Braille characters can be translated using a pen.
Now, a science team on America’s west coast is using writing to help diagnose Parkinson’s without breaking the bank.
The team’s 3D-printed diagnostic pen is filled with magnetic fluid, while a coil of conductive yarn is wrapped around its barrel. The tip is made from magnetic silicon.
When tracing letters directly on paper or writing them in the air, movements of the tip or fluid are converted into electric signals.
An algorithm trained to detect patterns associated with Parkinson’s subsequently checks for signs. In a pilot test, the illness was detected with 96% accuracy.
An app can perform a similar function, while software helps people affected by Parkinson’s translate speech into text.
