Matthew Osterloo
Background:
Quadriplegia is a disorder in which damage to the spinal cord or brain, inhibits proper motor control response. Quadriplegia is often characterized by use of movement devices such as wheel chairs, limb spasticity, a lack of coordinated bodily movement, and speech and communication impairments amongst other symptoms. Due to the lack of communication between the brain and limbs, individuals with quadriplegia cannot fully control certain muscles. Two of the challenges that this device targets, are communication as well as utilising computers to stay current with society and avoid marginalization.
The man who inspired the device is Jay, a mid- thirties male who, due to un–disclosed reasons is wheelchair bound and uses a bliss board for communication. Our project’s goal was to provide a device that would provide full computer access, as well an alternate means of communication with fewer hindrances than existing Speech Generating devices. Our final design accomplishes this by using a blend of computer hardware to permit cursor movement through the tongue, a custom GUI (graphic User Interface) as well as a rugged computer system designed specifically for wheelchairs. Together theses three components make up the backbone of a modular, versatile and powerful system.
By moving his tongue over the touch surface, the participant can control all aspects of a mouse with both left and right click option. Furthermore, the computer system is designed in a manner to facilitate easy computer use for novices. Our clients can access a powerful voice simulator package, type emails, send text messages to cell phones and smart phones, surf Youtube.com and Google.com, as well as having a device which is more specially designed to aid wheelchair bound individuals and their lifestyle.
Statement of the Problem:
Our participant Jay, has no mobility below the neck and is incapable of speech due to a tracheotomy. His use of existing systems such as the Dynavox and Eye-Gaze systems were unsatisfactory, due in-part to existing input methods and older hardware designs. Due to the limited number of devices commercially available for this form of ailment, options were limited and very cost prohibitive.
Methods/Approach, Results/Resolution:
The approach taken was to modify a very small laptop touchpad to fit into the human mouth. A small touchpad was rewired to include both left and right click options, and wired into a ps/2 plug. The touchpad is then cover in a liquid resistant latex casing, and sealed to make the device resistant to the wet conditions of the human mouth (this is possible a number of different ways).
Discussion/Outcomes/Performance:
The development of the device has far outpaced and exceeded expectations. The device has gone from being a conceptual hardware peripheral to being a viable prototype supported by a specially designed computer with extended battery life, a modified GUI (Graphic User Interface), modified hardware and chair mounting options, as well as a wheelchair navigation system, and all at a very affordable cost including developing nations.
The device has yet to undergo human trials, but within on-going testing, the device and many of the components works with few issues considering the complexity of the device.
Cost /Implications:
The device was designed to be cheap to produce, and to encourage application within low income / high population areas. As well the computer system was intended to be modular to make repair and maintenance cheaper and remote. The majority of the components are quick to replace and modular making upkeep and maintenance costs, marginal compared to existing systems with specialized software and hardware.
The mouthpiece which is also intended to play a role in trauma cases is producible for under $100 USD, and is recyclable. And the computer system at present is available for $2’000 USD and anticipated to be producible for as little as $200 USD (or less) when the device is ready for large scale production and distribution (perhaps as soon as 24-36 months or less).