Consider the problem of a musician whose hands are busy playing their instrument. It is very disruptive to stop playing simply to turn the page. Although digital sheet music does not have loose pages, the user must still tap a key or swipe the screen to turn pages. A need clearly exists for a hands-free solution. With the tap of a pedal on the PageFlip Cicada, the musician can now have full confidence that only one page will be turned at a time in either the forward or reverse directions.

The PageFlip Cicada is an assistive technology for people with limited bilateral upper extremity function caused by neurological impairment, musculoskeletal problems, and generalized weakness. Included in this population are people who have suffered cerebrovascular accidents, spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and arthritic joint changes. The PageFlip Cicada would enhance the quality of life of the elderly and disabled by improving their independence in this activity of daily living. A reader can now lie in a supine position and remotely control page turns on an overhead display. External switches such as sip-and-puff and Jelly Bean pushbuttons may be used.