It’s Good to Know: The Vocal Joystick

University of Washington researchers have developed software that converts sounds into controlled movements of a cursor on a computer screen. They hope the device will allow people with disabilities to surf the Web and use other computer software.

With the Vocal Joystick, the user voices different vowel sounds to move the cursor in different directions. Louder sounds make the cursor move faster. And "k" and "ch" sounds replace the click of a mouse button. The technology could also be adapted to control electric wheelchairs and robotic arms, say the researchers.

(Source: Physorg.com)