A personal computer based environmental control system for the disabled

In order to facilitate the daily lifestyle of disabled individuals, a general purpose environmental control system using a personal computer was designed. The system utilizes a number of commercial devices such as standard relay boards, X-10 and infrared controllers. The system provides the user with the capability to answer the telephone and control lights, appliances, television, stereo, and other household devices. A number of devices have been fabricated to facilitate infrared control of shades, intercom, home temperature, and windows. The entire system is menu driven from the keyboard and is also configured to run with the Intravoice VI voice recognition system so that the device may be used conveniently by a quadriplegic individual. Currently plans are underway to adapt the system for a Dragon Systems Dictate voice recognition system and extend the system for input using eye movements to enable use by stroke victims.