I am creating my own solution to cutting down some repetitive stress to my hands by moving some of the work to my feet (just simple clicking of buttons). I find that mouse clicking and page scrolling hurt the most.

FooTime is a $199.99 product (quite expensive for what it does) and so far I have basically made a 4 button version without a mouse you move around (I find this bothers my knees anyhow). FooTime webpage: www.bilila.com/foot_mouse_slipper_mouse. DETAILS: In addition to its wide applications in ergonomics, rehab, assistive technology, clean room (lab), dirty room (car repair), cyber room (video game), etc, Footime foot mouse is also a very powerful input device for audio/video editor, animator, graphic designer, architect, composer, arranger, product designer (CAD, etc), CT scanner, software programmer or any intensive computer user. Even USB pedals and big button switches are like $50 and up (you only get one or two buttons), see here http://www.fentek-ind.com/FootPedal.htm.

AVR Foot Mouse 2009:

Now working on a embedded project using analog input devices (simple 2 wire on/off devices). It's going to be a foot PC mouse clicker for Windows!

Here's a video I made during early stages (very BETA) that shows 2 buttons functioning (right and left mouse button click). I am just using paperclips screwed to a piece of wood (insulator) and a penny as my switch in this early prototype (I will order some switches from Ebay). I have some troubles with the so called switches as they tend to move away from the ground contact (you will see me adjust the pins again) as the screws were not tight to the wood. Once I get better buttons I will post a updated video.

1 Cent Dual AVR Switch MOD:

Pure AVR Source Code: (VB6 code here)

#define F_CPU 14745600 #include <avr/io.h> #include <avr/iom168.h> #include <avr/pgmspace.h> #include <util/delay.h> #include "uart.h" // http://nerdful.com/nerd/files/UART.zip for GNU files /* Made by www.Nerdful.com This is the atmega program for 2 button mouse (right left clicks). This will write to PC a 1 for right click and a 0 for left click. The PC needs a interface that reads the 1 or 0 and return a click. This code came with a Visual Basic project for PC interface. */ int main(void) { uart_init(); FILE uart_stream = FDEV_SETUP_STREAM(uart_putchar, uart_getchar, _FDEV_SETUP_RW); stdin = stdout = &uart_stream; DDRC&=~_BV(0);//set PORTD pin0 to zero as input PORTC|=_BV(0);//Enable pull up // PORTB|=_BV(1);//PB1 led OFF // DDRB|=_BV(1);//set LED PB1 pin1 to one as output DDRC&=~_BV(1);//set PC1 PORTc to zero as input PORTC|=_BV(1);//Enable pull up DDRC&=~_BV(2);PORTC|=_BV(2);DDRC&=~_BV(3);PORTC|=_BV(3);DDRC&=~_BV(4);PORTC|=_BV(4); while(1) { if (bit_is_clear(PINC, 0)){//if button is pressed // PORTC&=~_BV(1);//LED ON loop_until_bit_is_set(PINC, 0);//ON while Button is pressed // PORTC|=_BV(1);// LED OFF printf_P(PSTR("0"));_delay_ms(100); } if (bit_is_clear(PINC, 1)){ loop_until_bit_is_set(PINC, 1); printf_P(PSTR("1"));_delay_ms(100); } if (bit_is_clear(PINC, 2)){ loop_until_bit_is_set(PINC, 2); printf_P(PSTR("2"));_delay_ms(100); } if (bit_is_clear(PINC, 3)){ loop_until_bit_is_set(PINC, 3); printf_P(PSTR("3"));_delay_ms(100); } } }

Final product will be a USB (powered by USB) main base BIG RED (like the EASY button from Staples stores) button that has 4 to 15 ports (generic to deluxe version) that allow 4 to 15 other "buddy" buttons (button modules in various sizes and colors) to connect for immediate use with PC software application (15 pins will be ready for analog input devices) on MCU, no matter what version). You will also be able to add a scroll wheel module, hand triggers, touch sensor modules, reed switch unit, dual/triple button mods, volume slide modules and others (not included with start up package). Buttons will be dimly lit with a LED inside (help to locate easier in dark conditions).You will even be able to create your own switches to plug in and program them to do whatever you want on your PC! Reprogram the foot switches to activate any key or mouse action(s). Perfect for offloading work from overused fingers or hand.