Acoustic control of mouse pointer

This paper describes the design and implementation of a system for controlling mouse pointer using non-verbal sounds such as whistling and humming. Two control modes have been implemented—an orthogonal mode (where the pointer moves with variable speed either horizontally or vertically at any one time) and a melodic mode (where the pointer moves with fixed speed in any direction). A preliminary user study with four users indicates that the orthogonal control was easier to operate and that the humming was less tiring for the users than whistling. The developed system may contribute as an inexpensive, alternative pointing device for people with motor disabilities.