| 摘要 |
An intra-oral system is disclosed for assisting an individual in developing intra-oral muscle control and strength, and for facilitating typing of alphanumeric characters on a virtual keyboard. The system may also be used to enable an individual having limited use of the upper extremities to control an electrical apparatus such as a wheelchair, a bed or a light fixture. The intra-oral system includes a mouthpiece having a plurality of cells embedded therein. The cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of an individual. Movement of the tongue over and against the cells causes an object to be moved over a display. In one embodiment, the object is moved through an obstacle course or over a simulated track as part of a therapeutic regimen. In another embodiment, the object is moved over alphanumeric characters on a digital keyboard, and selected characters are typed by operation of the mouthpiece. In this manner, textual matter may be produced and stored by the user, and then sent via electronic means using a wired or wireless communication network. In yet another embodiment, a character or icon on the display is selected and activated to manipulate an electrical apparatus. A method for moving an electrical apparatus using a mouthpiece controlled through lingual movement is also provided.
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