Infrared-based Human-machine Interaction

This article explains the design of an infrared-based human-machine interface using low cost components and infrared distance measuring sensors. This interface is targeted for people suffering from reduced mobility as well as specific professionals operating in constraining situations. This design allows using simple head movements to perform basic computer mouse operations, such as point and click. Existing solutions are briefly reviewed and advantages and disadvantages associated with these solutions are pointed out. In our design, special attention is given to two different infrared sensor layouts. We also discuss the infrared sensors used as well as the way our design detects and processes a user's head movements. We will conclude by giving the achieved results as well as future perspectives for our design