A gyroscope, a patented RF protocol, and an elegant hack - these were the key elements in the making of the Tracer head-mounted mouse. San Francisco-based Boost Technology began with a high-end wireless mouse used for business presentations, ripped it open, and repackaged the components to build a device for quadriplegics and others who don't have use of their hands. The gyroscope, embedded in a lightweight plastic cap, senses the motion of the wearer; the RF transmitter beams the data to a desktop receiver plugged into any mouse port. The wearer clicks using voice recognition or an array of switches operated by nodding, blinking, or even sticking out the tongue. "Tracer is pixel-accurate," says CEO Christopher Hayes, "so it could also be used by gamers, people with carpal tunnel, even surgeons." If Boost succeeds, it may make the standard mouse obsolete.
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