Hybrid wheelchair controller for handicapped and quadriplegic patients

In this dissertation, a hybrid wheelchair controller for handicapped and quadriplegic patient is proposed. The system has two sub-controllers which are the voice controller and the head tilt controller. The system aims to help quadriplegic, handicapped, elderly and paralyzed patients to control a robotic wheelchair using voice commands and head movements instead of a traditional joystick controller. The multi-input design makes the system more flexible to adapt to the available body signals. The low-cost design is taken into consideration as it allows more patients to use this system

Robotic wheelchair controlled through a vision-based interface

In this work, a vision-based control interface for commanding a robotic wheelchair is presented. The interface estimates the orientation angles of the user's head and it translates these parameters in command of maneuvers for different devices. The performance of the proposed interface is evaluated both in static experiments as well as when it is applied in commanding the robotic wheelchair. The interface calculates the orientation angles and it translates the parameters as the reference inputs to the robotic wheelchair. Control architecture based on the dynamic model of the wheelchair is implemented in order to achieve safety navigation. Experimental results of the interface performance and the wheelchair navigation are presented.Fil: Perez, Elisa. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Electrónica y Automática. Gabinete de Tecnología Médica; ArgentinaFil: Soria, Carlos Miguel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Automática; ArgentinaFil: Nasisi, Oscar Herminio. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Automática; ArgentinaFil: Bastos, Teodiano Freire. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo; BrasilFil: Mut, Vicente Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Automática; Argentin

Enabling self-directed computer use for individuals with cerebral palsy: a systematic review of available assistive devices and technologies

Aim  The purpose of this study was to systematically review published evidence on the development, use, and effectiveness of devices and technologies that enable or enhance self-directed computer access by individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods  Nine electronic databases were searched using keywords ‘computer’, ‘software’, ‘spastic’, ‘athetoid’, and ‘cerebral palsy’; the reference lists of articles thus identified were also searched. Thirty articles were selected for review, with 23 reports of development and usability testing of devices and seven evaluations of algorithms to increase computer recognition of input and cursor movements. Results  Twenty-four studies had fewer than 10 participants with CP, with a wide age range of 5 to 77 years. Computer task performance was usually tested, but only three groups sought participant feedback on ease and comfort of use. International standards exist to evaluate effectiveness of non-keyboard devices, but only one group undertook this testing. None of the study designs were higher than American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine level IV. Interpretation  Access solutions for individuals with CP are in the early stages of development. Future work should include assessment of end-user comfort, effort, and performance as well as design features. Engaging users and therapists when designing and evaluating technologies to enhance computer access may increase acceptance and improve performance

A review of the effectiveness of lower limb orthoses used in cerebral palsy

To produce this review, a systematic literature search was conducted for relevant articles published in the period between the date of the previous ISPO consensus conference report on cerebral palsy (1994) and April 2008. The search terms were 'cerebral and pals* (palsy, palsies), 'hemiplegia', 'diplegia', 'orthos*' (orthoses, orthosis) orthot* (orthotic, orthotics), brace or AFO

Voice-activated wheelchair: An affordable solution for individuals with physical disabilities

The Low-Cost Voice Controlled Wheelchair with Raspberry Pi is an innovative assistive technology designed to improve the mobility and independence of people with disabilities. This research aims to develop a wheelchair system that can be operated using voice commands at an affordable price, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals with limited mobility. The device is built on the Raspberry Pi, a reasonably priced, credit-card-sized computer, and uses an easy-to-use yet efficient voice recognition technique to let users control the wheelchair with their vocal commands. A Raspberry Pi, a microphone, and motor controllers are some of the system's hardware components. The software uses Python programming language and open-source voice recognition technology to recognize voice commands, making it easy for users to navigate their environment independently. The system has been tested on a prototype and has shown promising results in terms of accuracy and reliability. The Low-Cost Voice Controlled Wheelchair with Raspberry Pi can give disabled persons new levels of mobility and independence, enhancing their quality of life and enhancing their capacity to carry out daily tasks