Acceleramoter-Based Input Devices for Hand-Held Computing

We propose to research, develop, and deliver a prototype of a non-contact graphical input device based on integrated accelerometers. Phase II micromachined implementations will be so small and light as to invite wholly new methods of interaction with the computer. The pointer will consist almost entirely of a single-chip multi-axis accelerometer that can be manufactured for less than one dollar in prodution quantities. The resulting 3-axis pointing device will be a completely sealed unit and so will not require cleaning or other maintenance. During Phase I we will construct a prototype from either commercially available accelerometers or from micromachined accelerometers developed by us under a separate development effort. We will investigate the required sensitivity, range, bandwidth and crosstalk between axes. We will interface the device to a personal computer and develop the hardware and software necessary to emulate the desktop behavior of a normal ball mouse. We will also investigate new modes of interaction made possible by the freedom from the need for an operating surface, especially for mobile computing. The Phase I prototype proves feasibility and leads to the Phase II implementation of a full-scale, multi-axis micromachined accelerometer with integrated electronics and the insertion of these devices into mobile computing environments.