dogmaus

	Exterior Dogmaus is a computer interface for an aid dog. The picture at left shows the exterior of Dogmaus, a simple design meant to be held in the mouth like a tennis ball. The lip forms a preferred orientation, as shown. It also prevents the maus from running away on its own. The outside shell is molded from a nerf-like material.
	Use The dog guides the cursor by moving his head in response to his human. An order to "squeeze" or "click" means to bite the ball. A mouse icon appears on the screen, and the human verbally indicates "left" or "right" click.
	Bits The movement of the cursor is measured by H/V and L/R accelerometers (pink). The movement is then translated into a modulated signal and sent by radio transmitter (black box) to the computer.
	and Pieces Part of the circuit consists of springy metallic strips attached to strain gauges. When the ball is compressed by a bite, the path length and therefore the resistance change. This change in resistance signifies a "click." A flexible plastic shell (blue) prevents excessive deformation and gives structure to the guts. The device is powered by a watch battery (yellow).
	Reality The materials are available now at the sizes used here to model them. Your dog could be surfing the web for you by the end of next year. Given the right interface, your dog could be surfing the web for himself as well.
	Adaptability The amazing part of a design like this is the ability to change it into something completely different. Imagine that strain gauge on a rope, a ball about five times larger, and musical notes emanating from the ball when the rope is climbed on or swung. Monkey ball.