When we talk about using a PC without hands we always think of some science fiction films, if I even said that you can use the computer with your head, I could go crazy. Well in short, I didn't say with my mind, what would be something that would make you tremble, I just said with your head!
In fact there is an application released a few months ago, which allows you to use and control the mouse by moving your head, the movement of which is captured by software via the webcam .
In fact, come to think of it, there is no news because on another occasion we had talked about CamSpace that allowed you to play video games using any object, a lighter, a pen or a wooden steering wheel as a joystick with a clear inspiration to the Nintendo Wii console.
In this case, however, the program can be nice for everyone but very useful for those who suffer from hand disabilities and are unable to maneuver a mouse.
The program is free and is called eViaCam whose download is just 2.5 MB and which works on both Windows and Linux PCs.
I don't hide the fact that I had some problems using it and in fact I haven't written it before but, trying again from scratch it worked wonderfully so, in case of problems, I can only advise you to insist.
So, surely the main thing to do is make sure you have a working webcam so before installing the program, better check that the image taken appears regularly and that there is enough light in the room.
After installing and starting eViaCam, if everything works, you should immediately see a window with the webcam shot and our head.
Above the window there are some buttons and you have to press the green one, next to the red X to start the detection and control.
From now on, without having to touch any settings, you should be able to control the mouse with your head, by moving it .
Moving the face to the right, you will see the mouse arrow move to the right and so on.
If you fix an icon or a button on the desktop, moving the cursor over it and stopping it, you automatically click and open the program or the relative window.
After doing this first test, surely something will have to be put on purpose so you have to go to see the settings of the configuration menu .
In the general menu you can change the camera to use, the language, the profile settings if several people use the same computer with this software.
Using the screen of options relative to the movement (motion) it is possible to decide the speed of the movement of the cursor and the sensitivity to decide how far the mouse has to go by moving the head.
In this menu you can do all the necessary tests until you are satisfied.
The important setting is that relating to the mouse click that eViacam manages so that, if you stop on an object for a few seconds, the click or double click of the left button starts.
You can then set how long you need to fix an icon or object before clicking or double clicking.
you can also decide to hear a sound with each mouse click, you can make several clicks simultaneously and, on the "Bahaviour" option or behavior choose (at least for me), the "Fast" or fast one.
The Advanced tab allows you to choose to automatically detect your head taken by the webcam, and it is advisable, at least the first few times, while at the bottom you can choose to use an on-screen keyboard so as to write without hands but frankly, this mode complicates a lot the what's this.
The program works well even if it is a bit fragile and could certainly be improved but it opens some very interesting technological glimpses for the future.
In short, with eViacam you can control a computer with the power of the mind or, better, of the head as well, who to support those with physical problems or to be protagonists of science fiction films and amaze friends, relatives and parents.
Alternatively, there is also another program that allows you to control the mouse by moving your head in front of the webcam, it is Animouse, free and simple, which works in a similar way.
Just install the program, start it and then move your head and notice how the mouse moves left and right depending on how we move.
