Origin Instruments HeadMouse Extreme User manual
www.orin.com
HeadMouse®Extreme
User Guide
Wireless Head-controlled Mouse
HeadMouse Extreme User Guide
Origin Instruments Corporation Page 2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.........................................................................2
Legal Notices................................................................................3
FCC / CE Notice...........................................................................3
Application Disclaimer ..................................................................4
Introduction...................................................................................5
User Registration..........................................................................5
Hardware Description...................................................................6
Setup and Installation.................................................................10
Mounting.................................................................................10
Notebook Mounting Bracket....................................................12
Custom Brackets.....................................................................13
Connection.................................................................................14
Using HeadMouse Extreme........................................................15
Tracking Status ...................................................................15
General Use........................................................................16
Pointer Position...................................................................16
Pointer Control ....................................................................17
Mode Switch Settings.................................................................18
Dual and Multiple Switches........................................................19
Technical Specifications.............................................................20
General Care and Maintenance..................................................20
Customer Support ......................................................................20
Warranty Information..................................................................21
Replacement Targets .................................................................23
HeadMouse Extreme User Guide
Origin Instruments Corporation Page 3
Legal Notices
Information in this User Guide is provided “as is” by Origin
Instruments, is subject to change without notice, does not
represent a commitment on the part of Origin Instruments, and is
provided without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. No part of this document may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording or information
storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission
of Origin Instruments.
Origin Instruments is not responsible for any problems caused by
unauthorized modification of the HeadMouse Extreme and will not
be responsible for direct or consequential damages associated
with any use of the HeadMouse Extreme product.
FCC / CE Notice
Products bearing the CE marking have been tested and are
declared by Origin Instruments Corporation of 854 Greenview
Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050, USA to be in conformity with
the following standards or other normative documents and
following the provisions of the Electromagnetic Compatibility
Directive, 89/336/EEC:
EN 55022 Class B Emissions (Radiated Emission)
EN 61000-4-2, Electrostatic Discharge Immunity
EN 61000-4-3, Radiated Immunity
Origin Instruments Corporation has tested the HeadMouse
Extreme and found that it complies with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 4
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
If this product is suspected of causing interference to a radio or
television receiver, remove and apply power to the equipment and
determine whether it is the cause of the disturbance. If a problem
exists, the user is encouraged to try and correct the problem by
one of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the
receiver.
3. Reorient the equipment cables.
4. Consult the dealer or Origin Instruments for additional
suggestions.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice
and does not represent a commitment on the part of Origin
Instruments Corporation.
Application Disclaimer
HeadMouse Extreme is designed for use by people who have
limited or no motor capability enabling USB mouse operations.
However, it should not be used in an application where personal
injury or property loss could occur if the HeadMouse Extreme
failed for some reason. Origin Instruments products are not
authorized for use as surgical aids or as part of a system
intended to support or sustain life. The user assumes full
responsibility for determining the suitability of the HeadMouse
Extreme for the intended application.
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 5
Introduction
Thank you for being a HeadMouse Extreme customer!
This manual is a guide to the operation and use of this head-
controlled computer access system. Additional documentation
may be shipped with your HeadMouse Extreme.
HeadMouse Extreme Key Features
Fast and responsive cursor control
Low power consumption
USB mouse interface
Bus powered: No power cable needed
Pocket sized
Automatically adapts to any mounting angle
Standard 3.5mm input for one or two wired switches
Built-in receiver for wireless switches
Mounting for laptops, desktops, and augmentative
communication devices
Two-year warranty
Origin Instruments' quality, reliability and support
User Registration
Please complete and return the enclosed user registration form.
This will ensure that you receive applicable updates following your
HeadMouse purchase. In addition you will be on the list to receive
follow-on product information and new product announcements.
HeadMouse Extreme User Guide
Origin Instruments Corporation Page 6
Hardware Description
The HeadMouse Extreme is an infrared optical sensor that tracks
side-to-side and up-and-down head movements. It then filters and
transforms these movements to control the position of the mouse
pointer on the computer screen. HeadMouse Extreme operates
with very low input power (1 watt) that is usually supplied directly
from the computer or hub through a standard USB cable.
HeadMouse Extreme uses infrared light to track a tiny reflective
dot that is placed on the user's forehead or glasses.
When used with mouse button software, such as Origin
Instruments' Dragger, mouse clicks are performed by positioning
the mouse pointer and dwelling for a selectable period of time.
