title: Infrared-based communication augmentation system for people with multiple disabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study describes an eyeglass-type infrared-based communication board for the nonspeaking with quadriplegia.
  
  
  METHODS
  This system is composed of four major components: a headset, an infrared transmitting module, an infrared receiving/signal-processing module, and a main controller, the Intel-8951 microprocessor. This design concept was based on the use of an infrared remote module fastened to the eyeglasses which could allow the convenient control of the input motion on the keys of a communication board, which are all modified with infrared receiving/signal-processing modules. For system evaluation, 12 subjects (all men, 21-45 years old, six normal subjects as the control group and six nonspeaking with quadriplegia as the experimental group) were recruited.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average accuracy of the control group and the experimental group were 93.1 +/- 4.3% and 89.7 +/- 5.5%, respectively. The average time cost of the control group and the experimental group were 78.3 +/- 8.7 s and 89.9 +/- 10.2 s, respectively. An independent t-test revealed that the differences in the average accuracy and the average time cost of the control group and the experimental group were not significant (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increase of opportunity to communicate using the infrared-based communication board would help people with multiple disabilities to socialize actively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University and Hospital, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shih-Ching
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Fuk-Tan
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Yu-Luen
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Weoi-Luen
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yen-Chen
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ying-Ying
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.forename: Jin-Shin
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Te-Son
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Kuo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013996:Time and Motion Studies