Data entry method and apparatus

• US 6,903,723 B1
• Filed: 07/24/1995
• Issued: 06/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald K. Forest
• Original Assignee: Donald K. Forest
• Inventors: Forest, Donald K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Liang, Regina
• Application Number:
  US08/506,032
• Time in Patent Office: 3,606 Days
• Field of Search: 345156-158, 345/171, 345/173, 345/902, 345/810, 345/817, 345/819, 345/820, 345/828, 345/841, 345/845, 345/856, 345/859, 345/860, 345/168, 345/118, 345/145, 345/146, 395155-161
• US Class Current: 345/157
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 4/00 Methods or devices enabling patients or disabled persons to operate an apparatus or a device not forming part of the body operating or control means for prostheses A61F2/48, A61F2/68
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04803 Split screen, i.e. subdividing the display area or the window area into separate subareas
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/012 Head tracking input arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0483 Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0487 using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 345/902 Menu display

Abstract

The apparatus and method of the invention relate to data entry and menu selection. Applications include: (a) data entry for ideographic languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean; (b) fast food ordering; (c) correction of documents generated by optical character recognition; and (d) computer access and speech synthesis by persons temporarily or permanently lacking normal motor capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, each option of a menu is associated respectively with a selectable region displayed adjacent an edge of a display, forming a perimeter menu and leaving a region in the center of the perimeter menu for the output of an application program. Selectable regions may be on the display, outside the display, or both. A menu option may be selected by clicking on the associated selectable region, by dwelling on it for a selection threshold period or by a cursor path toward the selectable region, or by a combination thereof. Remaining dwell time required to select a selectable region is preferably indicated by the brightness of the selectable region. Submenus of a perimeter menu may also be perimeter menus and the location of a submenu option may be foretold by the appearance of its parent menu option. Menu options may be ideographs sharing a sound, a structure or another characteristic. Ideographs, which may be homophones of one another, may be associated with colored indicating regions and selection of an ideograph may be made by speaking the name of the associated color.

Claims

1. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a display screen;

(b) means for at least partially delimiting a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions outside the display screen and each associated respectively with a displayed menu option;

(c) movement related signal receiving means for receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display screen; and

(d) selection means, responsive to a first dwell event associated with a particular one of the selectable regions outside the display screen, the particular selectable region intersected by a plurality of the successive locations, for selecting the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the selectable regions is completely delimited.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the movement related signal receiving means is not flush against the display screen.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the movement related signal indicating successive locations is responsive to movement of a body member of a user over a one dimensional range of motion of the body member;

and wherein the successive locations intersect the particular selectable region over at least five percent of the range of motion of the body member.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pointer, responsive to the movement of a body member of an operator other than either of the operator'"'"'s eyes, for generating the movement related signal.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the selection means is responsive to a plurality of periods of intersection, each of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the selectable regions is not completely visible.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at most one of the selectable regions is adjacent the display screen.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the successive locations is relative to a predetermined location on the display screen or to a previous location of the successive locations.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the menu option associated with the particular selectable region represents a sequence of one or more words;

and further comprising a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more words responsive to the selection means selecting the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the particular selectable region is invisible.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the selection means is responsive only to the first dwell event.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of selectable regions on the display screen, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions outside the display screen;

and wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of;

(a) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the selectable region on the display screen associated with the particular selectable region; and

(b) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising signal generating means coupled to a device for generating a device control signal corresponding to a device control function;

wherein the selected menu option represents the device control function; and

wherein the signal generating means, in response to the first dwell event, generates the device control signal represented by the selected menu option.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the device includes any one of a voice output device, a motorized transport device, a household appliance, an appliance for use in an office, a workstation, a robot, and a computer peripheral.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of:

(1) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region; and

(2) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and one of the selectable regions other than the particular selectable region; and

wherein the selectable region associated with the first dwell event is the selectable region intersected by one of the successive locations when the first dwell event occurs.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of selectable regions on the display screen, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions outside the display screen, a particular one of the selectable regions on the display screen associated with the particular selectable region outside the display screen;

and wherein the selection means is further operative, responsive to a second dwell event associated with the particular selectable region on the display screen, to select the menu option associated with the particular selectable region outside the display screen.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the selection means is further operative, responsive to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of:

(a) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region on the display screen; and

(b) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region outside the display screen;

to select the menu option associated with the particular selectable region outside the display screen.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of the selectable regions on the display screen is adjacent the associated selectable region outside the display screen.

21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of one or more of the selectable regions on the display screen indicates the location of the associated selectable region outside the display screen.

22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the plurality of selectable regions on the display screen together at least partially circumscribe a region on the display screen.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the selection means further includes means for indicating to a user the remaining dwell time required to select the particular selectable region outside the display screen.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the movement of a body member of an operator having impaired ability to sense the position of the body member and the apparatus further comprises tactile indication means for indicating tactilely to the operator the position of the body member.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the selection means further includes means for indicating on the display screen the location of one of the successive locations located outside the display screen.

26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the selection means further includes means for indicating on the display screen the distance between one of the successive locations located outside the display screen and the point on the display closest thereto.

27. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising an operator fatigue detector;

and wherein the selection means is further responsive to detected operator fatigue for varying a selection threshold period associated with either one of;

(a) the first dwell event, and (b) the second dwell event.

28. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the duration of a period of intersection of two of the successive locations and the particular selectable region;

and wherein the selection means further includes means for indicating to a user the remaining dwell time required to select the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the menu option associated with the particular selectable region represents a sequence of one or more words;

and further comprising a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more words responsive to the selection means selecting the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the menu option associated with the particular selectable region is associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions;

and wherein the selection means is further operative;

(a) to display on the display screen the submenu options, responsive to the first dwell event; and

(b) to select, responsive to a second dwell event, the submenu option associated with the selectable region associated with the second dwell event.

31. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a plurality of selectable regions on the display screen, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions outside the display screen, a particular one of the selectable regions on the display screen associated with the particular selectable region outside the display screen;

wherein the first quantity is further a function of the duration of a period of intersection of two of the successive locations and the particular selectable region on the display screen; and

wherein the selection means is further operative to select the menu option associated with the particular selectable region outside the display screen responsive to the period of intersection of intersection of the two success successive locations and the particular selectable region on the display.

32. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the particular selectable region is invisible.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the menu option associated with the particular selectable region is associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions;

and wherein the selection means is further operative to select, responsive to a second dwell event, the submenu option associated with the selectable region associated with the second dwell event.

34. The apparatus of claim 32 further comprising a plurality of selectable regions on the display screen, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions outside the display screen, a particular one of the selectable regions on the display screen associated with the particular selectable region outside the display screen;

and wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of;

(a) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region on the display screen; and

(b) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region outside the display screen.

35. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the menu options is displayed on the display screen prior to the dwell event.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the means for at least partially delimiting the plurality of selectable regions includes:

(1) a two dimensional map, and (2) a plurality of at least partially delimited areas on the map, each area corresponding respectively to one of the selectable regions;

wherein each of the successive locations is capable of being represented as a point on the map; and

wherein the selection means includes a comparator for comparing each point on the map and the area on the map corresponding to the particular selectable region to determine whether the point intersects the area.

37. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the movement related signal receiving means includes:

(1) a timer; and

(2) a detector, operatively connected to a body member of a user and responsive to the timer, for periodically on expiration of the timer, detecting the location of the body member of the user.

38. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the movement related signal receiving means includes a motion detector, operatively connected to a body member of a user, for detecting a movement of the body member, and, in response to the movement, generating a signal indicating the location of the body member.

39. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the first dwell event is capable of being triggered by the accumulated durations of:

(1) a first period of intersection of a first successive pair of the successive locations and the particular selectable region, and

(2) a second period of intersection of a second successive pair of the successive locations and the particular selectable region,

equalling or exceeding a predetermined period; and

wherein the selection means includes;

(1) an accumulator for accumulating the durations, and

(2) a comparator for comparing the accumulated durations to the predetermined period.

40. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the particular selectable region is any one of:

(a) completely visible;

(b) partially visible and partially invisible;

(c) completely invisible;

(d) completely delimited;

(e) partially delimited;

(f) adjacent an edge of the display screen;

(g) not adjacent an edge of the display screen;

(h) adjacent another of the selectable regions; and

(i) not adjacent another of the selectable regions.

41. In a human interface system including a display whereon a first cursor may be displayed and moved responsive to successive locations indicated by a movement related signal, an apparatus for selecting a menu option associated with a particular overshot selectable region on the display, said apparatus comprising:

(a) display means for displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a first polygon intersecting the display, the particular selectable region being one of the plurality of selectable regions, each selectable region associated respectively with a menu option, each selectable region adjacent a side of the first polygon and the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

(b) movement related signal receiving means for receiving the movement related signal indicating the successive locations; and

(c) control means for;

(1) moving the first cursor within the first polygon responsive to the successive locations indicated by the movement related signal;

(2) confining at least part of the first cursor to the first polygon; and

(3) in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of the first cursor and the particular selectable regions, selecting the particular menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the first polygon is located on the display.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein at least one of the selectable regions intersects the at least partially circumscribed region.

44. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the control means is further operative to confine at least part of the first cursor to a second polygon on the display.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the control means is further operative to switch, responsive to an intersection of the first cursor and one of the selectable regions, from confining at least part of the first cursor to the first polygon to confining at least part of the first cursor to the second polygon.

46. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the control means is further operative to switch, responsive to a distance between two of the successive locations, from confining at least part of the first cursor to the first polygon to confining at least part of the first cursor to the second polygon.

47. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the control means is further operative to switch, responsive to an angle indicated by three of the successive locations, from confining at least part of the first cursor to the first polygon to confining at least part of the first cursor to the second polygon.

48. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the first polygon intersects the second polygon.

49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the first polygon includes all of the area of the second polygon.

50. The apparatus of claim 44 further comprising sensor signal receiving means for receiving a sensor signal indicative of an actual or attempted muscle activation;

and wherein the control means is further operative to switch, responsive to the sensor signal, from confining at least part of the first cursor to the first polygon to confining at least part of the first cursor to the second polygon.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the human interface system includes a switch and the sensor signal indicates an operation of the switch.

52. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein all of the area of the second polygon lies within the first polygon.

53. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the selection of the control means is further responsive to a distance between one of the successive locations and the location of the first cursor.

54. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the selection of the control means is further responsive to a distance between one of the successive locations outside the particular selectable region and the particular selectable region.

55. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the first polygon has at least five sides.

56. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the display means is further operative to display on the display a sequence of one or more graphic symbols representing the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the sequence of one or more graphic symbols represents any one of:

(a) a letter of an alphabet;

(b) a word;

(c) a prefix;

(d) an infix;

(e) a suffix;

(f) a kana;

(g) a sequence of one or more graphic symbols including an ideograph;

(h) a phoneme;

(i) a sign of a sign language;

(j) a topic of conversation;

(k) a sentence;

(l) a location;

(m) a direction;

(n) a desired direction of movement of a second cursor on the display; and

(o) a symbol of a symbol set including but not limited to any one of the Picture Communication Symbols symbol set, the Rebus symbol set, the Picsyms symbol set, the Pictogram Ideogram Communication Symbols symbol set, the Yerkish symbol set, the Minspeak symbol set, and the Blissymbolics symbol set.

58. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the display means includes any one of:

(a) a printed display;

(b) a display projector;

(c) a cathode ray tube; and

(d) a liquid crystal display.

59. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the control means includes:

(1) a two dimensional map, and (2) a plurality of areas on the map, each area corresponding respectively to one of the selectable regions;

wherein the cursor is capable of being represented as a point on the map; and

wherein the control means includes a comparator for comparing the point on the map and the area on the map corresponding to each selectable region to determine whether the point intersects the area.

60. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the plurality of selectable regions together substantially circumscribe the region on the display.

61. An apparatus for selecting a submenu option from a menu hierarchy, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a display area;

(b) a menu comprising a plurality of menu options, a specific one of the menu options associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options;

(c) means for at least partially delimiting;

(1) a plurality of first selectable regions, each of the first selectable regions associated respectively with one of the menu options and each of the first selectable regions including a first subregion adjacent the display area and a first subregion on the display area, the plurality of the first subregions on the display area together at least partially circumscribing a first region on the display area; and

(2) a plurality of second selectable regions, each of the second selectable regions associated respectively with one of the submenu options and each of the second selectable regions including a second subregion adjacent the display area and a second subregion on the display area, the plurality of the second subregions on the display area together at least partially circumscribing a second region on the display area;

(d) movement related signal receiving means for receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display area; and

(e) selection means for selecting the specific menu option in response to a first dwell event triggered by a specific one of the successive locations intersecting the first selectable region associated with the specific menu option, and for selecting a particular one of the submenu options in response to a second dwell event triggered by a particular one of the successive locations intersecting the second selectable region associated with the particular submenu option.

62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the specific menu option represents a group of characters and wherein the particular submenu option represents a first one character of the group of characters.

63. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein each character of the group of characters has any one of:

(a) an extension at least a predetermined distance above the baseline of the group of characters;

(b) an extension below the baseline of the group of characters;

(c) lack of the characteristic described in (a); and

(d) lack of the characteristic described in (b).

64. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein the distance on the display area between the first subregion on the display area associated with the menu option representing the group of characters and the second subregion on the display area associated with the submenu option representing the first one character of the group of characters is responsive to the frequency of use of the first one character.

65. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein:

(a) a second one of the submenu options represents a second one character of the group of characters;

(b) the first one character is more frequently used than the second one character; and

(c) the distance on the display area between the first subregion on the display area associated with the menu option representing the group of characters and the second subregion associated with the submenu option representing the first one character of the group of characters is less than the distance on the display area between the first subregion on the display area associated with the menu option representing the group of characters and the second subregion on the display area associated with the submenu option representing the second one character of the group of characters.

66. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein the group of characters is displayed;

and wherein the displayed position of the first one character of the group of characters indicates the position of the second subregion on the display area associated with the submenu option representing the first one character of the group of characters.

67. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the plurality of the first subregions on the display area together substantially circumscribe the first region on the display area.

68. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a display area;

(b) delimit means for at least partially delimiting a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions outside the display area and each associated respectively with a menu option;

(c) movement related signal receiving means for receiving a movement related signal indicating a first location with respect to the display area, the first location intersecting a particular one of the selectable regions;

(d) a plurality of indicators, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions, for indicating which one of the selectable regions is intersected by the location; and

(e) selection means for selecting, in response to a first selection event associated with the intersection of the first location and the particular selectable region, the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

69. The apparatus of claim 68 wherein the selection means is further capable of receiving a signal indicating a switch operation;

and wherein the first selection event includes the switch operation at or near the time the intersection occurs.

70. The apparatus of claim 68 further comprising means for indicating the menu option associated with each selectable region.

71. The apparatus of claim 68 further comprising location indication means for indicating the location of each selectable region.

72. The apparatus of claim 71 wherein the location indication means further comprises means for displaying each menu option on the display area, wherein the location of each displayed menu option indicates the location of the associated selectable region.

73. The apparatus of claim 68 wherein the movement related signal is further capable of indicating a second location with respect to the display area;

and wherein the selection means for selecting the menu option is further responsive to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a first predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of a duration of a first period of intersection, the first period starting in response to the second location intersecting the particular selectable region and ending in response to the first location intersecting the particular selectable region.

74. The apparatus of claim 68 wherein the first selection event includes a switch operation;

and wherein the selection means further comprises switch operation receiving means for receiving a signal indicating the switch operation.

75. The apparatus of claim 68 wherein the selection means is at least partially disabled in response to a second selection event while maintaining a power supply to the apparatus.

76. The apparatus of claim 75 wherein the selection means, in response to a third selection event, is restored to the functionality it had prior to the second selection event.

77. The apparatus of claim 68 wherein the particular selectable region is any one of:

(a) completely visible;

(b) partially visible and partially invisible;

(c) completely invisible;

(d) completely delimited;

(e) partially delimited;

(f) adjacent an edge of the display area;

(g) not adjacent an edge of the display area;

(h) adjacent another of the selectable regions; and

(i) not adjacent another of the selectable regions.

78. The apparatus of claim 68 further comprising a computer system including display means for displaying at least part of the output of an application program executable on the computer system on the display area;

wherein the menu option associated with the particular selectable region represents an input to the application program; and

wherein the selection means is further operative, responsive to the selection of the menu option associated with the particular selectable region, to provide the input to the application program.

79. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a surface;

(b) means for delimiting a plurality of selectable regions on the surface, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with one of the menu options, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the surface;

(c) a pointer, responsive to the movement of any one of an operator'"'"'s limbs, digits and head, for indicating successive locations on the surface; and

(d) selection means for selecting, in response to a dwell event, the menu option associated with the selectable region intersected by one of the successive locations indicated by the pointer.

80. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) means for displaying a plurality of selectable regions on a display area, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display area;

(b) movement related signal receiving means for receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display area; and

(c) in response to a quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the quantity being a function of the durations of a plurality of successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and one of the selectable regions, selection means for selecting the menu option associated with the intersected selectable region.

81. An apparatus for selecting an option from a menu, said apparatus comprising:

(a) cursor movement means for receiving a movement related signal and for moving a cursor on a display responsive to the received movement related signal;

(b) delimit means for delimiting on the display a first plurality of regions and a second plurality of selectable regions, each of the second plurality of selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option;

the first plurality of regions together at least partially circumscribing a first region on the display; and

(c) selection means, responsive only to an intersection of the cursor and a first one of the first plurality of regions and thereafter to a first selection event associated with one of the second plurality of selectable regions, for selecting the menu option associated with the selectable region associated with the first selection event.

82. The apparatus of claim 81 further comprising means for receiving a switch operation signal;

and wherein the delimit means includes means for displaying the first plurality of regions responsive to the received switch operation signal.

83. The apparatus of claim 81 wherein the second plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribe the first region on the display.

84. The apparatus of claim 81 further comprising a third plurality of selectable regions, each of the third plurality of selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option;

and wherein the selection means is further responsive to an intersection of the cursor and a second one of the first plurality of regions and thereafter to a second selection event associated with one of the third plurality of selectable regions, for selecting the menu option associated with the selectable region associated with the second selection event.

85. The apparatus of claim 81 wherein the selection means includes means for receiving a switch operation signal;

and wherein the first selection event includes;

(1) an intersection of the cursor and the selectable region associated with the first selection event; and

(2) at or near the time the intersection of the cursor and the selectable region associated with the first selection event occurs, receipt of the switch operation signal.

86. In a human interface system wherein a body member of an operator may indicate a location on a surface, a menu option selector comprising:

(a) the surface including a display area, the display area having thereon a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display area;

(b) a clipper for generating, in response to the location indicated by the body member of the operator indicating a location outside the display area, a clipped location indicative of a location on the display area intersecting a particular one of the selectable regions; and

(c) a selection device for selecting, in response to a selection event including the intersection of the clipped location and the particular selectable region, the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

87. The menu option selector of claim 86 wherein each of the plurality of selectable regions is adjacent an edge of the display area.

88. In a human interface system wherein a body member of an operator may indicate a location on a surface, a menu option selector comprising:

(a) the surface including a display area, the display area having thereon a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display area;

(b) a confiner for confining the location indicated by the body member of thc operator to the display area, the confined location intersecting a particular one of the selectable regions; and

(c) a selection device for selecting, in response to a selection event including the intersection of the confined location and the particular selectable region, the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

89. The menu option selector of claim 88 wherein each of the plurality of selectable regions is adjacent an edge of the display area.

90. In a human interface system wherein a body member of an operator may indicate successive locations on a surface, a menu option selector comprising:

(a) a detector area on the surface, the detector area including a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the surface;

(b) a confiner for confining the location indicated by the body member of the operator to the detector area, the confined location intersecting one of the selectable regions; and

(c) a selection device for selecting, in response to a dwell event associated with the selectable regions intersected by the confined location, the menu option associated with the selectable region associated with the dwell event.

91. The menu option selector of claim 90 wherein each of the plurality of selectable regions is adjacent an edge of the detector area.

92. The apparatus of claim 90 wherein the plurality of selectable regions together substantially circumscribe the region on the surface.

93. An apparatus for selecting an option from a menu, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a display area;

(b) display means for displaying a plurality of menu options, the display of the plurality of menu options together at least partially circumscribing a first region on the display area, each menu option associated respectively with a position of a user activatable switch outside the display area, the switch being positionable with respect to the location of each menu option for selection thereof; and

(c) a selection device for selecting a particular one of the menu options in response to a first position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a period equalling or exceeding a first predetermined time period.

94. The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the display means is further operative to indicate the selected menu option.

95. The apparatus of claim 93 further comprising a plurality of submenu options associated with the particular menu option, each of the submenu options associated respectively with a position of the switch;

and wherein the display means is further operative, responsive to the selection of the particular menu option, to display the plurality of submenu options, the display of the plurality of submenu options together at least partially circumscribing a second region on the display area; and

wherein the selection device, in response to a second position of the switch corresponding to a specific one of the submenu options for a period equalling or exceeding a second predetermined time period, is further operative to select the specific submenu option.

96. For use with a general purpose computer system including a display on which a cursor may be displayed, the general purpose computer system being capable of executing an application program, an apparatus comprising:

(a) a medium readable by the general purpose computer system; and

(b) a program, stored on the medium and executable by the general purpose computer system, for;

(1) displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on the display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon, one or more of the selectable regions each associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

(2) receiving a movement related signal and moving at least part of the cursor only within the polygon responsive to the movement related signal; and

(3) in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of the cursor and one of the one or more selectable regions, inputting the sequence of one or more characters associated with the intersected selectable region to the application program.

97. A data entry system including a computer system on which may be executed an application program, said data entry comprising:

(a) the computer system including a display;

(b) a pointer selected from the group consisting of a (1) mouse;

(2) trackball;

(3) joystick;

(4) stylus and graphics tablet;

(5) lightpen;

(6) thumb wheel;

(7) touch screen;

(8) head pointer; and

(9) intraoral pointer, the pointer coupled to the computer system; and

(c) program means executable on the computer system for;

(1) displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on the display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

(2) moving a cursor within the polygon responsive to movement of the pointer; and

(3) in response to a selection event including an intersection of the cursor and a particular one of the selectable regions, the particular selectable region associated with an input for the application program, inputting the input to the application program.

98. A computer access system for an operator having impaired motor capability, said computer access system including a computer system on which may be executed a computer program, said computer access system comprising:

(a) the computer system including a display;

(b) program means executable on the computer system for;

(1) displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on the display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

(2) receiving a movement related signal and moving at least part of a cursor only within the polygon responsive to the movement related signal; and

(3) in response to a selection event including an intersection of the cursor and a particular one of the selectable regions, the particular selectable region associated with an input for the computer program, inputting the input to the computer program.

99. A voice output system for a user having impaired speech comprising:

(a) a display capable of displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on the display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon and one or more of the selectable regions associated respectively with and displaying on the display a sequence of one or more letters, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

(b) a voice output device; and

(c) control means for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal and moving a cursor within the polygon responsive to the movement related signal;

(2) in response to a succession of selection events, each associated respectively with an intersection of the cursor and one of the selectable regions associated with one of the one or more sequences of one or more letters, appending the sequence associated with the intersected selectable region to at least one previously selected sequence; and

(3) speaking, by means of the voice output device, the word spelled by the appended sequences.

100. The voice output system of claim 99 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the head movement of the user;

wherein each of the plurality of selectable regions is adjacent an edge of the display;

wherein each of the succession of selection events includes a plurality of periods of intersection of the cursor and the intersected selectable region, each plurality of periods of intersection having a total duration equalling or exceeding a predetermined period; and

wherein the control means further includes means for indicating to the user the difference between the predetermined period and the sum of the durations of the plurality of periods prior to the time the total duration equals or exceeds the predetermined period.

101. The voice output system of claim 99 wherein the control means moves the cursor only within the polygon.

102. A device controller comprising:

(a) means for displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on a surface, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon and each selectable region associated respectively with a device control signal, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region of the polygon;

b) means for receiving a movement related signal and moving at least part of a cursor only within the polygon in response to the received movement related signal; and

(c) signal generating means coupled to a device for generating, in response to a selection event;

associated with one of the plurality of selectable regions intersected by the cursor, the device control signal associated with the intersected selectable region.

103. The device controller of claim 102 wherein the device includes any one of:

(a) a computer peripheral;

(b) a device capable of playing previously recorded sound;

(c) a device capable of playing previously recorded video;

(d) a household appliance;

(e) a lamp;

(f) a microprocessor;

(g) a motorized transport device including either one of a scooter and a wheelchair;

(h) a radio;

(i) a robot;

(j) a security system;

(k) a television;

(l) a thermostat;

(m) a voice output device;

(n) a workstation;

(o) an alarm; and

(p) an office appliance.

104. An apparatus for editting a document, said apparatus comprising:

means for selecting a first sequence of one or more graphic symbols from a plurality of sequences of one or more graphic symbols, at least part of each of the plurality of sequences having a common attribute for optical recognition purposes;

means for inputting the first sequence into the document;

means for delimiting on a display a plurality of selectable regions, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display, at least two of the selectable regions associated respectively with a sequence of the plurality of sequences;

means for displaying on the display the at least two sequences of the plurality of sequences associated with the at least two selectable regions;

means for receiving a movement related signal and moving a cursor on the display responsive thereto; and

in response to a selection event wherein the cursor at or near the time the selection event occurs intersects any one of the at least two selectable regions, means for inputting the sequence associated with the intersected selectable region into the document.

105. The apparatus of claim 104 further comprising means, responsive to the selection event, for deleting the first sequence from the document.

106. For use with a surface comprising a display area, a method of selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said method comprising the steps of:

at least partially delimiting a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option and each of the selectable regions including an invisible subregion outside the display area and a visible subregion on the display area, the plurality of visible subregions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display area;

receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display area; and

selecting, in response to a dwell event associated with one of the selectable regions, the menu option associated with the selectable region associated with the dwell event.

107. The method of claim 106 further comprising the step of simultaneously displaying the menu options on the display area prior to the selecting step.

108. For use with a human interface system wherein a body member of an operator may indicate successive locations on a surface, the surface including a display area, the display area having thereon a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with a menu option and the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display area, a method of selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said method comprising the steps of:

confining each of the successive locations to the display area; and

selecting, in response to a dwell event associated with one of the selectable regions, the menu option associated with the selectable region associated with the dwell event.

109. A method of speaking using a voice output system including a display and a voice output device, said method comprising the steps of:

displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on the display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon and one or more of the selectable regions associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

receiving a movement related signal and moving at least part of a cursor only within the polygon responsive to the movement related signal;

repetitively;

(i) in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of the cursor and one of the one or more selectable regions, selecting the sequence associated with the intersected selectable region; and

(ii) appending the selected sequence to at least one previously selected sequence; and

speaking, by means of the voice output device, the word spelled by the appended sequences.

110. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of pluralities of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a surface;

(b) means for delimiting a plurality of selectable regions on the surface, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the surface;

(c) a pointer, responsive to the movement of a body member of a user, for indicating successive locations on the surface;

(d) sensor signal receiving means for receiving a sensor signal; and

(e) selection means

(1) responsive to the sensor signal, for associating each of the selectable regions respectively with the menu options of one of the plurality of menu options, and

(2) responsive to a quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and a particular one of the selectable regions, for selecting the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

111. The apparatus of claim 110 further comprising indicating means for indicating to the user which plurality of menu options is associated with the selectable regions.

112. The apparatus of claim 111 wherein the selected menu option represents a sequence of one or more words;

and further comprising a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more words responsive to the selection means selecting the selected menu option.

113. The apparatus of claim 111 further comprising a plurality of selectable regions outside the surface, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions on the surface;

wherein the pointer is further operative, responsive to movement of the body member of the user, to indicate successive locations outside the surface; and

wherein the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations outside the surface and the selectable region outside the surface associated with the particular selectable region on the surface.

114. The apparatus of claim 111 further comprising signal generating means coupled to a device for generating a device control signal corresponding to a device control function for controlling the device;

wherein the selected menu option represents the device control function; and

wherein the signal generating means, in response to the selection of the selection means, generates the device control signal corresponding to the device control function represented by the selected menu option.

115. The apparatus of claim 110 wherein the selection means is further responsive to the sensor signal equalling or exceeding a predetermined signal level.

116. The apparatus of claim 115 wherein the selection means is further responsive to the sensor signal equalling or exceeding the predetermined signal level for a predetermined period.

