Alyssa McNine, Matthew Denaro, Seth Baney, Christopher Berg-Jones
PROBLEM: Due to Jack’s diminished motor control abilities, he cannot operate a conventional television remote control. We desire to create a remote that Jack and others like him can use so that they can live a more independent life.
SOLUTION: We have created a learning remote system with a touch capacitive keypad that has physical characteristics and functionality similar to that of a conventional remote. The touch sensor keypad is comparable to the sensitivity of an iPad, which ensures our team that Jack will have the ability to control it independently. This system is designed to be versatile. It will work with both televisions and accompanying cable boxes that our client uses, and can also be used if the cable box or television is changed. Our learning remote system uses an IR receiver and transmitter for I/O. It first “learns” the IR codes from the original remote, and then maps functions such as power and volume on the custom remote by having the microcontroller store each command as a series of IR pulse data.
SIGNIFICANCE: This system has the potential to assist thousands of individuals who are limited in strength and movement. There is a need for a versatile solution with standard remote functionality adaptable to multiple TV setups and environments. Our solution not only enables our client to gain independence back into his daily life, but also has the potential to enhance the lives of many with other motor disorders who crave that same independence.