Communication Projects
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- Brainwave Communication Device
- Eye-tracking system
- Laser Pointer
- Harness for Communication Device
- Morse Mouse
- Dynamic Onscreen Keyboard
- Three-Dimensional Position and Motion Detector
- Cyberlink Muscle Movement Detector
Brainwave Communication Device
The Brainwave Communication Device is one of UVATT’s long-term research projects. Its goal is to enable people with severe physical disabilities to communicate via brainwaves. UVATT has had considerable success with this and the system is now at a point where users, with little or no training, can use brainwaves to operate a simple on/off switch. This project is being undertaken in close collaboration with members of the ALS Society. While we are focusing on users in Victoria, we also have regular contact with possible users around the world. In a separate project UVATT is also developing a high-performance, low cost and portable EEG system that will provide an accurate measure of brainwave activity.
Eye-tracking system
UVATT is developing an easily calibrated but low costing eye-tracking system that can be used to control a range of peripheral devices (for example, TV, radio, lights). As well, it will also form the basis of a communication system where digital output would interface directly with a computer or a voice synthesizer. Users include patients with ALS, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. In a separate study (in collaboration with the Garth Homer Society and the Victoria General Hospital), we are evaluating the use of this system for children and adults with Rhett Syndrome.
Laser Pointer
UVATT’s laser pointer devices are built for individuals who have good control over their neck muscles. The simplest type is a fairly standard laser pointer attached to a headband. This can allow nonverbal users to point to things that interest them such as objects, pictures, symbols or people in a room. This idea has also been extended to other devices that are either activated by laser light itself, or by focused infrared light, with a laser beam as a visible guide. Two devices have been built that will allow young children to activate a toy when they point at it with their head-mounted lasers. One of these provides a standard switch output to any switch-input device, such as a relay for turning on and off AC devices (lamps, blenders, etc). Another device changes the channel on a television when the laser beam touches it. Currently, UVATT is working on a device that could provide more sophisticated control over home entertainment equipment. As well, our engineers are also trying to build a training tool that will help measure the user's understanding of the control system.
Harness for Communication Device
This device was designed for a little boy who was unable to communicate through vocal means. In order to communicate, he had to use a device called Vantage Plus. Vantage Plus was similar to a small laptop and was held up by straps around the client’s shoulders. Due to the shape and size of the unit, the client needed an aide to hold the unit upright for him when he was using it. To help the client gain some independence, UVATT designed a portable output cord that attached to the rear end of the Vantage unit. The retractable cord could then be pulled out and be attached to the client’s shoulder strap, easily putting the unit in an upright position.
Morse Mouse
Morse Mouse is a crossing interface for Microsoft Windows. Morse Mouse replaces the typical "point, click, type" interface found on conventional computers, allowing specialized pointing devices (head mouse, eye trackers, and brainwave classifiers) to be used instead. The application of these specialized pointing devices would then give people with severe motor disabilities access to word processors, e-mail clients, and other application programs in Microsoft Office.
Dynamic Onscreen Keyboard
The Dynamic Onscreen Keyboard is designed for users who have difficulty using a standard mouse and keyboard. The program is designed with large buttons (for easier selection) and the letters of the alphabet are arranged according to the rules of the English language. Word prediction logic also runs in the background to assist users with completing words. Many different input tools can be used with this program such as a head mouse or an eye tracker device.
Three dimensional position and motion detector
We are currently creating a communication system based upon a wireless device that can measure the position and speed of a small sensor worn by a user. AT&T originally designed this device for a radio drum but in our application, this system will allow people with severe physical disabilities to communicate. With this device, the user can move an on-screen cursor with just a simple movement of their head, arm or any other body part. This will provide a huge improvement in control compared to those provided by conventional single-switch input devices (finger switches, sip and puff devices).
Cyberlink System - Muscle Movement Detector
Persons with neurological diseases and strokes often are, or do become, severely disabled and unable to communicate independently. However, even in these cases, human muscles can still generate electrical signals, which are strong enough to be transmitted to computer interfaces. By doing this, patients can then have an opportunity to communicate via muscle movement. So far, UVATT successfully used muscles from the forehead to generate suitable electrical signals for communication. As well, UVATT recently interfaced the electrical signals generated from a particular patient's facial muscle to the buttons of her television remote control. Currently, UVATT is researching alternate electrical pickup designs as well as alternate muscle sites (face, cheek, throat, upper arms, etc).
