product analyzed

TechFilter

TechFilter

tech-filter
Overall rating:
3/5
Technology:

Categories assigned to this product within the main category Technology.

Needs:

Categories assigned to this product within the main category Needs.

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Below is the video of the review.

What does it consist of:

December 2017

 

The TechFilter is an adapter that sits between the mouse and the computer. It acts as a filter reducing the tremors that are generated by the hand, arm and body when operating the computer through the mouse. Its operation is in real time, being transparent to the end user. It is indicated for people with Parkinson's, essential tremor or multiple sclerosis.

 

Forms of acquisition:

The device can be purchased from web page from the Manufacturer Technaid for a price of 95 euros (VAT and shipping costs not included):  

Contact web page

   
In relation to technical support, the manufacturer provides its own company contact.
The manufacturer's contact is: Technaid SL Telephone +34 918719974 www.technaid.com info@technaid.com
It also incorporates an Online support system:
Online support screen
     

Technical assessment:

  • Design and manufacturing

The device has an optimal size, light weight, and its design is similar to that of a smaller computer mouse. It has a USB connector to connect to the PC and has two inputs: one USB and one jack. In the case of TechFilter, a Logitech RX250 PC mouse is provided in the same package to connect to the device.

The device is robust, and in the tests carried out with people with significant tremor, in the event of sudden movements no problem has been perceived.

TechFilter box with mouse

Sizes:

39,2 grams

6,5 c, mx 4,5 cm

  • User experience:

The product is designed to be Plug & Play, that is, directly plug and play. First, the TechFilter device would be connected to the computer, and later to the mouse.

Connection between TechFilter device and mouse

 

Once connected, the USB driver for the mouse is automatically loaded, without the need to download any additional software. The device will indicate that it is correctly installed, when the mouse pointer begins to describe circles. It is at this moment that the mouse or switch can be connected to the filter, through the USB input.

The installation procedure is very simple and intuitive.

To remember how the connections of the device are, on its surface appears a photo of how they should be made, this seemed to us a very favorable aspect.

Regarding the configuration, the only software that is downloaded for the installation is made transparent for the user. The device does not have the possibility to configure any aspect related to its handling and interaction. It would be of great interest if it had the possibility of being able to configure speed, way of navigating the screen or options to see how to make the use of the mouse and a button compatible, as the user is interested. The manufacturer indicates that the shake filter adjusts automatically.

The Technaid company received the 2005 Imserso Infanta Cristina Award. TechFilter is included in the Ceapat Support Products Catalog.

  • Technical Features:

In relation to the operation of the device, it has been tested with the elderly population and with people with Parkinson's, identifying the first group as potential for the use of TechFilter. In the case of Parkinson's patients, the diversity of tremors they present is like the variety of their own pathologies, and since the device offers an automatic way of configuration, on some occasions it has not been able to be used satisfactorily. The possibility of configuring the mouse movement of the computer's own operating system has been used and with this, the solution has been optimized.

However, for older people, their movements with the mouse have been highly favored with the help of this Filter.

It does not require any connection to the electrical current or external battery, working directly through the USB connection of the PC. The download of the software for the operation of the mouse is transferred directly from the device, without the need for the Internet.

Regarding security, the device does not have user identification or registration processes, allowing it to be used by multiple users who have mild tremors.

The device is compatible with the operating systems: Windows 98, Millenium, 2000, XP and Vista and also with Linux. Regarding mice, TechFilter comes with its own mouse included in the package.

This device is designed to facilitate access to the computer, in principle it is not compatible with Smartphone or Tablet.

 

  • Accessibility:

The TechFilter device makes it easier to use the mouse used to access computers, reducing the tremor generated by cognitive decline associated with age or diseases such as Parkinson's.

It is compatible when we have a screen reader installed on the computer or using a more accessible configuration adapted to the user, such as the magnification of the screen or the contrast of the visible text.

The size and selection of the type of connections provide ease of use, as an extra, for example Braille could be incorporated to indicate the entries.

The installation process is very simple and transparent for the user, it would be optimal if it had the possibility of offering information about the process of "mouse detection", "ready", etc. via text, through icons, or even via via audio. These possibilities would offer easier management alternatives for people with cognitive or visual disabilities.

 

Highlights:

– Very simple Plug&Play connectivity and configuration system.

– It is compatible with the vast majority of PCs on the market.

– It offers the possibility of being able to use a mouse, button or joystick naturally with the computer, making it easier for the user to use the peripheral they are used to.

– It has been positively valued as a mouse that facilitates access to the PC for the elderly and with initial phases of tremor.

 

Improvement points:

– It would be optimal if the system allowed programming the configuration of the speed and movements of the mouse, to be able to personalize it for people who use Parkinson's disease or with an acute tremor.

– Have the possibility of being used with tactile supports: Tablet, smartwatch.

– You could assess its compatibility and convergence with the accessibility settings of the Operating Systems.

 

 

 

Technical evaluation scores.

Design and manufacturing:
3/5
This section refers to the physical aspects and details of the manufacturing of the technological product.
Technical benefits:
3/5
Description of the quality of the technical specifications of the technological solution.
User experience:
3/5
This criterion is linked to the user's assessment when relating to the technical product or application.
Accessibility:
3/5
It is the degree to which people can use or access a product, technological solution or service, regardless of their technical, cognitive or physical abilities.

Social valuation:

Social valuation scores.

Impact and utility:
This item has not been rated/5
Describes to what extent the functionalities of the product are useful and impact on improving the life of the user
Design and Ergonomics:
This item has not been rated/5
Assessment of how the design of the technological solution adapts to the person to achieve greater comfort and efficiency when using it
Usability and accessibility:
This item has not been rated/5
Possibility of the device to be used, understood and taken advantage of under equal conditions for anyone
Ease of acquisition:
This item has not been rated/5
It refers to the possibilities of accessing and acquiring a technological solution by the user.

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