Electropalatography as a human input device for patients suffering from spinal cord injuries

One of the key challenges facing spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in today´s modern society is the ability to interface with the digital world around them. This paper outlines a new method of human-computer interaction using a technique that was previously used in Speech and Language Therapy. The system is centred around the user manipulating their tongue to activate and de-activate switches on a dental retainer plate to identify the tongues location. The location of the tongue can then converted into a desired user input.