117. The apparatus of claim 110 wherein the sensor signal is responsive to a sound.

118. In a human interface system wherein a body member of an operator may indicate a location on a surface, a menu option selector comprising:

(a) the surface including a display area, the display area having thereon a plurality of pluralities of selectable regions, each of the pluralities of selectable regions respectively at least partially circumscribing a region on the display area;

(b) a sensor for sensing an actual or attempted muscle activation of the operator and, responsive thereto, for associating each selectable region of a particular one of the pluralities of selectable regions respectively with a menu option;

(c) a clipper for generating, in response to the location indicated by the body member of the operator indicating a location outside the display area, a clipped location indicative of a location on the display area intersecting a selectable region of the particular plurality of selectable regions; and

(d) a selection device for selecting, in response to a selection event associated with the selectable region intersected by the clipped location, the menu option associated with the selectable region intersected by the clipped location.

119. A voice output system for a user having impaired motor control, said voice output system comprising:

(a) a display screen;

(b) a delimit device completely delimiting an invisible selectable region outside the display screen associated with a sequence of one or more words;

(c) a voice output device;

(d) a movement related signal receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display screen; and

(d) a selection device, responsive to a quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the selectable region outside the display screen, for selecting the selectable region;

whereby the user may select the selectable region outside the display and speak, with the voice output device, the sequence of one or more words.

120. In voice output system for a user having impaired motor capability, an apparatus for selecting a menu option associated with an overshot selectable subregion on a display screen, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a voice output device;

(b) the display screen;

(c) a menu comprising a plurality of menu options, each associated respectively with a sequence of one or more letters; and

(d) control means for;

(1) delimiting a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with one of the plurality of menu options, and each of the selectable regions including a subregion outside and adjacent the display screen and a subregion on the display screen, the subregion outside and adjacent the display screen and the subregion on the display screen adjacent one another, the plurality of the subregions on the display screen together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display screen;

(2) receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display screen;

(3) in response to a succession of dwell events, each including an intersection of a first one and a second one of the successive locations and one of the subregions outside and adjacent the display screen, selecting the sequence of one or more letters associated with each of the intersected subregions, and appending the selected sequence to at least one previously selected sequence; and

(4) speaking, by means of the voice output device, the word spelled by the appended sequences.

121. The apparatus of claim 120 wherein each of the succession of dwell events includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the difference in time between the occurence of the second successive location and the first successive location.

122. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display screen including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a movement related signal receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating a location with respect to the display screen responsive to user movement by a user, the user movement indicating a potential user selection;

(c) a delimit device for delimiting first selectable regions adjacent the periphery of the working region, each of the first selectable regions selectable by the user and having an external boundary wherein the external boundary includes the side of the first selectable region furthest from the working region and having either a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the first selectable region or having an activation area extending beyond the external boundary of the first selectable region and beyond the display screen, each of the first selectable regions associated respectively with and simultaneously displaying a first sequence of one or more characters, a first sequence of one or more words, or a first sequence of one or more symbols representing the first sequence of one or more words; and

(d) a voice output device for speaking the first sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a first particular one of the first selectable regions responsive to a first intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, thereby providing the user with the ability to select the particular selectable region while overshooting the particular selectable region or by providing a confiner to the particular selectable region for the movement related signal.

123. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the voice output device is further responsive to a period of the intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, the period of intersection equalling or exceeding a predetermined period.

124. The voice output system of claim 123 wherein the voice output device is only responsive to the period of the intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith equalling or exceeding the predetermined period for speaking the first sequence of one or more characters or words associated with the particular selectable region.

125. The voice output system of claim 123 wherein the predetermined period equals or exceeds two hundred milliseconds.

126. The voice output system of claim 123 further comprising a user fatigue detector for detecting fatigue of the user;

and wherein the predetermined period is a function of detected user fatigue.

127. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein none of thc first selectable regions is adjacent another of the first selectable regions.

128. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the particular selectable region has a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the particular selectable region;

wherein the delimit device is further operative to delimit a second selectable region outside the working region and adjacent the external boundary of the particular selectable regions, the second selectable region selectable by the user and having an external boundary wherein the external boundary includes the side of the second selectable region furthest from the working region, the second selectable region having either a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the second selectable region or having an activation area extending beyond the external boundary of the second selectable region, the second selectable region associated with a second sequence of one or more characters, a second sequence of one or more words, or a second sequence of one or more symbols representing the second sequence of one or more words; and

wherein the voice output device is further operative to speak the second sequence of one or more characters or words responsive to a second intersection of the movement related signal and the second selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, thereby providing the user with the ability to select the second selectable region while overshooting the second selectable region or by providing a confiner to the second selectable region for the movement related signal.

129. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the confiner of the particular selectable regions is further operative to confine the movement related signal within a particular side of the particular selectable region other than the external boundary of the particular selectable region.

130. The voice output system of claim 129 wherein the confiner of the particular selectable region, responsive to any one of:

(a) a path of the movement related signal;

(b) a change of direction of the movement related signal;

(c) a velocity of the movement related signal;

(d) an acceleration or deceleration of the movement related signal; and

(e) a change in the acceleration or deceleration of the movement related signal;

is further operative to allow the movement related signal to pass through the particular side of the particular selectable region.

131. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein a first cursor is displayed on the display screen at or near the location indicated by the movement related signal and a second cursor differing in appearance from the first cursor is displayed on the display screen responsive to the location indicated by the movement related signal intersecting or nearly intersecting the external boundary of the particular of the selectable region.

132. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the voice output device is further responsive to an intersection of the movement related signal and one of the selectable regions or the activation area associated therewith for repeating the previously spoken first sequence of one or more words.

133. The voice output system of claim 132 wherein the repeated sequence of one or more words is spoken either one of:

(a) more loudly than the previously spoken sequence, and (b) or more slowly than the previously spoken sequence.

134. The voice output system of claim 122 further comprising a deletion device for deleting a previously selected first sequence prior to being spoken by the voice output device, the deletion responsive to an intersection of the movement related signal and one of the first selectable regions or the activation area associated therewith.

135. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein each of the first selectable regions is located outside the display screen.

136. The voice output system of claim 135 further comprising indicators on the display screen, each indicator associated respectively with one of the first selectable regions and indicating the location of the associated first selectable region.

137. The voice output system of claim 136 wherein the indicator associated with the particular selectable region is further operative to indicate the intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith.

138. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the voice output device is at least partially disabled in response to an intersection of the movement related signal and one of the selectable regions or the activation area associated therewith.

139. The voice output system of claim 138 wherein the voice output device, in response to an intersection of the movement related signal and one of the selectable regions or the activation area associated therewith, is restored to the functionality it had prior to the at least partial disabling of the voice output device.

140. The voice output system of claim 122 further comprising a computer system capable of executing an application program operative to display at least part of its output in the working region;

and wherein at least one of the first sequence of characters, words, or symbols represents an input to the application program.

141. The voice output system of claim 140 further comprising a pointer selected from the group consisting of a (1) mouse;

(2) trackball;

(3) joystick;

(4) stylus and graphics tablet;

(5) lightpen;

(6) thumb wheel;

(7) touch screen;

(8) head pointer;

(9) intraoral pointer; and

(10) eye tracker, the pointer coupled to the computer system; and

wherein the movement related signal is responsive the pointer and the pointer is responsive to the user movement.

142. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the user movement is the movement of a body member of the user including any one of:

(a) the head of the user;

(b) an eye of the user;

(c) a shoulder of the user;

(d) an arm of the user;

(e) an elbow of the user;

(f) a wrist of the user;

(g) a hand of the user;

(h) a finger of the user;

(i) a thumb of the user;

(j) a knee of the user;

(k) a leg of the user;

(l) a foot of the user;

(m) a toe of the user;

(n) an ankle of the user; and

(o) the trunk of the user.

143. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the voice output device is further responsive to a path of the user movement to the first particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith.

144. The voice output system of claim 122 further comprising:

(a) a computer system including the display screen and the movement related signal receiver; and

(b) a program, executable on the computer system;

and wherein each of the delimit device and the selection device is formed by the combination of the program and the computer system.

145. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the voice output device is further responsive to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of a ratio between:

(1) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith; and

(2) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of the movement related signal and one of the first selectable regions or the activation area associated therewith other than the particular selectable region.

146. The voice output system of claim 122 wherein the location indicated by the movement related signal is outside the display screen;

and further comprising an indicator for indicating on the display screen the distance between the location indicated by the movement related signal outside the display screen and the point on the display screen closest thereto.

147. The apparatus of claim 122 wherein the working region is either:

(a) smaller than the display screen, or (b) equal in size and location to the display screen.

148. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a surface including a selectable region selectable by a user and associated with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing a sequence of one or more words;

(b) movement related signal receiving means for receiving a movement related signal indicating a first location intersecting the selectable region and, at a later time, a second location intersecting the selectable region;

(c) an indicator for indicating to the user in a first manner at least the difference between the time the second location occurs and the time the first location occurs; and

(d) a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more characters or words associated with the selectable region responsive to a first quantity, the first quantity being a function of the difference, equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity.

149. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the indication of the difference includes any one of:

(a) a visible signal;

(b) an audible signal; and

(c) a tactile signal.

150. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate a second quantity which is a function of the difference between

(a) a predetermined period;

and

(b) the difference between the time the second location occurs and the time the first location occurs.

151. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the movement related signal further indicates, at a time later than the time the second location occurs, a third location not intersecting the selectable region and the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user the non-intersection of the third location and the selectable region.

152. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the movement related signal further indicates, at a time later than the time the second location occurs, a third location not intersecting the selectable region and, at a later time, indicates a fourth location not intersecting the selectable region and the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user at least the difference between the time the fourth location occurs and the time the third location occurs.

153. The voice output system of claim 152 wherein the indicator is further operative to produce an output signal which varies in at least one way as the difference between the time the second location occurs and the time the first location occurs increases and varies in at least the opposite way as the difference between the time the fourth location occurs and the time the third location occurs increases.

154. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the indication in the first manner includes a modification in brightness.

155. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user in a second manner the first quantity equalling or exceeding the predetermined quantity.

156. The voice output system of claim 155 wherein the indication in the first manner includes a gradually increasing indication responsive to the difference increasing over time and the indication in the second manner includes a marked indication.

157. The voice output system of claim 155 wherein the indication in the second manner includes a modification in hue.

158. The voice output system of claim 148 wherein the indicator intersects the selectable region.

159. The voice output system of claim 158 wherein the indicator and the selectable region are equal in size and location.

160. The voice output system of claim 148 further comprising a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the first and second locations from moving beyond a side of the selectable region.

161. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a movement related signal receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating a location with respect to the display area responsive to user movement by a user, the user movement indicating a potential user selection;

(c) a menu hierarchy including a menu comprising a plurality of menu options, a specific one of the menu options associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options, each of the submenu options associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing the sequence of one or more words;

(d) a delimit device for delimiting a first and second plurality of selectable regions adjacent the periphery of the working region, each of the selectable regions selectable by the user and having an external boundary wherein the external boundary includes the side of the selectable region furthest from the working region and having either a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the selectable region or having an activation area extending beyond the external boundary of the selectable region and beyond the display area, a specific one of the first plurality of selectable regions associated with the specific menu option and each of the second plurality of selectable regions associated respectively with and simultaneously displaying one of the submenu options; and

(e) a voice output device for speaking the particular sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular one of the second plurality of selectable regions responsive to a first intersection of the movement related signal and the specific selectable region or the activation area associated therewith and thereafter to a second intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, thereby providing the user with the ability to select each of the specific and the particular selectable regions while overshooting the specific or the particular selectable region or by providing a confiner to the specific or the particular selectable region for the movement related signal.

162. The voice output system of claim 161 wherein the specific menu option either includes at least part of the particular sequence, or represents a class of characters or words, the class including the particular sequence.

163. The voice output system of claim 162 wherein, responsive to the selection of the specific selectable region, the individual characters, words, or symbols associated therewith are associated respectively with and simultaneously displayed by the second plurality of selectable regions for eventual selection by the user.

164. The voice output system of claim 162 wherein the distance on the display area between the specific selectable region and each of at least two of the second plurality of selectable regions is responsive to a relative frequency of the use of the sequence of characters, words, or symbols associated with each of the at least two selectable regions.

165. The voice output system of claim 164 wherein the sequence of characters, words, or symbols associated with one of the at least two selectable regions is more frequently used than the sequence of characters, words, or symbols associated with another one of the at least two selectable regions;

and the distance between the specific selectable region and the one of the at least two first selectable regions associated with the more frequently used sequence is less than the distance between the specific selectable region and the another one of the at least two first selectable regions.

166. The voice output system of claim 161 wherein the specific menu option represents a class of characters or words, the class including the particular sequence;

and wherein the class is any one of;

(a) a class of characters having a common element in Morse code;

(b) a part of speech;

(c) a meaning;

(d) a physical characteristic;

(e) a functional characteristic;

(f) a direction;

(g) a class of characters having an extension at least a predetermined distance above a baseline; and

(h) a class of characters having an extension below a baseline.

167. The voice output system of claim 161 wherein the specific menu option includes at least part of the particular sequence, wherein prior to the selection of the specific selectable region, the at least part of the particular sequence is displayed;

and wherein the position of the displayed at least part of the particular sequence indicates the position of the particular selectable regions on the display area.

168. The voice output system of claim 161 wherein the particular sequence includes a sequence of one or more symbols, at least one symbol of the particular sequence representing any one of a letter of a sign alphabet, a sign of a sign language, a topic of conversation, a sentence, a sequence of one or more graphics including an ideograph, and a symbol of a symbol set including but not limited to the Picture Communication Symbols symbol set, the Rebus symbol set, the Picsyms symbol set, the Pictogram Ideogram Communication Symbols symbol set, the Yerkish symbol set, the Blissymbolics symbol set, the Self-Talk symbol set, the Imaginart symbol set, the DynaSyms symbol set, the Oakland Picture Dictionary symbol set, the Talking Pictures symbol set, the Minspeak symbol set, the Unity symbol set, and the Core Picture Vocabulary symbol set.

169. The apparatus of claim 161 wherein the delimit device is further operative to delimit a shared region on the display area, and wherein one of the first selectable regions and one of the second selectable regions each includes the shared region.

