Motion-sensor replaces laptop keyboard

Researchers have used movement sensing technology like that in Nitendo's Wii gaming console technology to develop a device for laptops that removes the need for a keyboard or a mouse.

The adaptor, called BT Balance, can be plugged into any laptop and allows you to manipulate menus or move a cursor by tilting the machine.

Adam Oliver, head of age and disability research BT’s Adastral Park R&D centre near Ipswich, helped develop the device. He said: “The technology has obvious implications for those who are disabled or elderly and have difficulty using a fiddly laptop keyboard or mouse.

“We also wanted to create an interface that was simple and intuitive. Standard ways of controlling PC applications can be too complicated, so we decided to use the analogy of a book to work with. What we ended up with gives you the same look and feel of picking up a book and reading it but in a 3-D digital format.”

Oliver said the device, which is built round an accelerometer chip. could also be useful to someone using a laptop on a crowded train, or to technicians working in the field who need to navigate quickly round maps or diagrams.

The technology is being developed and field tested by a team of specialist researchers.