Title :
Microcontroller based switch inverter for controlling assistive technology devices
Author :
Chabot, Eugene ; Sun, Ying
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Rhode Island Univ., Kingston, RI, USA
Abstract :
A practical device for switching needs has been constructed to take advantage of limited index finger abduction in a person with paralysis. The device utilizes a microcontroller to handle mechanical switch debouncing, convert normally closed switch to normally open switch, turn on an audible output for cueing, control an external device, and be tolerant of spasms. A simple time window technique is developed to prevent involuntary switching due to spasms. The switch activates a relay controlled, isolated output for interfacing with any external assistive technology device that can be operated with a single switch.
Keywords :
biomechanics; biomedical equipment; handicapped aids; microcontrollers; microswitches; index finger abduction; involuntary switching; mechanical switch debouncing; microcontroller; paralysis; switch inverter; time window technique; Communication switching; Communication system control; Contacts; Fingers; Inverters; Microcontrollers; Muscles; Relays; Rubber; Switches;
Conference_Titel :
Bioengineering Conference, 2005. Proceedings of the IEEE 31st Annual Northeast
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-9105-5
Electronic_ISBN :
0-7803-9106-3
DOI :
10.1109/NEBC.2005.1431936