• Design and manufacturing

The device is an optimal size, light weight, and its design is similar to that of a smaller computer mouse. It has a USB connector to connect to the PC and has two inputs: a USB and a jack. In the case of TechFilter, a Logitech RX250 PC mouse is provided in the same package to connect to the device. 

The device is robust, and in the tests carried out with people with significant tremor, in the event of sudden movements no problem has been perceived. 

TechFilter box with mouse

Sizes:

39,2 grams

6,5 c, mx 4,5 cm

• User experience:

The product is designed to be Plug & Play, that is, directly plug and play. First, the TechFilter device would be connected to the computer, and later to the mouse.

Connection between TechFilter device and mouse

Once connected, the USB driver for the mouse is automatically loaded, without the need to download any additional programs. The device will indicate that it is correctly installed when the mouse pointer begins to circle. It is at this point that the mouse or switch can be connected to the filter, via the USB input. 

The installation procedure is very simple and intuitive. 

To remember how the connections of the device are, on the surface of the same appears the photo of how they should be made, this has seemed to us a very favorable aspect. 

Regarding the configuration, the only software that is downloaded for the installation is made transparent for the user. The device does not have the possibility to configure any aspect related to its handling and interaction. It would be of great interest if it had the possibility of being able to configure speed, way of navigating the screen or options to see how to make the use of the mouse and a button compatible, as the user is interested. The manufacturer indicates that the shake filter adjusts automatically. 

The Technaid company received the 2005 Imserso Infanta Cristina Award. TechFilter is included in the Ceapat Support Products Catalog.

• Technical Features:

Regarding the operation of the device, it has been tested with the elderly population and with people with Parkinson's, identifying the first group as potential for the use of TechFilter. In the case of Parkinson's patients, the diversity of tremors they present is like the variety of their own pathologies, and since the device offers an automatic way of configuration, on some occasions it has not been able to be used satisfactorily. The possibility of configuring the mouse movement of the computer's own operating system has been used and with this, the solution has been optimized. 

However, for older people, their movements with the mouse have been highly favored with the help of this Filter. 

It does not require any connection to the electrical current or external battery, working directly through the USB connection of the PC. The download of the software for the operation of the mouse is transferred directly from the device, without the need for the Internet. 

Regarding security, the device does not have identification or registration processes per user, allowing it to be used by multiple users who have mild tremors. 

The device is compatible with the operating systems: Windows 98, Millenium, 2000, XP and Vista and also with Linux. Regarding mice, TechFilter comes with its own mouse included in the package.

This device is designed to facilitate access to the computer, in principle it is not compatible with Smartphone or Tablet. 

• Accessibility:

The TechFilter device facilitates the handling of the mouse with which computers are accessed, reducing the fear generated by cognitive deterioration associated with age or diseases such as Parkinson's. 

It is compatible when we have a screen reader installed on the computer or using a more accessible configuration adapted to the user, such as the magnification of the screen or the contrast of the visible text.

The size and selection of the type of connections provide ease of use, as an extra, for example Braille could be incorporated to indicate the entries. 

The installation process is very simple and transparent for the user, it would be optimal if it had the possibility of offering information about the process of "mouse detection", "ready", etc. via text, through icons, or even to via audio. These possibilities would offer easier driving alternatives for people with cognitive or visual disabilities.

Highlights:

- Very simple Plug & Play connectivity and configuration system.

- It is compatible with the vast majority of PCs on the market.

- It offers the possibility of being able to use a mouse, button or joystick in a natural way with the computer, making it easier for the user to use the peripheral to which they are accustomed.

- It has been positively valued as a mouse that facilitates access to the PC for the elderly and those with initial phases of tremor.

Improvement points:

- It would be optimal if the system allowed to program the settings of the speed and movements of the mouse, to be able to customize it for people with Parkinson's disease or those with acute tremor.

- Have the possibility of being used with touch supports: Tablet, smartwatch.

- It could assess its compatibility and convergence with the accessibility settings of the Operating Systems.