New Ergonomic Headset for Tongue-Drive System With Wireless Smartphone Interface
By Park, Hangue; Kim, Jeonghee; Huo, Xueliang; Hwang, In-O; Ghovanloo, Maysam; RESNA/ICTA 2011: Advancing Rehabilitation Technologies for an Aging Society, June 5-8, 2011, Toronto, Canada,Publication Date: 2011
Paper outlines the development of an ergonomic headset for the Tongue Drive System (TDS) with a user friendly smartphone interface enabling wireless control of various devices. The TDS is a wireless assistive technology that enables its users to control their environments by utilizing their free volitional tongue movements inside their mouth. The TDS headset was fabricated using stereo-lithography rapid prototyping technology. Fashioned from resin, it features trapezoid shaped enclosures hidden behind the ears on both sides that contain electronics and a rechargeable battery. The other components of the headset are an adjustable headband, U-shaped ear rests, 4 adjustable sensors, a low power microcontroller and wireless transceiver for extending headset operating time, and thin cables connecting the sensors to the control electronic and power management boards on the two sides of the headset. A TDS-smartphone interface processes incoming signals from the headset through a wireless receiver dongle. The interface provides access to the smartphone itself as well as any application running on it. The TDS-iPhone interface wirelessly acquires data from the magnetic sensors. The iPhone software also provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for the user to perform various functions such as making a phone call, sending a text message, playing a computer game, driving a power wheelchair, and controlling home appliances. The TDS-smartphone interface removes the burden of carrying a laptop and enables users to do multiple tasks without switching from one assistive technology to another.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Web Site: http://www.resna.org )
Link to text: http://web.resna.org/conference/proceedings/2011/RESNA_ICTA/ghovanloo-69765.pdf
