Resistopalatography as an assistive technology for users with spinal cord injuries

Translating a desired user´s input using conventional methods such as a keyboard and mouse for the computer, or a joystick for a wheelchair is a major challenge faced by users whom have no limb control. This paper describes an iteration of Resistopalatography, a method using the tongue as a pointing device to emulate the use of the hand for cursor movement and wheelchair control. The system employs force sensitive sensors located within the mouth on a dental retainer plate to measure the tongue´s pressure against the hard palate. The position and force of tongue against the sensors can be translated into mouse cursor or wheelchair joystick equivalents.