A pillow type computer input device is proposed. The interface is designed to move computer cursor as the user expect by using his or her head movement. A supporting and care devices around the bed often becomes barriers for the care and assist task for the patient. The proposed pillow type interface is designed not to disturb the care and assist tasks. The head movement of the user is estimated by the four pressure sensors under the pillow. In order to improve the userfriendliness of the interface, the pillow is mounted on the sliding mechanism. Due to these pressure sensors, rotating head movement around the neck and nodding movement of the head can be measured quantitatively. Considering the head movement, the computer cursor is moved by using the original algorithm.

Spinal injuries occur due to accidents, such as traffic accidents, accidental falls both on the job and at home and sports accidents. In the case of serious spinal cord injury patient's physical abilities are mostly limited to the neck and head. This paper develops a vision-based interface system for these serious disabled patients with such as spinal injuries. The system consists of one web video camera and a desktop computer. In this paper a robust object search algorithm is developed. It enables accurate measurement of displacement by tracking features on the patient's face without any other sensors. The efficacy of the vision-based interface system for measuring dynamic facial movement was demonstrated through a comparison with a previously developed system to use conventional template matching algorithm. Index Terms -Image processing, computer input device, template matching, spinal injury, feature tracking

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ALS is a degenerative disease which affects the patients muscular activity in feet and hands, leading to a bed ridden status. The loss of independency affects their will to live, for this reason an environmental control system to handle the home appliances and make telephone calls is proposed. The system uses a tablet as a visual human interface so that the patient can select the desired appliance by selecting the corresponding item on the tablet screen. Based on the remaining patient's abilities an input device that detects slight finger movement is proposed. In this paper three types of input devices are considered and their performance is evaluated by four ALS patients. Their comments about the usage of the devices are discussed in this work. Finally the environmental control was implemented on an ALS patient home and their impressions were satisfactory for the patients, relatives and care-givers.

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