170. The apparatus of claim 161 wherein the delimit device is further operative to delimit a plurality of shared regions, each shared region on the display area and each associated respectively with one of the first plurality of selectable regions and with one of the second plurality of selectable regions;

and wherein each of the first selectable regions and each of the second selectable regions includes the associated shared region.

171. The voice output system of claim 161 wherein the specific menu option represents a class of related words, related sequences of words, or a combination thereof, the class including the particular sequence;

and wherein the class includes any one of;

(a) actions;

(b) amounts;

(c) animals;

(d) articles of clothing;

(e) bodily functions;

(f) buildings;

(g) business activities;

(h) cleaning activities;

(i) colors;

(j) communication activities;

(k) computer peripherals;

(l) days;

(m) devices used to maintain personal hygiene;

(n) directions;

(o) drinks;

(p) emergency conditions;

(q) emotions;

(r) financial activities;

(s) foods;

(t) government services;

(u) greetings;

(v) holidays;

(w) household appliances;

(x) illnesses;

(y) items of office equipment;

(z) jokes;

(aa) lengths;

(ab) locations, including locations frequented by an operator of the voice output system;

(ac) meals;

(ad) means of transportation;

(ae) months;

(af) names;

(ag) numbers;

(ah) parts of the human body;

(ai) persons known to an operator of the voice output system;

(aj) plants;

(ak) prosthetic devices;

(al) recreational activities;

(am) rehabilitation activities;

(an) relative locations;

(ao) school activities;

(ap) shapes;

(aq) shopping activities;

(ar) sizes;

(as) smells;

(at) sports;

(au) tactile attributes;

(av) tastes;

(aw) telephone numbers;

(ax) temperatures;

(ay) times;

(az) topics of study;

(ba) utterances used as acknowledgements in conversation without conveying new substantive information;

(bb) utterances used to bid for a turn to speak in conversation;

(bc) weights; and

(bd) work activities.

172. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a movement related signal receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating a location with respect to the display area responsive to user movement by a user, the user movement indicating a potential user selection;

(c) a delimit device for delimiting selectable regions adjacent the periphery of the working region, each of the selectable regions selectable by the user and having an external boundary wherein the external boundary includes the side of the selectable region furthest from the working region and having either a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the selectable region or having an activation area extending beyond the external boundary of the selectable region and beyond the display area, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with and simultaneously displaying a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing the sequence of one or more words; and

(d) a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular selectable region responsive to a quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the quantity being a function of the duration of a plurality of periods of intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith,

thereby providing the user with the ability to select the particular selectable region while overshooting the particular selectable region or by providing a confiner to the particular selectable region for the movement related signal.

173. The voice output system of claim 172 wherein the quantity is further a function of the duration of a period of non-intersection of the movement related signal and either the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith.

174. The voice output system of claim 173 wherein the quantity varies one way as the duration of one of the periods of intersection increases and varies in an opposite way as the duration of the period of non-intersection increases.

175. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a movement related signal receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating a first location with respect to the display area responsive to a first user movement by a user;

(c) a delimit device for delimiting selectable regions adjacent the working region, each of the selectable regions having an external boundary wherein the external boundary is the side of the selectable region furthest from the working region, each of the selectable regions having either a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the selectable region or having an activation area extending beyond the external boundary of the selectable region, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with one of the menu options; and

(d) a selection device for selecting the menu option associated with a particular one of the selectable regions responsive to an intersection of the first location indicated by the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, thereby providing the user with the ability to select the particular selectable region while overshooting the particular selectable region with the movement related signal or by providing a confiner to the particular selectable region for the movement related signal.

176. The apparatus of claim 175 wherein the working region is either:

(a) smaller than the display area, or (b) equal in size and location to the display area.

177. The apparatus of claim 175 wherein the movement related signal is further operative to indicate a second location responsive to a second user movement by the user, the second location intersecting the particular selectable region at a time after the first location intersects the particular selectable region;

and wherein the selection device for selecting the menu option is further responsive to a period of intersection of the locations indicated by the movement related signal and the particular selectable region equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period, the period of intersection starting at the time the first location occurs and ending at the time the second location occurs.

178. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a display device for displaying menu options on the display area, each menu option displayed adjacent the periphery of the working region, each menu option associated respectively with a position of a user activatable switch outside the display area, the switch being positionable with respect to the location of each menu option for selection thereof, each menu option associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing a sequence of one or more words, for selection via the switch; and

(c) a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular menu option, in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period.

179. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a display device for displaying menu options on the display area, each menu option displayed adjacent the periphery of the working region, each menu option associated respectively with a position of a user activatable switch outside the display area, thc switch being positionable with respect to the location of each menu option for selection thereof, each menu option associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing a sequence of one or more words, for selection via the switch; and

(c) a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular menu option, in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a first time period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period; and

wherein the display device further includes an indicator for indicating to the user at least the difference between the first time period and the predetermined time period.

180. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a menu hierarchy including a menu comprising a plurality of menu options, a specific one of the menu options associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options, each of the submenu options associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing the sequence of one or more words;

(c) a display device for displaying menu options and submenu options on the display area, each menu option displayed adjacent the periphery of the working region, each menu option associated respectively, and each submenu option associated respectively, with a position of a user activatable switch outside the display area, the switch being positionable with respect to the location of each menu option or submenu option for selection thereof; and

(d) a voice output device for speaking the particular sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular one of the submenu options, in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the specific menu option for a first time period equalling or exceeding a first predetermined time period and thereafter to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a second time period equalling or exceeding a second predetermined time period.

181. A voice output system comprising:

(a) a display area including a working region with a periphery;

(b) a display device for displaying menu options on the display area, each menu option displayed adjacent the periphery of the working region, each menu option associated respectively with a position of a user activatable switch outside the display area, the switch being positionable with respect to the location of each menu option for selection thereof, each menu option associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing a sequence of one or more words, for selection via the switch; and

(c) a voice output device for speaking the particular sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular one of the menu options, in response a quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the quantity being a function of the duration of a plurality of periods in which the position of the switch corresponds to the particular menu option.

182. A method of speaking for an individual having impaired motor capability and impaired speech, said method comprising the steps of:

simultaneously displaying selectable regions adjacent a working region on a display, one or more of the selectable regions associated respectively with a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing a sequence of one or more words;

receiving a movement related signal indicating a location with respect to the display, the movement related signal responsive to user movement of a user indicating a potential user selection;

speaking the sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular one of the one or more selectable regions responsive to a period of intersection of the particular selectable region and the location indicated by the movement related signal or the location on the display closest thereto, the period equalling or exceeding a predetermined period, whereby the user may make a selection although the user movement overshoots the particular selectable region on the display.

183. In voice output system for a user having impaired motor capability, an apparatus for spelling and speaking a word, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a voice output device;

(b) a plurality of sequences of one or more letters, which, when appended in a particular order, spell a word;

(c) a display on which is displayed a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on the display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with and displaying on the display one of the sequences of one or more letters; and

(d) control means for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal and moving a cursor within the polygon responsive to the movement related signal;

(2) in response to a first selection event associated with an intersection of the cursor and one of the selectable regions, first selecting the sequence associated with the intersected selectable region;

(3) in response to a succession of selection events, each associated respectively with an intersection of the cursor and one of the selectable regions, successively appending the sequence of one or more letters associated with the intersected selectable region to the first selected sequence in the particular order; and

(4) speaking, by means of the voice output device, the word.

184. An apparatus for voice output comprising:

(a) a medium readable by a general purpose computer system including a voice output device and a display screen, the display screen including a working region with a periphery; and

(b) a program, stored on the medium and executable by the general purpose computer system, for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal indicating a location with respect to the display screen responsive to user movement by a user, the user movement indicating a potential user selection;

(2) delimiting selectable regions adjacent the periphery of the working region, each of the selectable regions selectable by the user and having an external boundary wherein the external boundary includes the side of the selectable region furthest from the working region;

(3) either preventing the movement related signal indicating the location from moving beyond the external boundary of the selectable region or delimiting an activation area extending beyond the external boundary of the selectable region and beyond the display screen, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with and capable of simultaneously displaying a sequence of one or more characters, a sequence of one or more words, or a sequence of one or more symbols representing the sequence of one or more words; and

(4) speaking with the voice output device the sequence of one or more characters or words associated with a particular selectable region responsive to an intersection of the movement related signal and the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, thereby providing the user with the ability to select the particular selectable region while overshooting the particular selectable region or by preventing the movement related signal from moving beyond the external boundary of the particular selectable region.

185. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a medium readable by a general purpose computer system including a display screen; and

(b) a program, stored on the medium and executable by the general purpose computer system, for;

(1) at least partially delimiting a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions outside the display screen and each associated respectively with a displayed menu option;

(2) receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display screen; and

(3) responsive to a first dwell event associated with a particular one of the selectable regions outside the display screen, the particular selectable region intersected by a plurality of the successive locations, selecting the menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

186. The apparatus of claim 185 wherein the program is further operative to simultaneously display the menu options on the display screen prior to the time the first dwell event occurs.

187. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a display screen;

(b) a delimit device for at least partially delimiting a plurality of selectable regions, each of the selectable regions outside the display screen and each associated respectively with a displayed menu option;

(c) a movement related signal receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating successive locations with respect to the display screen; and

(d) a selection device, responsive to a first dwell event associated with a particular one of the selectable regions outside the display screen, the particular selectable region intersected by a plurality of the successive locations, for selecting the particular menu option associated with the particular selectable region.

188. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising a pointer, responsive to the movement of a body member of an operator, for generating the movement related signal, the body member of the operator including any one of:

(a) the head of the operator,

(b) an eye of the operator;

(c) a shoulder of the operator;

(d) an arm of the operator,

(e) an elbow of the operator;

(f) a wrist of the operator;

(g) a hand of the operator;

(h) a finger of the operator,

(i) a thumb of the operator;

(j) a knee of the operator;

(k) a leg of the operator;

(l) a foot of the operator;

(m) a toe of the operator;

(n) an ankle of the operator, and

(o) the trunk of the operator.

189. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the first dwell event includes a plurality of periods of intersection, each of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region.

190. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the particular selectable region is not completely visible.

191. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein at most one of the selectable regions is adjacent the display screen.

192. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein each of the successive locations is relative to a predetermined location on the display screen or to a previous location of the successive locations.

193. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region.

194. The apparatus of claim 193 further comprising an operator fatigue detector for detecting operator fatigue and wherein the first quantity is further a function of detected operator fatigue.

195. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of a ratio between:

(1) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region; and

(2) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and one of the selectable regions other than the particular selectable region.

196. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising a plurality of selectable regions on the display screen, each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions outside the display screen;

and wherein the selection device is further operative, responsive to a second dwell event associated with a certain one of the selectable regions on the display screen, the certain selectable region associated with the particular selectable region, to select the particular menu option.

197. The apparatus of claim 196 wherein each of one or more of the selectable regions on the display screen is adjacent the associated selectable region outside the display screen.

198. The apparatus of claim 196 wherein each of one or more of the selectable regions on the display screen indicates the location of the associated selectable region outside the display screen.

199. The apparatus of claim 196 wherein the plurality of selectable regions on the display screen together at least partially circumscribe a region on the display screen.

200. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising an indicator on the display screen for indicating the remaining dwell time required to select the intersected selectable region.

201. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the movement of a body member of an operator having impaired ability to sense the position of the body member and the apparatus further comprises a tactile indicator for indicating tactilely to the operator the position of the body member.

202. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising an indicator for indicating on the display screen the location of one of the successive locations located outside the display screen.

203. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising an indicator for indicating on the display screen the distance between one of the successive locations located outside the display screen and the point on the display screen closest thereto.

204. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the duration of a period of intersection of two of the successive locations and the particular selectable region;

and wherein the apparatus further includes an indicator for indicating to a user the remaining dwell time required to select the particular menu option.

205. The apparatus of claim 204 further comprising a certain selectable region on the display screen, the certain selectable region associated with the particular selectable region;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of the duration of a period of intersection of two of the successive locations and the certain selectable region.

206. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the particular menu option is associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions;

and wherein the selection device is further operative;

(a) to display on the display screen the submenu options, responsive to the first dwell event; and

(b) to select, responsive to a second dwell event, the submenu option associated with the selectable region associated with the second dwell event.

207. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the particular selectable region is invisible.

208. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the particular menu option is associated with a submenu comprising a plurality of submenu options each associated respectively with one of the selectable regions;

and wherein the selection device is further operative to select, responsive to a second dwell event, the submenu option associated with the selectable region associated with the second dwell event.

209. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the particular menu option represents a sequence of one or more words;

and further comprising a voice output device for speaking the sequence of one or more words responsive to the selection device selecting the particular menu option.

210. The apparatus of claim 209 wherein the particular selectable region is invisible.

211. The apparatus of claim 209 wherein the selection device is responsive only to the first dwell event.

212. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising a certain selectable region on the display screen, the certain selectable region associated with the particular selectable region;

and wherein the first dwell event includes a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of;

(a) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the certain selectable region; and

(b) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the particular selectable region.

213. The apparatus of claim 187 further comprising a signal generating device, coupled to a device, for generating a device control signal corresponding to a device control function for controlling the device;

wherein the particular menu option represents the device control function; and

wherein the signal generating device, in response to the first dwell event, generates the device control signal.

214. The apparatus of claim 213 wherein the device includes any one of:

(a) a computer peripheral;

(b) a device capable of playing previously recorded sound;

(c) a device capable of playing previously recorded video;

(d) a household appliance;

(e) a lamp;

(f) a microprocessor;

(g) a motorized transport device including either one of a scooter and a wheelchair;

(h) a radio;

(i) a robot;

(j) a security system;

(k) a television;

(l) a thermostat;

(m) a voice output device;

(n) a workstation;

(o) an alarm; and

(p) an office appliance.

215. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein each of the menu options is displayed on the display screen prior to the time the first dwell event occurs.

216. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the delimit device for at least partially delimiting the plurality of selectable regions includes:

(1) a two dimensional map, and (2) a plurality of at least partially delimited areas on the map, each area corresponding respectively to one of the selectable regions;

wherein each of the successive locations is capable of being represented as a point on the map; and

wherein the selection device includes a comparator for comparing each point on the map and the area on the map corresponding to the particular selectable region to determine whether the point intersects the area.

