Glossary

Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.

10 results found in alternative input.

Breathing Input (Breath-based Input, Puff Input)
An alternative computer input method that uses deliberate breath actions — such as puffing, blowing, or inhaling — detected by a microphone or pressure sensor as control signals for navigating interfa…
Camera Mouse (Head-Controlled Mouse Pointer, Head Tracking Mouse)
A computer-vision-based mouse-replacement system that tracks a user's head motion through a standard webcam to control the mouse pointer on screen. Developed at Boston University by Margrit Betke and …
Chairable Technology (Chairable Input, Chairable Devices)
Input devices and interactive technologies designed to integrate with the form of a wheelchair, analogous to how wearable technology fits with an individual's clothing. Chairable technology recognises…
Gaze Typing (Eye Typing, Gaze-Based Text Entry, Eye-Typing)
A text input method that uses eye tracking technology to allow users to type by looking at keys on a virtual on-screen keyboard. The most common technique is dwell-based selection, where the user fixa…
Head Pointer (Head Mouse, Head Tracking Device)
An assistive technology input device that translates head movements into cursor movements on screen, allowing people who cannot use their hands or arms to control a computer. Head pointers can be phys…
Head Wand (Head Pointer, Head Stick, Mouth Stick)
A head wand is an assistive input device consisting of a pointer attached to a headband or held in the mouth, allowing people with limited or no hand and arm function to operate a keyboard, touchscree…
Head-based Pointing (Head Tracking, Head Mouse, Head-controlled Input)
An alternative input method that allows users to control an on-screen cursor by moving their head, typically tracked via a camera, infrared sensor, or inertial measurement unit. Head-based pointing is…
Joystick (Adaptive Joystick)
A joystick is an input device with a lever that tilts in multiple directions to control cursor movement on screen, used as an alternative pointing device by people with motor impairments who have diff…
On-Screen Keyboard (Virtual Keyboard, Software Keyboard, OSK)
A software application that displays a visual representation of a keyboard on the computer screen, allowing users to type by selecting keys with a pointing device, head tracker, eye gaze system, or sw…
Trackball
A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a stationary socket that the user rotates to move the on-screen cursor, with buttons nearby for clicking. Unlike a mouse, a trackball do…