WiPoD: A wireless pointing device interfaced via USB for PC applications

• Main Authors: Honrado, Kim Angelo S., Ocampo Tan, Val Lester C., Sim, Jason U., Torcita, Nikko B., Yu, Andrew Donovan L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Computer input-output equipment > Design and construction; Computer interfaces; Computer engineering; Wireless pointing device
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/14471
• Institution: De La Salle University

Since the advent of pointing devices, there have been various innovations in hand input devices for direct interaction with computers. The limitations of existing pointing devices in efficacy and range show that there is a need for a more adaptable device that can combine user flexibility with functionality. In this thesis, an accelerometer-based pointing device worn as a glove, referred to as the WiPoD, is developed using the Universal Serial Bus-Human Interface Device (USB-HID) Protocol for specific PC applications. The device integrates the capabilities of a mouse-pointing device with the flexibility and power of Bluetooth wireless communication technology. The prototype has two main parts: (1) the glove, which contains an accelerometer, utility buttons (left-click, right-click, scroll button and power button), a microcontroller unit and a Bluetooth Transmitter, and (2) the USB dongle, which contains the Bluetooth Receiver and another microcontroller unit. Sensitivity settings in the device allowed it to cater to a number of specific PC applications. A 30-sample respondent survey for the overall performance resulted to an average rating of 4.02 (very good) out of 5 (excellent). The device showed great competence in becoming a preferred tool for use in tilt-based applications and presentations.