Alternately, mouse clicks can be performed with an adaptive
switch, such as the Origin Instruments Sip/Puff Switch. One or two
adaptive switches can be connected directly to HeadMouse
Extreme through a 3.5 mm stereo jack located next to the USB
connector.
The HeadMouse Extreme also contains an integrated infrared
receiver for use with wireless switches. The optional Beam™
Wireless Switch Transmitter supports wireless connections for up
to three adaptive switches.
HeadMouse Extreme is connected to the computer or
augmentative communication device with a standard A-to-Mini-B
USB cable.
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 7
Figure 1: HeadMouse Extreme Front Panel
The durable outer case of the HeadMouse Extreme measures
3.7x 2.2x 0.5 inches.The optical transceiver is located at the
center of the front panel. For best results and reliable long-term
sensor operation, do not touch the small lens at the center of the
transceiver. It is not necessary to clean the lens as part of a
regular maintenance program.
Red and green LEDs are located on either side of the optical
receiver. These LEDs indicate the tracking status. The red LED
indicates that search is in progress. The green LED indicates that
tracking is in progress.
An infrared receiver for wireless switches is located in the
rectangular window beside the red LED. Direct the optional Beam
Wireless Switch Transmitter toward this receiver to communicate
to the HeadMouse Extreme.
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 8
Figure 2: HeadMouse Extreme Top View
Located on the top edge of the HeadMouse Extreme are a Mini-B
USB connector and a 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo microphone connector.
Connect a mono adaptive switch into the microphone connector to
provide a LEFT mouse button click. A dual-mono-to-stereo
adapter is available if you need to directly connect mono adaptive
switches for both LEFT and RIGHT mouse button clicks.
The HeadMouse Extreme draws its operating power directly from
the computer or AAC device through the USB connector.
HeadMouse Extreme User Guide
Origin Instruments Corporation Page 9
Figure 3: HeadMouse Extreme Rear Panel.
On the rear of the HeadMouse case are informational labels and
the sensor serial number. This information is needed for
registration as well as for troubleshooting and possible future
firmware upgrades.
A small circle of Dual Lock fastener is centrally located on the rear
panel of the HeadMouse Extreme for use in mounting. The high-
density Dual Lock fastener on HeadMouse Extreme is designed to
mate with low-density Dual Lock fasteners on mounts or directly
on the bezel of your computer's display. A kit of Dual Lock
fasteners is included with your HeadMouse Extreme.
Four small DIP switches are accessible through an opening on the
rear panel of the HeadMouse Extreme. These switches are factory
set and only rarely need to be changed by the user.
The default switch settings are all in the ON position.
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Setup and Installation
The HeadMouse Extreme offers “plug-and-play” installation and is
easily installed.
To mount and/or attach the HeadMouse Extreme to a computer,
panel display or communication device, Origin Instruments offers
a number of custom brackets as well as direct mounting via “Dual
Lock”, a strong adhesive for direct placement.
Mounting
The HeadMouse Extreme is shipped with a Dual Lock kit, to
facilitate mounting to a computer or a communication device.
Dual Lock has a strong adhesive backing on one side and plastic
interlocking pieces on the other.
The HeadMouse Extreme is shipped with a circle of high density
Dual Lock already affixed to the rear panel. Remove a rectangular
piece of low density Dual Lock from the kit and join it to the one on
the HeadMouse Extreme so that the back of the Dual Lock is face
up. Now peel the backing off of the Dual Lock to expose the
adhesive. Affix the HeadMouse to the device by gently pressing.
Optimal placement would generally be at the top and center of the
display bezel. Place the HeadMouse so that it does not obscure
the screen. A good rule of thumb is to position the HeadMouse so
that it is near eye level and pointing directly at the target dot. This
will provide the user with maximum range of motion.
IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT PRESS ON THE LENS OF THE
HEADMOUSE EXTREME.
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 11
To remove Dual Lock, gently peel Dual Lock away to permanently
remove from your monitor. Excess adhesive can be removed with
an appropriate adhesive removing solvent.
Figure 4: HeadMouse Extreme mounted to a desktop display
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 12
Notebook Mounting Bracket
The HeadMouse Extreme Mounting Bracket for Notebook
Computers is designed to attach the HeadMouse Extreme
securely to notebook- or laptop-style computer displays. The
adjustable bracket can accommodate various thicknesses of
displays, so it also works well for many AAC devices and flat-
panel computer displays.
