TY - JOUR
T1 - Development of an inexpensive environmental remote control system for a quadriplegic individual
AU - Patterson, P. E.
PY - 1995
Y1 - 1995
N2 - The purpose of this project was to adapt a Morse code system for the use with a personal computer by a high level quadriplegic individual to achieve greater independence around the home. This was done by eliminating the hardwire connection between the wheelchair computer and the personal computer, replacing it with a Morse Code Transmitter (MCT), The MCT performed the same function as the hardwire connection, but served as a remote controlled device. Each device function is controlled by a sip-and-puff switch. When the Morse code function is active (i.e. transmitting the Morse code from the sip-and-puff device to the computer), the wheelchair computer directs its activity to a specific output port within the wheelchair. The computer detects the position of the sip-and-puff switch, activating the desired function. The system has been pilot tested by the subject for a year with a number of advantages and disadvantages found. The subject has been satisfied with the system's reliability, ease of use, and its response time. Increased transmission range was requested, as well as a desire to control more aspects of the environment. Further evaluation and modification of the system is underway; miniaturization and improving the transmission characteristics are priorities.
AB - The purpose of this project was to adapt a Morse code system for the use with a personal computer by a high level quadriplegic individual to achieve greater independence around the home. This was done by eliminating the hardwire connection between the wheelchair computer and the personal computer, replacing it with a Morse Code Transmitter (MCT), The MCT performed the same function as the hardwire connection, but served as a remote controlled device. Each device function is controlled by a sip-and-puff switch. When the Morse code function is active (i.e. transmitting the Morse code from the sip-and-puff device to the computer), the wheelchair computer directs its activity to a specific output port within the wheelchair. The computer detects the position of the sip-and-puff switch, activating the desired function. The system has been pilot tested by the subject for a year with a number of advantages and disadvantages found. The subject has been satisfied with the system's reliability, ease of use, and its response time. Increased transmission range was requested, as well as a desire to control more aspects of the environment. Further evaluation and modification of the system is underway; miniaturization and improving the transmission characteristics are priorities.
KW - Environmental control
KW - Morse code
KW - Wheelchair
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0029013161&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
C2 - 7654977
AN - SCOPUS:0029013161
VL - 31
SP - 275
EP - 280
JO - Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation
JF - Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation
SN - 0067-8856
ER -