Custom Bluetooth TrackPoint Mouse (Assistive Device)
Budget: £20 – £250 GBP
I am looking for an electronics/embedded systems freelancer to design and build a custom Bluetooth mouse using a ThinkPad TrackPoint pointing stick and a single external switch for clicking.
This device is intended as an assistive pointing device that requires minimal hand movement. The user will move the cursor using the TrackPoint (the small red pointing stick found on ThinkPad keyboards) and perform clicks using one external button.
Functional Requirements
1. Cursor Movement
• Use a genuine ThinkPad TrackPoint module (can be harvested from a ThinkPad keyboard).
• Cursor movement should respond to light pressure on the TrackPoint.
• Sensitivity should be adjustable or tuned for low force use.
2. Click Input
• One external switch for left click only.
• Press = click, hold = hold, release = release.
• No right-click button required.
3. Connectivity
• Device must connect via Bluetooth.
• Must work as a standard HID mouse.
• Must be compatible with macOS (MacBook) without drivers.
4. Power
• Rechargeable battery preferred (LiPo or similar).
• USB-C charging port.
• Power switch.
5. Physical Design
• Small enclosure that houses the electronics.
• TrackPoint accessible on the top of the device.
• External switch positioned for easy finger activation.
• Stable base so it does not move when pressing the switch.
• Simple, clean design (3D printed enclosure is fine).
Deliverables
• Fully assembled and tested device.
• Device must pair and function correctly with a MacBook via Bluetooth.
• Charging cable included if required.
• Basic instructions for pairing and charging.
Optional (Preferred)
• Adjustable cursor sensitivity.
• Basic tremor smoothing if possible.
• Source code or firmware provided.
Notes
This is a small assistive technology project designed to reduce physical effort when using a computer. I am open to suggestions for components or design improvements from the freelancer.
This device is intended as an assistive pointing device that requires minimal hand movement. The user will move the cursor using the TrackPoint (the small red pointing stick found on ThinkPad keyboards) and perform clicks using one external button.
Functional Requirements
1. Cursor Movement
• Use a genuine ThinkPad TrackPoint module (can be harvested from a ThinkPad keyboard).
• Cursor movement should respond to light pressure on the TrackPoint.
• Sensitivity should be adjustable or tuned for low force use.
2. Click Input
• One external switch for left click only.
• Press = click, hold = hold, release = release.
• No right-click button required.
3. Connectivity
• Device must connect via Bluetooth.
• Must work as a standard HID mouse.
• Must be compatible with macOS (MacBook) without drivers.
4. Power
• Rechargeable battery preferred (LiPo or similar).
• USB-C charging port.
• Power switch.
5. Physical Design
• Small enclosure that houses the electronics.
• TrackPoint accessible on the top of the device.
• External switch positioned for easy finger activation.
• Stable base so it does not move when pressing the switch.
• Simple, clean design (3D printed enclosure is fine).
Deliverables
• Fully assembled and tested device.
• Device must pair and function correctly with a MacBook via Bluetooth.
• Charging cable included if required.
• Basic instructions for pairing and charging.
Optional (Preferred)
• Adjustable cursor sensitivity.
• Basic tremor smoothing if possible.
• Source code or firmware provided.
Notes
This is a small assistive technology project designed to reduce physical effort when using a computer. I am open to suggestions for components or design improvements from the freelancer.