The bracket is attached to the display using two adjustable rubber
tipped legs that are used to clamp the aluminum bracket to the
display. The bracket is held securely in place by tightening
individual thumbscrews on each mounting leg.
Attach the mounting bracket to the laptop screen and affix the
HeadMouse to the bracket as described above. With the mounting
bracket the connectors on the HeadMouse Extreme should be on
the bottom; for most other applications, the connectors should be
at the top. Be sure the bracket is firmly attached to the laptop.
Figure 5: HeadMouse Extreme mounted to a laptop computer
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Origin Instruments Corporation Page 13
Figure 6: HeadMouse Extreme in Notebook Mounting Bracket
Figure 7: HeadMouse Extreme in Notebook Mounting Bracket (side view)
Custom Brackets
Custom brackets are available for several AAC devices. These
brackets are made to match the contours and dimensions of each
device. Please refer to our website for a complete list of mounting
options: http://www.orin.com/access/hme_mounts/
HeadMouse Extreme User Guide
Origin Instruments Corporation Page 14
Connection
Choose the USB cable for the appropriate mounting configuration:
Laptop Computer with the HeadMouse connectors pointed
down, use the 3-foot (90-centimeter) straight cable. (This
orientation is typically used with our Notebook Bracket.)
Desktop Display with the HeadMouse connectors pointed
up, use the 6-foot (1.8-meter) right-angle cable.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device with
the HeadMouse connectors pointed up, use the 2-foot (60-
centimeter) right angle cable.
After the HeadMouse Extreme is mounted, connect one end of the
USB cable to the USB on the HeadMouse Extreme then connect
the other end of the cable to the USB port on the computer or
communication device. If an adaptive switch is being used to
perform mouse clicks, connect it to the switch input jack on the
HeadMouse Extreme. (Dual switch users please refer to Dual and
Multiple Switch section)
Turn on the computer or communication device. The status light
on the HeadMouse Extreme will come on (red LED) to indicate
that it is receiving power.
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NOTES:
1. Some computers can take more than 60 seconds to
recognize HeadMouse Extreme when it is first plugged-in
to a USB port.
2. You may need to click in a dialog box to indicate that no
special device driver is provided or needed.
3. When connecting to the computer through a USB hub,
please use a powered hub. With some computers, a non-
powered hub may be acceptable for temporary use but
connection through a non-powered hub is not
recommended because it can impact the operation and/or
performance of the HeadMouse Extreme.
4. For best results use the USB cables that were delivered
with your HeadMouse Extreme and do not use USB
extender cables.
Using HeadMouse Extreme
Tracking Status
The red and green LEDs on the front panel of the HeadMouse
Extreme indicate the tracking status. When the red LED is on, it
indicates that the HeadMouse is searching for a target dot. If a
bright object or a reflective object moves into its field of view, the
green light may come on momentarily but will resume its search if
the object is not a target dot. When the HeadMouse has located a
target dot, the green LED comes on. After the HeadMouse has
located a target dot it will lock on to the dot and will not be affected
by another dot until something obstructs its view.
NOTE: If both LEDs are off, the HeadMouse is not receiving
power or USB enumeration has not yet occurred.
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General Use
Place a target dot on the user’s forehead or glasses. The
HeadMouse Extreme will immediately locate the dot and the
pointer will move with the user’s head movements. The
HeadMouse Extreme offers very precise pointer placement.
Optimally the user should be 18- to 24-inches (45- to 60-
centimeters) from the HeadMouse Extreme, but can be as far as
5-feet (1.5-meters). The greater the distance from the
HeadMouse, the more head movement is required to move the
pointer from one edge of the screen to the other. Clicking
functions can be made by using an adaptive switch, or dwell
software. Please see Dual and Multiple Switch section for details
regarding using multiple switches.
Origin Instruments offers a variety of adaptive switches, on-screen
keyboards with built-in dwell, and dwell selection software for both
Windows and Mac OS X.
Pointer Position
It is best to take a few minutes to practice pointing. Just like the
desktop mouse will at times need to be repositioned to maintain
comfort, the pointer on the screen will also need to be
repositioned periodically when using the HeadMouse Extreme.
This is often referred to as centering the pointer, or re-calibrating.
When the pointer is in the center of the user’s work area, the user
is most comfortable. The pointer will need to be re-centered as the
location of the work area changes. Keep in mind that you are not
necessarily centering the pointer in the center of the computer
screen but in the center of your work area. This is done by
“pushing” the pointer against the screen edge opposite the side of
your desired work area. It is best understood by walking through
an example.
