KeyTrack Combining the keyboard with a trackpad

Abstract

In today's computer-centered world, there is a lot of problem with repetitive strain injuries. This thesis describes a project aimed to develop a new, more ergonomic approach to control the computer, called KeyTrack. The thesis describes the development and implementation of a prototype following certain requirements concerning i.e. accuracy and functionality. The approach taken to solve the problem is using a field of infrared light to find movements made within this field. Several prototype iterations were built, each of them were improvements of the former. The final prototype developed, showed that there are certain problems with the infrared light approach, namely "light-noise" coming from other sources than the dedicated emitters. The prototype is functional although it requires improvements to be able to replace the mouse and keyboard or a trackpad.