Microsoft is looking into deploying foot controls to give computer users" hands a break from typing and moving the mouse around. The technology might aid in battling repetitive stress injury.
At its annual TechFest in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft Research presented its Step User Interface. Using a sensor mat, researchers demonstrated how individuals can use the technology to perform repetitive tasks such as scrolling and to open, close, delete or flag email messages or move them to folders by tapping on six buttons on the floor. In another application they created foot controls to brows and sort a digital photo collection.