Scientists lick the tongue-controlled computer

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 26 Aug 2008 at 09:46

US scientists have developed a way of controlling a computer with the tongue.

The Georgia Institute of Technology project sees a tiny magnet implanted in the user's tongue. Its movements are traced by an array of sensors mounted on a headset or even on an orthodontic brace inside the mouth.

The Tongue Drive system can be used to direct a cursor across a computer screen or steer an electronic wheelchair, amongst a whole range of other potential uses.

The system is designed for people with severe disabilities, replacing simpler alternatives such as 'sip-n-puff' devices that act as a basic on/off switch when people suck and blow through a straw.

"We chose the tongue to operate the system because unlike hands and feet, which are controlled by the brain through the spinal cord, the tongue is directly connected to the brain by a cranial nerve that generally escapes damage in severe spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular diseases," says Georgia Institute's Maysam Ghovanloo. "Tongue movements are also fast, accurate and do not require much thinking, concentration or effort."

The system can be used to measure a wide variety of tongue movements, each of which can be assigned to a different user-defined task. A recent experiment with six able-bodied participants saw them use their tongues as a substitute for the computer mouse, with the testers able to move the cursor across the screen as well as click and double click.

You can watch a video of the Tongue Drive system in operation here. (Beware - the video file size is 20MB).