Effects of sensory feedback in intra-oral target selection tasks with the tongue

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of visual and tactile intra-oral sensor-position feedback for target selection tasks with the tip of the tongue. Method: Target selection tasks were performed using an inductive tongue-computer interface (ITCI). Visual feedback was established by highlighting the area on a visual display corresponding to the activated intra-oral target. Tactile feedback was established using a sensor-border matrix over the sensor plates of the ITCI, which provided sensor-position tactile queues via the user’s tongue. Target selection tasks using an on-screen keyboard by controlling the mouse pointer with the ITCI’s was also evaluated. Results: Mean target selection rates of 23, 5 and 15 activations per minute were obtained using visual, tactile and “none” feedback techniques in the 3rd training session. On-screen keyboard target selection tasks averaged 10 activations per minute in the 3rd training session. Involuntary activations while speaking or drinking were significantly reduced either through a sensor-matrix or dwell time for sensor activation. Conclusions: These results provide key design considerations to further increase the typing efficiency of tongue-computer interfaces for individuals with upper-limb mobility impairments.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Intra-oral computer interfaces could provide individuals with severe upper-limb mobility impairments the opportunity to control computers and automatic equipment.

• A fast and efficient sensory feedback is vital for a good performance of an intra-oral computer interface.

• Reduction of involuntary activations due to talking and drinking will improve the acceptability of intra-oral interfaces.

Keywords::

• Assistive technology
• augmentative and alternative communication
• computer interface
• sensory feedback

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the technical support provided by Henrik Vie Christensen, Ph.D. in the production of the tongue interface for the tongue selectivity experiments.

Declaration of interest The authors report no conflicts of interest.