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Exercise Example: Sit in a comfortable position and take note of
where the pointer is on the screen. As an example, say the pointer
is at the bottom of the screen. To move the pointer to the top of
the screen attempt to move it past the bottom edge of the screen,
or “push” it against the bottom edge. Then move your head back
to the original comfortable position. The pointer will have moved
closer to the top of the screen. This same technique can be used
to reposition the pointer in the horizontal axis as well. This
centering technique becomes second nature within a few minutes.
Pointer Control
The mouse speed in the Control Panel/Preferences of the
computer or AAC device determines the amount of sensitivity the
pointer has to movement. If the mouse speed is set too fast or
high, the pointer will move a greater distance with less physical
movement from the user. When the mouse speed is set to slow or
low, the pointer will move a smaller distance requiring more
physical movement from the user. The user is the best judge of
what is most comfortable for his particular abilities. Begin with the
mouse speed settings at about ¾ of the way to fast. Adjust from
that point in small increments until the user is comfortable with the
settings. If the mouse speed is still too slow for the user,
additional adjustment can be made via the Mode Switch settings
on the HeadMouse Extreme.
NOTE FOR MAC USERS: For those using the HeadMouse
Extreme to access a Macintosh, it is best to begin with the mouse
speed in the fast setting as the mouse drivers in the Macintosh
operate at a slower speed than standard Windows drivers so
increased speed is often required.
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Mode Switch Settings
The mode switches adjust HeadMouse Extreme operation as
described below:
Default Setting: All switches in the ON position.
Switch 1: On
Switch 2: On
Switch 3: On
Switch 4: On
Switch 1: Mouse Gain (1x or 2x Speed)
This switch is useful when the range of available head motion is
limited or when accessing a Macintosh computer. Setting Switch 1
OFF will increase the mouse speed by a factor of 2.
Switch 1: Off
Switch 2: On
Switch 3: On
Switch 4: On
Switch 2: Reserved for Special Function
This switch should be left in the ON position.
Switch 3: Tilt Sensor On/Off
This switch can disable the built-in tilt sensor. For most
applications, leave it ON. When OFF, you must use Switch 4 to
set the orientation for HeadMouse Extreme.
Switch 1: On
Switch 2: On
Switch 3: Off
Switch 4: On
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Switch 4: Special Orientation
For most applications, leave switch 4 ON. If the tilt sensor (see
Switch 3 above) must be disabled, such as for overhead mounting
for a user lying prone, set Switch 4 ON for cables-up (e.g.
desktop) mounting and OFF for cables-down (e.g. laptop)
mounting.
Switch 1: On
Switch 2: On
Switch 3: Off
Switch 4: Off
Dual and Multiple Switches
The switch input jack can accept a stereo plug for emulation of
both left and right mouse buttons. The primary switch (or “left”
mouse button) should be connected to the “tip” of the plug. The
secondary switch (or “right” mouse button) should be connected to
the “ring” of the plug. For example, the Origin Instruments' Sip/Puff
Switch can be connected to the HeadMouse Extreme through a
single stereo cable such that a “sip” produces a left click and a
“puff” produces a right click.
A dual-mono-to-stereo adapter is available to connect two mono
switches directly to the HeadMouse Extreme. When using two
such directly connected switches, activate the primary switch (left
mouse button) at least one time before activating the secondary
switch (right mouse button).
It is generally best to connect switches before connecting the USB
cable. If you change from a stereo switch to a mono switch after
the HeadMouse Extreme is connected and operating, please allow
30 seconds for the HeadMouse Extreme to adapt to the new
switch connection.
Up to three switches can be connected to Beam Wireless Switch
Transmitter, to emulate a 3-button mouse.
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Technical Specifications
Operating Wave Band: Near Infrared
Power Consumption: 2/3-Watt (typical)
Size: 3.7 by 2.2 by 0.5 inches (94mm by 56mm by 13mm)
Weight: Less than 3.5 ounces (96 grams)
Field of View: 45-degreesby 60-degrees
Standard Target: Paper Thin, 0.25 inch (6.5mm) Diameter,
with Adhesive Backing
Measurement Rate: 80 Hz Nominal
USB Interface: Full Speed
General Care and Maintenance
HeadMouse Extreme may be cleaned with a damp cloth, but it
should never be soaked with any water or cleaning solution. Do
not allow any kind of liquid in our around the connector panel.
Customer Support
Customer support is provided by Origin Instruments during the
hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time (CT), Monday
through Friday.
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