Infrared-based communication augmentation system for people with multiple disabilities.
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.
Chen
Shih-Ching
SC
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University and Hospital, Taiwan.
Tang
Fuk-Tan
FT
Chen
Yu-Luen
YL
Chen
Weoi-Luen
WL
Li
Yen-Chen
YC
Shih
Ying-Ying
YY
Lai
Jin-Shin
JS
Kuo
Te-Son
TS
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