217. The apparatus of claim 187 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s eyes.

218. An apparatus for speaking a sequence of one or more words, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a voice output device;

(b) a plurality of sequences of one or more words, or a plurality of sequences of one or more symbols each sequence of one or more symbols representing one of the sequences of one or more words;

(c) a display screen including a working region with a periphery, the display screen capable of displaying a plurality of selectable regions adjacent the periphery of the working region, each of the selectable regions selectable by the user, each of the selectable regions associated respectively with and simultaneously displaying on the display screen one of the sequences of one or more words or symbols; and

(d) control means for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal indicating a location with respect to the display screen responsive to user movement by a user, the user movement indicating a potential user selection;

(2) in response to an intersection of the location and a particular one of the selectable regions, speaking, by means of the voice output device, the sequence of one or more words associated with the particular selectable region.

219. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on the display, the selectable regions including a desired region associated with the desired option; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(2) selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

220. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for indicating to a user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

221. The apparatus of claim 220 wherein the indicator intersects the desired region.

222. The apparatus of claim 221 wherein the indicator and the desired region are equal in size and location.

223. The apparatus of claim 220 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to a user a change in the duration of a period that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

224. The apparatus of claim 223 wherein the duration change indication includes a slight modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, volume, pitch, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

225. The apparatus of claim 223 wherein the magnitude of the duration change indication is proportional to the change in the duration.

226. The apparatus of claim 220 wherein the indicator intersects the desired option on the display.

227. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for indicating to a user that the signal processing circuitry has selected the desired option.

228. The apparatus of claim 227 wherein the selection indication includes a marked modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, volume, pitch, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

229. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for indicating to a user a change in the difference between:

(a) the predetermined period of time; and

(b) the duration of a period of time during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

230. The apparatus of claim 229 wherein the difference change indication includes a modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, volume, pitch, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

231. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region; and

further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for indicating to a user at the time after the first period that the movement related signal does not indicate the desired region.

232. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region for a second period of time; and

further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for indicating to a user the duration of the second period of time.

233. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the predetermined period equals or exceeds two hundred milliseconds.

234. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein none of the selectable regions borders another of the selectable regions.

235. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the location of the desired option on the display indicates the location of the desired region relative to the display.

236. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the options include an undesired option;

wherein an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option; and

wherein the relation of the location of the undesired option on the display to the desired option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the undesired region to the location of the desired region.

237. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the movement of a body member of a user including any one of:

(a) the head of the user;

(b) an eye of the user;

(c) a shoulder of the user;

(d) an arm of the user;

(e) an elbow of the user;

(f) a wrist of the user;

(g) a hand of the user;

(h) a finger of the user;

(i) a thumb of the user;

(j) a knee of the user;

(k) a leg of the user;

(l) a foot of the user;

(m) a toe of the user;

(n) an ankle of the user; and

(o) the trunk of the user.

238. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to movement of a body member of a user over a one dimensional range of motion of the body member;

and wherein the movement related signal indicates the desired region over at least five percent of the range of motion of the body member.

239. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to disable selection of one or more of the selectable regions responsive to the selection of the desired option, while maintaining a power supply to the apparatus.

240. The apparatus of claim 239 wherein one of the selectable regions is not disabled;

and wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to, after disabling the one or more of the selectable regions, enable selection of the one or more disabled selectable regions, responsive to the movement related signal indicating the non-disabled selectable region for a set period of time.

241. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to represent the desired region as an area on a two dimensional map;

wherein the receiver is further operative to represent the movement related signal as a location on the map; and

wherein the signal processing circuitry further comprises a comparator for comparing the location on the map and the area on the map to determine whether the location overshoots the area.

242. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region for a second period of time; and

further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for indicating;

(1) the duration of the first period of time by outputting a signal which varies in at least one way responsive to the first period increasing in duration; and

(2) the duration of the second period of time by outputting a signal which varies in at least the opposite way responsive to the second period increasing in duration.

243. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the processing of the movement related signal to indicate the desired region includes clipping the movement related signal.

244. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the zone on the display is either:

(a) smaller than the display, or (b) equal in size and location to the display.

245. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein:

(a) the options include an undesired option;

(b) the selectable regions include an undesired region;

(c) the undesired option is associated with the undesired region;

(d) the desired region and the undesired region are located on opposite sides of the zone;

(e) the movement related signal is responsive to movement of the head of a user over a range of motion of the user'"'"'s head;

(f) a first position of the user'"'"'s head indicates the desired region and a second position of the user'"'"'s head indicates the undesired region; and

(g) the distance between the first position and the second position represents at least 70% of the range of motion of the user'"'"'s head.

246. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted signal;

wherein the transmitted signal is capable of being reflected by a body member of a user or by a reflector worn by the user, and wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the reflected signal.

247. The apparatus of claim 219 wherein the signal processing circuitry includes a processor.

248. An apparatus for selecting a desired submenu option from a menu hierarchy, the menu hierarchy including a menu including two or more menu options, the menu options including a desired menu option associated with a submenu including two or more submenu options, the submenu options including the desired submenu option, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating;

(1) any one of two or more first selectable regions, each of the first selectable regions bordering an edge of a first zone on a display, a desired one of the first selectable regions associated with the desired menu option; and

(2) any one of two or more second selectable regions, each of the second selectable regions bordering an edge of a second zone on the display, a desired one of the second selectable regions associated with the desired submenu option; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired first region and the edge of the first zone at the location of the desired first region, to indicate the desired first region;

(2) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired second region and the edge of the second zone at the location of the desired second region, to indicate the desired second region; and

(3) selecting the desired submenu option in response to the movement related signal indicating;

(i) the desired first region for a first predetermined period of time; and

(ii) the desired second region for a second predetermined period of time.

249. The apparatus of claim 248 wherein the desired first region and the desired second region are any one of:

(a) adjacent;

(b) not adjacent;

(c) overlapping;

(d) not overlapping; and

(e) equal in size and location.

250. The apparatus of claim 248 wherein:

(a) each of the submenu options is associated respectively with one of the second selectable regions;

(b) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(1) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for the second predetermined period of time, the submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(c) the signal processing circuitry is further operative to, in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time, display on the display each of the submenu options on, or in close proximity to, the second selectable region associated with the submenu option.

251. The apparatus of claim 248 wherein:

(a) each of the submenu options is associated respectively with one of the second selectable regions;

(b) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(i) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(ii) the desired second region for the second predetermined period of time, the submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(c) the location of the desired submenu option on the display indicates the location of the desired second region relative to the display.

252. The apparatus of claim 248 wherein:

(a) the submenu options include an undesired submenu option;

(b) an undesired one of the second selectable regions is associated with the undesired submenu option;

(c) the desired and the undesired submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(d) the relation of the location of the desired submenu option on the display to the location of the undesired submenu option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the desired second region to the location of the undesired second region.

253. The apparatus of claim 248 wherein the distance between the desired first region and the desired second region is a function of a frequency of use of the desired submenu option.

254. The apparatus of claim 248 wherein:

(a) the submenu options include an undesired submenu option;

(b) an undesired one of the second selectable region is associated with the undesired submenu option;

(c) the desired menu option is more frequently used than the undesired menu option; and

(d) the distance between the desired first region and the desired second region is less than the distance between the desired first region and the undesired second region.

255. A voice output system for speaking a desired sequence of one or more words, the voice output system comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on a display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired sequence;

(b) a voice output device, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(2) speaking the desired sequence in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

256. The voice output system of claim 255 further comprising the display for displaying a sequence of one or more graphic symbols representing the desired sequence, the sequence of graphic symbols including any one of:

(a) a letter of an alphabet;

(b) a sign of a sign language;

(c) an ideograph of an ideographic language; and

(d) a symbol of a symbol set including any one of;

(1) the Picture Communication Symbols symbol set;

(2) the Rebus symbol set;

(3) the Picsyms symbol set;

(4) the Pictogram Ideogram Communication Symbols symbol set;

(5) the Yerkish symbol set;

(6) the Blissymbolics symbol set;

(7) the Self-Talk symbol set;

(8) the Imaginart symbol set;

(9) the DynaSyms symbol set;

(10) the Oakland Picture Dictionary symbol set;

(11) the Talking Pictures symbol set;

(12) the Minspeak symbol set;

(13) the Unity symbol set; and

(14) the Core Picture Vocabulary symbol set.

257. The voice output system of claim 255 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of one or more words, each of the sequences belonging to a meaning class.

258. The voice output system of claim 257 wherein the meaning class is any one of:

(a) actions;

(b) amounts;

(c) animals;

(d) articles of clothing;

(e) bodily functions;

(f) buildings;

(g) business activities;

(h) cleaning activities;

(i) colors;

(j) communication activities;

(k) computer peripherals;

(l) days;

(m) devices used to maintain personal hygiene;

(n) directions;

(o) drinks;

(p) emergency conditions;

(q) emotions;

(r) financial activities;

(s) foods;

(t) government services;

(u) greetings;

(v) holidays;

(w) household appliances;

(x) illnesses;

(y) items of office equipment;

(z) jokes;

(aa) lengths;

(ab) locations, including locations frequented by an operator of the voice output system;

(ac) meals;

(ad) means of transportation;

(ae) months;

(af) names;

(ag) numbers;

(ah) parts of the human body;

(ai) persons known to an operator of the voice output system;

(aj) plants;

(ak) prosthetic devices;

(al) recreational activities;

(am) rehabilitation activities;

(an) relative locations;

(ao) school activities;

(ap) shapes;

(aq) shopping activities;

(ar) sizes;

(as) smells;

(at) sports;

(au) tactile attributes;

(av) tastes;

(aw) telephone numbers;

(ax) temperatures;

(ay) times;

(az) topics of study;

(ba) utterances used as acknowledgements in conversation without conveying new substantive information;

(bb) utterances used to bid for a turn to speak in conversation;

(bc) weights; and

(bd) work activities.

259. The voice output system of claim 255 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of one or more words, each of the sequences beginning with a common sequence of one or more letters.

260. The voice output system of claim 255 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of two or more words, each of the sequences including a common word.

261. The voice output system of claim 255 wherein the voice output device includes any one of:

(a) a device for playing back previously recorded speech, including digitized speech;

(b) a device for playing back previously recorded phonemes; and

(c) a speech synthesizer.

262. A device controller for outputting a device control signal to a controlled device, the device controller comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on a display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the device control signal; and

(b) signal processing circuitry operatively connected to the receiver and to the controlled device, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(2) outputting the device control signal to the controlled device in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

263. The device controller of claim 262 wherein the controlled device includes any one of:

(a) a computer peripheral;

(b) a device capable of playing previously recorded sound;

(c) a device capable of playing previously recorded video;

(d) a household appliance;

(e) a lamp;

(f) a microprocessor;

(g) a motorized transport device including either one of a scooter and a wheelchair;

(h) a radio;

(i) a robot;

(j) a security system;

(k) a television;

(l) a thermostat;

(m) a voice output device;

(n) a workstation;

(o) an alarm; and

(p) an office appliance.

264. The device controller of claim 262 wherein the controlled device is a motorized wheelchair;

and wherein the device control signal controls any one of;

(a) a direction of movement of the wheelchair;

(b) a velocity of movement of the wheelchair; and

(c) a braking of the wheelchair.

265. The device controller of claim 262 further comprising the controlled device and a pointer, the pointer operatively connected to the receiver, for generating the movement related signal.

266. For use with a computer system capable of executing an application program, the computer system including a display, an apparatus for providing a desired input to the application program, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier readable by the computer system; and

(b) a program on the carrier, the program executable by the computer system, for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired input;

(2) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(3) providing the desired input to the application program in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

267. The apparatus of claim 266 wherein the carrier includes any one of:

(a) a random access memory;

(b) a magnetic store;

(c) an optical store; and

(d) a communications network.

268. The apparatus of claim 266 wherein the application program includes any one of:

(a) a program for word processing;

(b) a program for browsing the internet;

(c) a program for transferring electronic mail;

(d) a program for learning to read a written language;

(e) a program for learning to speak a spoken language;

(f) a program for learning mathematics; and

(g) a program for controlling a device operatively connected to the computer system.

269. The apparatus of claim 266 further comprising:

(a) the computer system;

(b) a pointer, operatively connected to the computer system, for generating the movement related signal; and

(c) the application program.

270. The apparatus of claim 266 wherein the desired input is either one of:

(a) a control input, and (b) a data input.

271. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

(b) a confiner, operatively connected to the selectable regions and the receiver, for confining the movement related signal within the union of the zone and the selectable regions; and

(c) a timer, operatively connected to the selectable regions, for selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

272. The apparatus of claim 271 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

273. The apparatus of claim 272 wherein the indicator intersects the desired region.

274. The apparatus of claim 273 wherein the indicator and the desired region are equal in size and location.

275. The apparatus of claim 272 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user a change in the duration of a period that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

276. The apparatus of claim 275 wherein the duration change indication includes a slight modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, volume, pitch, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

277. The apparatus of claim 275 wherein the magnitude of the duration change indication is proportional to the change in the duration.

278. The apparatus of claim 272 wherein the indicator intersects the desired option on the display.

279. The apparatus of claim 271 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the timer, for indicating to a user that the timer has selected the desired option.

280. The apparatus of claim 279 wherein the selection indication includes a marked modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, volume, pitch, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

281. The apparatus of claim 271 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user a change in the difference between:

(a) the predetermined period of time; and

(b) the duration of a period of time during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

282. The apparatus of claim 281 wherein the difference change indication includes a modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, volume, pitch, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

283. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region; and

further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user at a time after the first period that the movement related signal does not indicate the desired region.

284. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region for a second period of time; and

further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user the duration of the second period of time.

285. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the predetermined period equals or exceeds two hundred milliseconds.

286. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein none of the selectable regions borders another of the selectable regions.

287. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the location of the desired option on the display indicates the location of the desired region relative to the display.

288. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the options include an undesired option;

wherein an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option; and

wherein the relation of the location of the undesired option on the display to the desired option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the undesired region to the location of the desired region.

289. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the movement of a body member of a user including any one of:

(a) the head of the user;

(b) an eye of the user;

(c) a shoulder of the user;

(d) an arm of the user;

(e) an elbow of the user;

(f) a wrist of the user;

(g) a hand of the user;

(h) a finger of the user;

(i) a thumb of the user;

(j) a knee of the user;

(k) a leg of the user;

(l) a foot of the user;

(m) a toe of the user;

(n) an ankle of the user; and

(o) the trunk of the user.

290. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to movement of a body member of a user over a one dimensional range of motion of the body member;

and wherein the movement related signal indicates the desired region over at least five percent of the range of motion of the body member.

291. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the timer is further operative to disable selection of one or more of the selectable regions responsive to the selection of the desired option, while maintaining a power supply to the apparatus.

292. The apparatus of claim 291 wherein one of the selectable regions is not disabled;

and wherein the timer is further operative to, after disabling the one or more of the selectable regions, enable selection of the one or more disabled selectable regions, responsive to the movement related signal indicating the non-disabled selectable region for a set period of time.

293. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the confiner is further operative to represent the union as an area on a two dimensional map;

wherein the receiver is further operative to represent the movement related signal as a location on the map; and

wherein the confiner further comprises a comparator for comparing the location on the map and the area on the map to determine whether the location is outside the area.

294. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the timer is further operative to time a period during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

295. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to a movement of a body member of a user, the movement of the body member of the user being relative to a fixed location;

wherein the body member of the user has a range of motion from the fixed location; and

wherein the confiner includes a surface disposed at a distance from the fixed location that is less than the range of motion of the body member of the user.

296. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the confiner includes a barrier bordering the union for confining the movement related signal within the union.

297. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region for a second period of time; and

further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user;

(1) the duration of the first period of time by outputting a signal which varies in at least one way responsive to the first period increasing in duration; and

(2) the duration of the second period of time by outputting a signal which varies in at least the opposite way responsive to the second period increasing in duration.

298. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein the zone on the display is either:

(a) smaller than the display, or (b) equal in size and location to the display.

299. The apparatus of claim 271 wherein:

(a) the options include an undesired option;

(b) the selectable regions include an undesired region;

(c) the undesired option is associated with the undesired region;

(d) the desired region and the undesired region are located on opposite sides of the zone;

(e) the movement related signal is responsive to movement of the head of a user over a range of motion of the user'"'"'s head;

(f) a first position of the user'"'"'s head indicates the desired region and a second position of the user'"'"'s head indicates the undesired region; and

(g) the distance between the first position and the second position represents at least 70% of the range of motion of the user'"'"'s head.

300. The apparatus of claim 271 further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted signal;

wherein the transmitted signal is capable of being reflected by a body member of a user or by a reflector worn by the user; and

wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the reflected signal.

301. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s eyes, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

302. The apparatus of claim 301 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with one of the options shown on the display;

and wherein the location of each option on the display indicates the location of the associated selectable region.

303. A method of enabling a user to select a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the method comprising the steps of:

providing, bordering an edge of a zone on the display, two or more selectable regions, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

receiving from the user a movement related signal for indicating any one of the selectable regions;

processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

304. The method of claim 303 wherein the desired region is located either outside the zone or inside the zone.

305. The method of claim 303 further comprising the step of indicating to the user any one of:

(a) after the receiving step, the period of time during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region;

(b) after the receiving step, the difference between (1) the predetermined period of time, and (2) the period of time during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region;

(c) that the movement related signal has overshot the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region; and

(d) that the desired option has been selected.

306. A method of enabling a user to select a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the method comprising the steps of:

providing, outside the display, two or more selectable regions, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

receiving from the user a movement related signal for indicating any one of the selectable regions, the movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of the user other than either of the user'"'"'s eyes; and

selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

307. A method of enabling a user to select a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the method comprising the steps of:

providing, bordering an edge of a zone on the display, two or more selectable regions, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

receiving from the user a movement related signal indicating any one of the selectable regions;

confining the movement related signal within the union of the zone and the selectable regions; and

selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

308. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering a first edge of a zone on the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the first edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(2) selecting the desired option in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

309. The apparatus of claim 308 wherein the movement related signal indicates a path of movement of a body member of a user;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of the path.

310. The apparatus of claim 308 further comprising a user fatigue detector for detecting user fatigue;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of detected user fatigue.

311. The apparatus of claim 308 wherein the options include an undesired option;

wherein an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option; and

wherein the first quantity is further a function of the durations of one or more successive periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region.

312. The apparatus of claim 311 wherein the first quantity is further a function of any one of:

(a) a difference between;

(1) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region, and

(2) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region;

(b) a ratio of;

(1) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region, to

(2) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region;

(c) the number of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region; and

(d) the number of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region.

313. An apparatus for selecting a desired submenu option from a menu hierarchy, the menu hierarchy including a menu including two or more menu options, the menu options including a desired menu option associated with a submenu including two or more submenu options, the submenu options including the desired submenu option, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating;

(1) any one of two or more first selectable regions, each of the first selectable regions bordering an edge of a first zone on a display, a desired one of the first selectable regions associated with the desired menu option; and

(2) any one of two or more second selectable regions, each of the second selectable regions bordering an edge of a second zone on the display, a desired one of the second selectable regions associated with the desired submenu option; and

(b) a confiner, operatively connected to the first selectable regions, the second selectable regions, and the receiver, for;

(1) confining the movement related signal within the union of the first zone and the first, selectable regions;

(2) confining the movement related signal within the union of the second zone and the second selectable regions; and

(c) a timer, operatively connected to the first selectable regions and the second selectable regions, for selecting the desired submenu option in response to the movement related signal indicating;

(1) the desired first region for a first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for a second predetermined period of time.

314. The apparatus of claim 313 wherein the desired first region and the desired second region are any one of:

(a) adjacent;

(b) not adjacent;

(c) overlapping;

(d) not overlapping; and

(e) equal in size and location.

315. The apparatus of claim 313 wherein:

(a) each of the submenu options is associated respectively with one of the second selectable regions;

(b) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(1) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for the second predetermined period of time, the submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(c) the timer is further operative to, in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time, displaying on the display each of the submenu options on, or in close proximity to, the second selectable region associated with the submenu option.

316. The apparatus of claim 313 wherein:

(a) each of the submenu options is associated respectively with one of the second selectable regions;

(b) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(1) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for the second predetermined period of time, the submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(c) the location of the desired submenu option on the display indicates the location of the desired second region relative to the display.

317. The apparatus of claim 313 wherein:

(a) the submenu options include an undesired submenu option;

(b) an undesired one of the second selectable regions is associated with the undesired submenu option;

(c) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(1) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for the second predetermined period of time, the desired and the undesired submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(d) the relation of the location of the desired submenu option on the display to the location of the undesired submenu option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the desired second region to the location of the undesired second region.

318. The apparatus of claim 313 wherein the distance between the desired first region and the desired second region is a function of a frequency of use of the desired submenu option.

319. The apparatus of claim 313 wherein:

(a) the submenu options include an undesired submenu option;

(b) an undesired one of the second selectable regions is associated with the undesired submenu option;

(c) the desired menu option is more frequently used than the undesired menu option; and

(d) the distance between the desired first region and the desired second region is less than the distance between the desired first region and the undesired second region.

320. A voice output system for speaking a desired sequence of one or more words, the voice output system comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on a display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired sequence;

(b) a confiner, operatively connected to the selectable regions and the receiver, for confining the movement related signal within the union of the zone and the selectable regions; and

(c) a voice output device, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for speaking the desired sequence in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

321. The voice output system of claim 320 further comprising the display for displaying a sequence of one or more graphic symbols representing the desired sequence, the sequence of graphic symbols including any one of:

(a) a letter of an alphabet;

(b) a sign of a sign language;

(c) an ideograph of an ideographic language; and

(d) a symbol of a symbol set including any one of;

(1) the Picture Communication Symbols symbol set;

(2) the Rebus symbol set;

(3) the Picsyms symbol set;

(4) the Pictogram Ideogram Communication Symbols symbol set;

(5) the Yerkish symbol set;

(6) the Blissymbolics symbol set;

(7) the Self-Talk symbol set;

(8) the Imaginart symbol set;

(9) the DynaSyms symbol set;

(10) the Oakland Picture Dictionary symbol set;

(11) the Talking Pictures symbol sot;

(12) the Minspeak symbol set;

(13) the Unity symbol set; and

(14) the Core Picture Vocabulary symbol set.

322. The voice output system of claim 320 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of one or more words, each of the sequences belonging to a meaning class.

323. The voice output system of claim 322 wherein the meaning class is any one of:

(a) actions;

(b) amounts;

(c) animals;

(d) articles of clothing;

(e) bodily functions;

(f) buildings;

(g) business activities;

(h) cleaning activities;

(i) colors;

(j) communication activities;

(k) computer peripherals;

(l) days;

(m) devices used to maintain personal hygiene;

(n) directions;

(o) drinks;

(p) emergency conditions;

(q) emotions;

(r) financial activities;

(s) foods;

(t) government services;

(u) greetings;

(v) holidays;

(w) household appliances;

(x) illnesses;

(y) items of office equipment;

(z) jokes;

(aa) lengths;

(ab) locations, including locations frequented by an operator of the voice output system;

(ac) meals;

(ad) means of transportation;

(ae) months;

(af) names;

(ag) numbers;

(ah) parts of the human body;

(ai) persons known to an operator of the voice output system;

(aj) plants;

(ak) prosthetic devices;

(al) recreational activities;

(am) rehabilitation activities;

(an) relative locations;

(ao) school activities;

(ap) shapes;

(aq) shopping activities;

(ar) sizes;

(as) smells;

(at) sports;

(au) tactile attributes;

(av) tastes;

(aw) telephone numbers;

(ax) temperatures;

(ay) times;

(az) topics of study;

(ba) utterances used as acknowledgements in conversation without conveying new substantive information;

(bb) utterances used to bid for a turn to speak in conversation;

(bc) weights; and

(bd) work activities.

324. The voice output system of claim 320 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of one or more words, each of the sequences beginning with a common sequence of one or more letters.

325. The voice output system of claim 320 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of two or more words, each of the sequences including a common word.

326. The voice output system of claim 320 wherein the voice output device includes any one of:

(a) a device for playing back previously recorded speech, including digitized speech;

(b) a device for playing back previously recorded phonemes; and

(c) a speech synthesizer.

327. A device controller for outputting a device control signal to a controlled device, the device controller comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on a display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the device control signal;

(b) a confiner, operatively connected to the selectable regions and the receiver, for confining the movement related signal within the union of the zone and the selectable regions; and

(c) signal outputting circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver, for outputting the device control signal to the controlled device in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

328. The device controller of claim 327 wherein the controlled device includes any one of:

(a) a computer peripheral;

(b) a device capable of playing previously recorded sound;

(c) a device capable of playing previously recorded video;

(d) a household appliance;

(e) a lamp;

(f) a microprocessor;

(g) a motorized transport device including either one of a scooter and a wheelchair;

(h) a radio;

(i) a robot;

(j) a security system;

(k) a television;

(l) a thermostat;

(m) a voice output device;

(n) a workstation;

(o) an alarm; and

(p) an office appliance.

329. The device controller of claim 327 wherein the controlled device is a motorized wheelchair;

and wherein the device control signal controls any one of;

(a) a direction of movement of the wheelchair;

(b) a velocity of movement of the wheelchair; and

(c) a braking of the wheelchair.

330. The device controller of claim 327 further comprising the controlled device and a pointer, the pointer operatively connected to a body member of a user, for generating the movement related signal.

331. For use with a computer system capable of executing an application program, the computer system including a display, an apparatus for providing a desired input to the application program, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier readable by the computer system; and

(b) a program on the carrier, the program executable by the computer system, for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering an edge of a zone on the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired input;

(2) confining the movement related signal within the union of the zone and the selectable regions; and

(3) providing the desired input to the application program in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time.

332. The apparatus of claim 331 wherein the carrier includes any one of:

(a) a random access memory;

(b) a magnetic store;

(c) an optical store; and

(d) a communications network.

333. The apparatus of claim 331 wherein the application program includes any one of:

(a) a program for word processing;

(b) a program for accessing a communications network;

(c) a program for transferring electronic mail;

(d) a program for learning to read a written language;

(e) a program for learning to speak a spoken language;

(f) a program for learning mathematics; and

(g) a program for controlling a device operatively connected to the computer system.

334. The apparatus of claim 331 further comprising:

(a) the computer system;

(b) a pointer, operatively connected to the computer system, for generating the movement related signal; and

(c) the application program.

335. The apparatus of claim 331 wherein the desired input is either one of:

(a) a control input, and (b) a data input.

336. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions bordering a first edge of a zone on the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

(b) a confiner, operatively connected to the selectable regions and the receiver, for confining the movement related signal within the union of the zone and the selectable regions; and

(c) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for selecting the desired option in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

337. The apparatus of claim 336 wherein the movement related signal indicates a path of movement of a body member of a user;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of the path.

338. The apparatus of claim 336 further comprising a user fatigue detector for detecting user fatigue;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of detected user fatigue.

339. The apparatus of claim 336 wherein the options include an undesired option;

wherein an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option; and

wherein the first quantity is further a function of the durations of one or more successive periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region.

340. The apparatus of claim 339 wherein the first quantity is further a function of any one of:

(a) a difference between;

(1) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region, and

(2) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region;

(b) a ratio of;

(1) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region, to

(2) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region;

(c) the number of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region; and

(d) the number of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region.

341. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time; and

(c) an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user prior to the movement related signal indicating the desired selectable region for the predetermined period of time, that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

342. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the indicator intersects either one of:

(a) the desired region, and (b) the display of the desired option.

343. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the indicator and the display of the desired option are equal in size and location.

344. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user a change in the duration of a period that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

345. The apparatus of claim 344 wherein the duration change indication includes a modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

346. The apparatus of claim 344 wherein the magnitude of the duration change indication is proportional to the change in the duration.

347. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region for a second period of time; and

wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user;

(1) the duration of the first period of time by outputting a signal which varies in at least one way responsive to the first period increasing in duration; and

(2) the duration of the second period of time by outputting a signal which varies in at least the opposite way responsive to the second period increasing in duration.

348. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user that the signal processing circuitry has selected the desired option.

349. The apparatus of claim 348 wherein the selection indication includes a marked modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

350. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user a change in the difference between:

(a) the predetermined period of time; and

(b) the duration of a period of time that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

351. The apparatus of claim 350 wherein the difference change indication includes a modification in any one of:

hue, saturation, luminosity, pressure, force, frequency, amplitude, and phase.

352. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region; and

wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user at a time after the first period that the movement related signal does not indicate the desired region.

353. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the movement related signal:

(a) indicates the desired region for a first period of time; and

(b) at a time after the first period, does not indicate the desired region for a second period of time; and

wherein the indicator is further operative to indicate to the user the duration of the second period of time.

354. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the predetermined period equals or exceeds two hundred milliseconds.

355. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein none of the selectable regions borders another of the selectable regions.

356. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein:

(a) the options include an undesired option;

(b) an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option; and

(c) the relation of the location of the undesired option on the display to the desired option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the undesired region to the location of the desired region.

357. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the movement of a body member of the user including any one of:

(a) the head of the user;

(b) an eye of the user;

(c) a shoulder of the user;

(d) an arm of the user;

(e) an elbow of the user;

(f) a wrist of the user;

(g) a hand of the user;

(h) a finger of the user;

(i) a thumb of the user;

(j) a knee of the user;

(k) a leg of the user;

(l) a foot of the user;

(m) a toe of the user;

(n) an ankle of the user; and

(o) the trunk of the user.

358. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to movement of a body member of the user over a one dimensional range of motion of the body member;

and wherein the movement related signal indicates the desired region over at least five percent of the range of motion of the body member.

359. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to disable selection of one or more of the selectable regions responsive to the selection of the desired option, while maintaining a power supply to the apparatus.

360. The apparatus of claim 359 wherein one of the selectable regions is not disabled;

and wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to, after disabling the one or more of the selectable regions, enable selection of the one or more disabled selectable regions, responsive to the movement related signal indicating the non-disabled selectable region for a set period of time.

361. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to represent the desired region as an area on a two dimensional map;

wherein the receiver is further operative to represent the movement related signal as a location on the map; and

wherein the signal processing circuitry further comprises a comparator for comparing the location on the map and the area on the map to determine whether the location intersects the area.

362. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein:

(a) the options include an undesired option;

(b) an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option;

(c) the desired region and the undesired region are located on opposite sides of the display;

(d) the movement related signal is responsive to movement of the head of the user over a range of motion of the user'"'"'s head;

(e) a first position of the user'"'"'s head indicates the desired region and a second position of the user'"'"'s head indicates the undesired region; and

(f) the distance between the first position and the-second position represents at least 70% of the range of motion of the user'"'"'s head.

363. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the desired region is any one of:

(a) completely visible;

(b) partially visible and partially invisible;

(c) completely invisible;

(d) adjacent another of the selectable regions; and

(e) not adjacent another of the selectable regions.

364. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the desired region is adjacent an edge of the display.

365. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the desired region is not adjacent an edge of the display.

366. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the desired region is completely delimited.

367. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the desired region is partially delimited.

368. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with one of the options shown on the display;

and wherein the location of each option on the display indicates the location of the associated selectable region.

369. The apparatus of claim 341 further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted signal;

wherein the transmitted signal is capable of being reflected by a body member of the user or by a reflector worn by the user, and wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the reflected signal.

370. The apparatus of claim 341 wherein the signal processing circuitry includes a processor.

371. An apparatus for selecting a desired submenu option from a menu hierarchy, the menu hierarchy including a menu including two or more menu options, the menu options including a desired menu option associated with a submenu including two or more submenu options, the submenu options including the desired submenu option, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating;

(1) any one of two or more first selectable regions, each of the first selectable regions located outside a display, a desired one of the first selectable regions associated with the desired menu option; and

(2) any one of two or more second selectable regions, each of the second selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the second selectable regions associated with the desired submenu option; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for selecting the desired submenu option in response to the movement related signal indicating;

(1) the desired first region for a first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for a second predetermined period of time.

372. The apparatus of claim 371 wherein the desired first region and the desired second region are any one of:

(a) adjacent;

(b) not adjacent;

(c) overlapping;

(d) not overlapping; and

(e) equal in size and location.

373. The apparatus of claim 371 wherein:

(a) each of the submenu options is associated respectively with one of the second selectable regions;

(b) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(1) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for thc second predetermined period of time, the submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(c) the signal processing circuitry is further operative to, in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time, display on the display each of the submenu options in close proximity to the second selectable region associated with the submenu option.

374. The apparatus of claim 371 wherein:

(a) each of the submenu options is associated respectively with one of the second selectable regions;

(b) prior to the movement related signal indicating either one of;

(1) the desired first region for the first predetermined period of time; and

(2) the desired second region for the second predetermined period of time, the submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(c) the location of the desired submenu option on the display indicates the location of the desired second region relative to the display.

375. The apparatus of claim 371 wherein:

(a) the submenu options include an undesired submenu option;

(b) an undesired one of the second selectable regions is associated with the undesired submenu option;

(c) the desired and the undesired submenu options are displayed simultaneously and physically grouped together on the display; and

(d) the relation of the location of the desired submenu option on the display to the location of the undesired submenu option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the desired second region to the location of the undesired second region.

376. The apparatus of claim 371 wherein the distance between the desired first region and the desired second region is a function of a frequency of use of the desired submenu option.

377. The apparatus of claim 371 wherein:

(a) the submenu options include an undesired submenu option;

(b) an undesired one of the second selectable regions is associated with the undesired submenu option;

(c) the desired menu option is more frequently used than the undesired menu option; and

(d) the distance between the desired first region and the desired second region is less than the distance between the desired first region and the undesired second region.

378. A voice output system for speaking a desired sequence of one or more words, the voice output system comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside a display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired sequence;

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for selecting the desired sequence in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time; and

(c) a voice output device, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for speaking the desired sequence in response to the signal processing circuitry selecting the desired sequence.

379. The voice output system of claim 378 further comprising the display for displaying a sequence of one or more graphic symbols representing the desired sequence, the sequence of graphic symbols including any one of:

(a) a letter of an alphabet;

(b) a sign of a sign language;

(c) an ideograph of an ideographic language; and

(d) a symbol of a symbol set including any one of;

(1) the Picture Communication Symbols symbol set;

(2) the Rebus symbol set;

(3) the Picsyms symbol set;

(4) the Pictogram Ideogram Communication Symbols symbol set;

(5) the Yerkish symbol set;

(6) the Blissymbolics symbol set;

(7) the Self-Talk symbol set;

(8) the Imaginart symbol set;

(9) the DynaSyms symbol set;

(10) the Oakland Picture Dictionary symbol set;

(11) the Talking Pictures symbol set;

(12) the Minspeak symbol set;

(13) the Unity symbol set; and

(14) the Core Picture Vocabulary symbol set.

380. The voice output system of claim 378 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of one or more words, each of the sequences belonging to a meaning class.

381. The voice output system of claim 380 wherein the meaning class is any one of:

(a) actions;

(b) amounts;

(c) animals;

(d) articles of clothing;

(e) bodily functions;

(f) buildings;

(g) business activities;

(h) cleaning activities;

(i) colors;

(j) communication activities;

(k) computer peripherals;

(l) days;

(m) devices used to maintain personal hygiene;

(n) directions;

(o) drinks;

(p) emergency conditions;

(q) emotions;

(r) financial activities;

(s) foods;

(t) government services;

(u) greetings;

(v) holidays;

(w) household appliances;

(x) illnesses;

(y) items of office equipment;

(z) jokes;

(aa) lengths;

(ab) locations, including locations frequented by an operator of the voice output system;

(ac) meals;

(ad) means of transportation;

(ae) months;

(af) names;

(ag) numbers;

(ah) parts of the human body;

(ai) persons known to an operator of the voice output system;

(aj) plants;

(ak) prosthetic devices;

(al) recreational activities;

(am) rehabilitation activities;

(an) relative locations;

(ao) school activities;

(ap) shapes;

(aq) shopping activities;

(ar) sizes;

(as) smells;

(at) sports;

(au) tactile attributes;

(av) tastes;

(aw) telephone numbers;

(ax) temperatures;

(ay) times;

(az) topics of study;

(ba) utterances used as acknowledgements in conversation without conveying new substantive information;

(bb) utterances used to bid for a turn to speak in conversation;

(bc) weights; and

(bd) work activities.

382. The voice output system of claim 378 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of one or more words, each of the sequences beginning with a common sequence of one or more letters.

383. The voice output system of claim 378 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with a sequence of two or more words, each of the sequences including a common word.

384. The voice output system of claim 378 wherein the voice output device includes any one of:

(a) a device for playing back previously recorded speech, including digitized speech;

(b) a device for playing back previously recorded phonemes; and

(c) a speech synthesizer.

385. A device controller for outputting a device control signal to a controlled device, the device controller including a display for displaying a representation of the device control signal, the device controller comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the device control signal;

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver, for outputting the device control signal to the controlled device in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired selectable region for a predetermined period of time; and

(c) an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user prior to the movement related signal indicating the desired selectable region for the predetermined period of time, that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

386. The device controller of claim 385 wherein the controlled device includes any one of:

(a) a computer peripheral;

(b) a device capable of playing previously recorded sound;

(c) a device capable of playing previously recorded video;

(d) a household appliance;

(e) a lamp;

(f) a microprocessor;

(g) a motorized transport device including either one of a scooter and a wheelchair;

(h) a radio;

(i) a robot;

(j) a security system;

(k) a television;

(l) a thermostat;

(m) a voice output device;

(n) a workstation;

(o) an alarm; and

(p) an office appliance.

387. The device controller of claim 385 wherein the controlled device is a motorized wheelchair;

and wherein the device control signal controls any one of;

(a) a direction of movement of the wheelchair;

(b) a velocity of movement of the wheelchair; and

(c) a braking of the wheelchair.

388. The device controller of claim 385 further comprising thc controlled device and a pointer, the pointer operatively connected to a body member of the user, for generating the movement related signal.

389. For use with a computer system capable of executing an application program, the computer system including a display, an apparatus for providing a desired input to the application program, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier readable by the computer system; and

(b) a program on the carrier, the program executable by the computer system, for;

(1) receiving a movement related signal responsive indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired input;

(2) providing the desired input to the application program in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for a predetermined period of time; and

(3) indicating to a user, prior to the movement related signal indicating the desired region for the predetermined period of time, that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

390. The apparatus of claim 389 wherein the carrier includes any one of:

(a) a random access memory;

(b) a magnetic store;

(c) an optical store; and

(d) a communications network.

391. The apparatus of claim 389 wherein the application program includes any one of:

(a) a program for word processing;

(b) a program for accessing a communications network;

(c) a program for transferring electronic mail;

(d) a program for learning to read a written language;

(e) a program for learning to speak a spoken language;

(f) a program for learning mathematics; and

(g) a program for controlling a device operatively connected to the computer system.

392. The apparatus of claim 389 further comprising:

(a) the computer system;

(b) a pointer, operatively connected to a body member of the user, for generating the movement related signal; and

(c) the application program.

393. The apparatus of claim 389 wherein the desired input is displayed on the display prior to the program providing the desired input to the application program.

394. The apparatus of claim 389 wherein the desired input is either one of:

(a) a control input, and (b) a data input.

395. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving a movement related signal responsive indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option;

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal, for selecting the desired option in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region; and

(c) an indicator, operatively connected to the receiver, for indicating to a user prior to the the first quantity equalling or exceeding the predetermined quantity, that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

396. The apparatus of claim 395 wherein the movement related signal indicates a path of movement of a body member of the user;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of the path.

397. The apparatus of claim 395 further comprising a user fatigue detector for detecting user fatigue;

and wherein the first quantity is further a function of detected user fatigue.

398. The apparatus of claim 395 wherein the options include an undesired option;

wherein an undesired one of the selectable regions is associated with the undesired option; and

wherein the first quantity is further a function of the durations of one or more successive periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region.

399. The apparatus of claim 398 wherein the first quantity is further a function of any one of:

(a) a difference between;

(1) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region, and

(2) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region;

(b) a ratio of;

(1) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region, to

(2) the durations of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region;

(c) the number of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the desired region; and

(d) the number of the one or more periods during which the movement related signal indicates the undesired region.

400. An apparatus for selecting a sequence of one or more graphic symbols from a plurality of sequences of one or more graphic symbols, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a display including a working region with a periphery;

(b) movement related signal receiving means for receiving a movement related signal indicating each of a first and a second location with respect to the display responsive to user movement of a user, the user movement indicating a potential user selection;

(c) delimit means for delimiting a plurality of selectable regions outside the working region and adjacent the periphery of the working region, each of the selectable regions selectable by the user and having either;

(1) a confiner for preventing the movement related signal indicating the first and the second locations from moving beyond the side of the selectable region furthest from the working region, or

(2) an activation area extending beyond the side of the selectable region furthest from the working region and beyond the display,

each of the selectable regions associated respectively with one of the sequences of one or more graphic symbols, the display operative to simultaneously display the sequences on the display; and

(d) selection means for selecting the sequence associated with a particular one of the selectable regions responsive to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a first predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the duration of a first period of intersection, the first period of intersection starting in response to the first location intersecting the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith and ending in response to the second location intersecting the particular selectable region or the activation area associated therewith, thereby providing the user with the ability to select the sequence associated with the particular selectable region either while overshooting the particular selectable region or while the confined movement related signal, if left unconfined, would overshoot the particular selectable region.

401. The apparatus of claim 400 wherein the movement related signal receiving means includes:

(1) a timer; and

(2) a detector, operatively connected to a body member of the user and responsive to the timer, for periodically on expiration of the timer, detecting the location of the body member of the user.

402. The apparatus of claim 400 wherein the delimit means includes:

(1) a two dimensional map, and (2) a plurality of at least partially delimited areas on the map, each area corresponding respectively to one of the selectable regions;

wherein each of the first and the second locations is capable of being represented as a point on the map; and

wherein the selection means includes a comparator for comparing each point on the map and the area on the map corresponding to the particular selectable region to determine whether the point intersects the area.

403. The apparatus of claim 400 wherein the movement related signal is further capable of indicating a third location with respect to the display responsive to the user movement, the third location occurring at a time after the first location occurs and before the second location occurs;

and wherein the selection means includes;

(1) an accumulator for accumulating the first quantity responsive to;

(A) the difference between the time the third location occurs and the time the first location occurs; and

(B) the difference between the time the second location occurs and the time the third location occurs; and

(2) a comparator for comparing the accumulated first quantity to the first predetermined quantity.

404. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving;

(1) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions within a zone on a display and each bordering an edge of the zone, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(2) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of a switch; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver to receive the movement related signal and the switch operation signal, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(2) selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

405. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the signal processing circuitry is further operative to indicate to the user, prior to the time of the operation of the switch, that the movement related signal indicates the desired region.

406. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein each of the menu options are simultaneously displayed, each of the menu options being displayed on the selectable region associated with the menu option.

407. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein none of the selectable regions borders another of the selectable regions.

408. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the body member of the user is the head of the user.

409. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to movement of the body member of the user over a one dimensional range of motion of the body member;

and wherein the movement related signal indicates the desired region over at least five percent of the range of motion of the body member.

410. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the processing of the movement related signal to indicate the desired region includes clipping the movement related signal.

411. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the zone on the display is smaller than the display.

412. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the zone on the display is equal in size and location to the display.

413. The apparatus of claim 404 further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted signal;

wherein the transmitted signal is capable of being reflected by the body member of the user or by a reflector worn by the user; and

wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the reflected signal.

414. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the desired region borders the edge of the zone on the display on a first side of the zone, and one of the selectable regions other than the desired region borders the edge of the zone on the display on a side of the zone other than the first side.

415. The apparatus of claim 404 wherein the signal processing circuitry includes a processor.

416. For use with a computer system capable of executing an application program, the computer system including a display and a switch, an apparatus for providing a desired input to the application program, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier readable by the computer system; and

(b) a program on the carrier, the program executable by the computer system, for;

(1) receiving;

(i) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions within a is zone on the display and each bordering an edge of the zone, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired input; and

(ii) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of the switch; and

(2) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(3) providing the desired input to the application program in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

417. The apparatus of claim 416 wherein the carrier includes any one of:

(a) a random access memory;

(b) a magnetic store;

(c) an optical store; and

(d) a communications network.

418. The apparatus of claim 416 wherein the application program includes any one of:

(a) a program for word processing;

(b) a program for accessing a communications network;

(c) a program for transferring electronic mail;

(d) a program for learning to read a written language;

(e) a program for learning to speak a spoken language;

(f) a program for learning mathematics; and

(g) a program for controlling a device operatively connected to the computer system.

419. The apparatus of claim 416 further comprising:

(a) the computer system;

(b) a pointer, operatively connected to the body member of the user, for generating the movement related signal; and

(c) the application program.

420. The apparatus of claim 416 wherein the desired input is displayed on the display prior to the time of the operation of the switch.

421. The apparatus of claim 416 wherein thc desired input is either one of:

(a) a control input, and (b) a data input.

422. The apparatus of claim 416 wherein the application program is capable of displaying on the display either one of a first part of a document and a second part of the document, the first part and the second part differing from one another;

wherein the desired input is a scroll control;

wherein, prior to the program providing the desired input to the application program, the application program displays the first part on the display; and

wherein the application program, in response to the program providing the desired input to the application program, displays the second part on the display.

423. The apparatus of claim 416 wherein the application program is capable of displaying information on the display in either one of a first window and a second window, the first and the second windows being of different sizes;

wherein the desired input is a window size control;

wherein, prior to the program providing the desired input to the application program, the application program displays information in the first window; and

wherein the application program, in response to the program providing the desired input to the application program, displays information in the second window.

424. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options, the apparatus comprising:

(a) receiver means for receiving;

(1) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions within a zone on a display and each bordering an edge of the zone, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(2) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of a switch; and

(b) control means, operatively connected to the receiver means to receive the movement related signal and the switch operation signal, for;

(1) processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

(2) selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

425. The apparatus of claim 424 wherein the receiver means includes:

(1) a timer; and

(2) a detector, operatively connected to the body member of the user and responsive to the timer, for periodically on expiration of the timer, detecting the location of the body member of the user.

426. The apparatus of claim 424 wherein the control means is further operative to represent the desired region as an area on a two dimensional map;

wherein the receiver means is further operative to represent the movement related signal as a location on the map; and

wherein the control means further comprises a comparator for comparing the location on the map and the area on the map to determine whether the location overshoots the area.

427. An method of selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options, the method comprising:

receiving;

(a) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions within a zone on a display and each bordering an edge of the zone, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(b) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of a switch;

processing the movement related signal in response to the movement related signal overshooting the desired region and the edge of the zone at the location of the desired region, to indicate the desired region; and

selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

428. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver for receiving;

(1) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(2) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of a switch; and

(b) signal processing circuitry, operatively connected to the receiver, for;

(1) simultaneously displaying each of the options on the display;

(2) indicating to the user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region, the indication to the user in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region prior to the time of the operation of the switch; and

(3) selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

429. The apparatus of claim 428 further comprising an indicator, operatively connected to the signal processing circuitry, for providing the indication to the user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region;

and wherein the indicator intersects either one of;

(a) the desired region, and (b) the display of the desired option.

430. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein none of the selectable regions borders another of the selectable regions.

431. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the options include an undesired option associated with an undesired one of the selectable regions;

and wherein the relation of the location of the undesired option on the display to the desired option on the display indicates the relation of the location of the undesired region to the location of the desired region.

432. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the body member of the user is the head of the user.

433. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the movement related signal is responsive to movement of the body member of the user over a one dimensional range of motion of the body member;

and wherein the movement related signal indicates the desired region over at least five percent of the range of motion of the body member.

434. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the desired selectable region is any one of:

(a) completely visible;

(b) partially visible and partially invisible;

(c) completely invisible;

(d) adjacent another of the selectable regions; and

(e) not adjacent another of the selectable regions.

435. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the desired selectable region is adjacent an edge of the display.

436. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the desired selectable region is not adjacent an edge of the display.

437. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the desired selectable region is completely delimited.

438. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the desired selectable region is partially delimited.

439. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein each of the selectable regions is associated respectively with one of the options displayed on the display;

and wherein the location of each option on the display indicates the location of the associated selectable region.

440. The apparatus of claim 428 further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted signal;

wherein the transmitted signal is capable of being reflected by the body member of the user or by a reflector worn by the user; and

wherein the movement related signal is responsive to the reflected signal.

441. The apparatus of claim 428 wherein the signal processing circuitry includes a processor.

442. For use with a computer system capable of executing an application program, the computer system including a display and a switch, an apparatus for providing a desired input to the application program, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier readable by the computer system; and

(b) a program on the carrier, the program executable by the computer system, for;

(1) receiving;

(i) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired input, an undesired one of the selectable regions associated with an undesired input; and

(ii) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of the switch; and

(2) simultaneously displaying the desired input and the undesired input on the display;

(3) indicating to the user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region, the indication to the user in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region prior to the time of the operation of the switch; and

(4) providing the desired input to the application program in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

443. The apparatus of claim 442 wherein the carrier includes any one of:

(a) a random access memory;

(b) a magnetic store;

(c) an optical store; and

(d) a communications network.

444. The apparatus of claim 442 wherein the application program includes any one of:

(a) a program for word processing;

(b) a program for accessing a communications network;

(c) a program for transferring electronic mail;

(d) a program for learning to read a written language;

(e) a program for learning to speak a spoken language;

(f) a program for learning mathematics; and

(g) a program for controlling a device operatively connected to the computer system.

445. The apparatus of claim 442 further comprising:

(a) the computer system;

(b) a pointer, operatively connected to the body member of the user, for generating the movement related signal; and

(c) the application program.

446. The apparatus of claim 442 wherein the desired input is either one of:

(a) a control input, and (b) a data input.

447. The apparatus of claim 442 wherein the application program is capable of displaying on the display either one of a first part of a document and a second part of the document, the first part and the second part differing from one another, wherein the desired input is a scroll control;

wherein, prior to the program providing the desired input to the application program, the application program displays the first part on the display; and

wherein the application program, in response to the program providing the desired input to the application program, displays the second part on the display.

448. The apparatus of claim 442 wherein the application program is capable of displaying information on the display in either one of a first window and a second window, the first and the second windows being of different sizes;

wherein the desired input is a window size control;

wherein, prior to the program providing the desired input to the application program, the application program displays information in the first window; and

wherein the application program, in response to the program providing the desired input to the application program, displays information in the second window.

449. An apparatus for selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the apparatus comprising:

(a) receiver means for receiving;

(1) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(2) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of a switch; and

(b) control means, operatively connected to the receiver means to receive the movement related signal and the switch operation signal, for;

(1) simultaneously displaying each of the options on the display;

(2) indicating to the user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region, the indication to the user in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region prior to the time of the operation of the switch; and

(3) selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

450. The apparatus of claim 449 wherein the receiver means includes:

(1) a timer; and

(2) a detector, operatively connected to the body member of the user and responsive to the timer, for periodically on expiration of the timer, detecting the location of the body member of the user.

451. The apparatus of claim 449 wherein the control means is further operative to represent the desired region as an area on a two dimensional map;

wherein the receiver means is further operative to represent the movement related signal as a location on the map; and

wherein the control means further comprises a comparator for comparing the location on the map and the area on the map to determine whether the location intersects the area.

452. An method of selecting a desired option from a menu of two or more options shown on a display, the method comprising:

receiving;

(a) a movement related signal responsive to movement of a body member of a user other than either of the user'"'"'s hands, the movement related signal indicating any one of two or more selectable regions, each of the selectable regions located outside the display, a desired one of the selectable regions associated with the desired option; and

(b) a switch operation signal indicating an operation of a switch;

displaying each of the options on the display simultaneously;

indicating to the user that the movement related signal indicates the desired region, the indication to the user in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region prior to the time of the operation of the switch; and

selecting the desired option in response to the movement related signal indicating the desired region at or near the time of the operation of the switch.

453. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a menu, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a display for displaying at least three menu options, each menu option displayed bordering an edge of a zone on the display, each menu option corresponding respectively to a position of a user activatable switch, the switch located outside the display, having at least three discrete positions and being positionable with respect to the displayed location of each menu option for selection thereof; and

(b) a selection device for selecting a particular one of the menu options in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period.

454. For use with a computer system capable of executing an application program, the computer system including a display, an apparatus for providing a desired input to the application program, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier readable by the computer system; and

(b) a program on the carrier, the program executable by the computer system, for;

(1) displaying on the display at least three menu options, a particular one of the menu options representing the desired input, each menu option displayed bordering an edge of a zone on the display, each menu option corresponding respectively to a position of a user activatable switch, the switch located outside the display, having at least three discrete positions and being positionable with respect to the displayed location of each menu option for selection thereof; and

(2) providing the desired input to the application program in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period.

455. A device controller for outputting a device control signal to a controlled device, the device controller comprising:

(a) a display for displaying at least three menu options, a particular one of the menu options representing the device control signal, each menu option displayed bordering an edge of a zone on the display, each menu option corresponding respectively to a position of a user activatable switch, the switch located outside the display, having at least three discrete positions and being positionable with respect to the displayed location of each menu option for selection thereof; and

(b) signal outputting circuitry for outputting the device control signal to the controlled device in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period.

456. The device controller of claim 455 wherein the controlled device includes any one of:

(a) a computer peripheral;

(b) a device capable of playing previously recorded sound;

(c) a device capable of playing previously recorded video;

(d) a household appliance;

(e) a lamp;

(f) a microprocessor;

(g) a motorized transport device including either one of a scooter and a wheelchair;

(h) a radio;

(i) a robot;

(j) a security system;

(k) a television;

(l) a thermostat;

(m) a voice output device;

(n) a workstation;

(o) an alarm; and

(p) an office appliance.

457. The device controller of claim 455 wherein the controlled device is a motorized wheelchair;

and wherein the device control signal controls any one of;

(a) a direction of movement of the wheelchair;

(b) a velocity of movement of the wheelchair; and

(c) a braking of the wheelchair.

458. The device controller of claim 455 further comprising the controlled device and the switch.

459. An apparatus for selecting a menu option from a menu, the apparatus comprising:

(a) display means for displaying at least three menu options, each menu option displayed bordering an edge of a zone on the display, each menu option corresponding respectively to a position of a user activatable switch, the switch located outside the display, having at least three discrete positions and being positionable with respect to the displayed location of each menu option for selection thereof; and

(b) selection means for selecting a particular one of the menu options in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a first period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period.

460. The apparatus of claim 459 wherein the display means includes any one of:

(a) a printed display;

(b) a display projector;

(c) a cathode ray tube; and

(d) a liquid crystal display.

461. The apparatus of claim 459 wherein the selection means includes a timer for timing the duration of a second period during which the position of the switch corresponds to the particular menu option, and a comparator for comparing the duration of the second period to the predetermined time period.

462. The apparatus of claim 461 wherein each of the timer and the comparator include signal processing circuitry.

463. A method of selecting an option from a menu, the method comprising the steps of:

displaying at least three menu options, each menu option displayed bordering an edge of a zone on a display, each menu option corresponding respectively to a position of a user activatable switch, the switch located outside the display, having at least three discrete positions and being positionable with respect to the displayed location of each menu option for selection thereof; and

selecting a particular one of the menu options in response to the position of the switch corresponding to the particular menu option for a period equalling or exceeding a predetermined time period.

464. In a human interface system wherein a body member of an operator may indicate successive locations with respect to a display, an apparatus for selecting a menu option from a plurality of menu options, the apparatus comprising:

(a) the display having thereon a first plurality of selectable regions, each of the first plurality of selectable regions associated respectively with one of the menu options;

(b) means for at least partially delimiting a second plurality of selectable regions, each of the second plurality of selectable regions located outside the display and each associated respectively with one of the first plurality of selectable region;

(c) in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of;

(1) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and one of the selectable regions on the display, and

(2) the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of two or more of the successive locations and the selectable region outside the display associated with the one of the selectable regions on the display;

a selection device for selecting the menu option associated with the one of the selectable regions on the display.

465. The apparatus of claim 464 wherein the first plurality of the selectable regions on the display together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display.

466. A method of inputting data to a computer program for an operator having impaired motor capability, said method comprising the steps of:

displaying a plurality of selectable regions within a polygon on a display, each selectable region adjacent a side of the polygon and each selectable region associated respectively with an input for the computer program, the plurality of selectable regions together at least partially circumscribing a region on the display;

receiving a movement related signal and moving at least part of a cursor only within the polygon responsive to the movement related signal; and

in response to a first quantity equalling or exceeding a predetermined quantity, the first quantity being a function of the durations of one or more successive periods of intersection of the cursor and one of the selectable regions, inputting the input associated with the intersected selectable region to the computer program.