healthy subjects were recruited to test the performance and usability of the device. Multiple trials were completed using the O-UIC as both a computer mouse and a keyboard controller. Control trials were performed using a contemporary smartphone multitap keyboard for comparison. By the completion of the final trial, mean subject total time had improved to 168% and 149% of the mean results from control trials for cursor movement and character entry tasks respectively. An experienced user completed the same set of trials, with the results indicating that performance could improve to within one standard deviation of the smartphone control device with additional training. After training with the device for six trials, a final character entry test was completed in order to assess subject typing rate using a standardized phrase. The subject tests produced a mean result of 16.72 correct CPM (Characters per Minute), a comparable result to similar intraoral assistive devices according to reported study results. An experienced user also completed this trial, with the result of 32.67 CPM indicating that typing rate with the O-UIC could improve to 84.2% of the smartphone control device with additional training. Subjects were asked to complete a user survey evaluation after the conclusion of testing. A majority described the O-UIC device as comfortable, both during active use and while at rest in the mouth. Ease of use and accuracy were evaluated in comparison with the smartphone control device, eliciting mixed responses for each.