A computer must have a set of instructions for processing entered signals into some kind of meaningful output; this is the software which instructs the hardware. As the TNG devices yield facial (and other) data to the computer, it is contolled by software known as NEAT. This is 'gesture recognition software' developed by I3 to facilitate the TNG devices. NEAT is the communication link between TNG and a computer, a middleman, so to speak. As a signal comes into the system it must be formatted so that an eventually desirable output to the user can be created. What you see below in the three images of Neat software is what the template (s) for connecting TNG output to computer processing looks like. These screens are not the end result of user interaction; they orchestrate the interaction between the user's facial output and the specific application the user is working with (e.g., Word, Netscape, Pacman, etc.). Not only do the various forms of NEAT software make voltage or resistance signals intelligible to a computer, but the software has incredible powers for callibration. Every quadreplegic user has a different facial size and shape, and differing kinds and ranges of motion. NEAT allows machine conformation to any user. The software has been developed for three platforms:

NEAT (DOS), 1993-Present

REALLY NEAT (Win 95), Summer/Fall, 1996

NEATTOOLS  (Java), Spring/Summer 1996

A tremendous breakthrough in Neat technology was the creation of a Win95 mouse driver. I3's longstanding goal has been to allow disabled users a full range of utility in all computer environments. However, this has been technically ellusive. NPAC/Pulsar programmer Yuh-Jye Chang solved the problem. Now using TNG 1 or 2, a user has full range of cursor motion in any Windows environment. From word processing to drawing programs to navigation of the Web, I3 has dramatically enhanced its tool kit for disabled users.

On the history of Neat, click here.

For information on the latest version of NeatTools, click here.