Use of Simulated Inertia to Improve the Performance of a BEP Human-Computer Interface

This paper introduces a method to improve the performance of a Bioelectrical Potential (BEP) based Human-computer interface. The BEP interface used was design to be used by physically challenged patients that remain with the ability to dexterously control a set of superficial muscles. The proposed method uses the BEP signal coming from superficial muscles as a force actuating over a simulated inertia on a cursor type interface. Also a simulated friction is implemented to improve stability of the movement of the cursor, and improve the naturalness of the feeling when using. The performance of the method is measured via an extension to 2D of the Fitts´ law model and compared with 2 previously presented methods and improvement is shown.