Automatic Positioning of Communication Devices and other Essential Equipment for People with Mobility Restrictions

People with mobility restrictions and limited to no upper extremity use depend on others to position the objects that they rely upon for healthcommunicationproductivityand general well beingThe technology developed in this project directly increases usersindependence by responding to them without another person s interventionThe independence resulting from the proposed technology allows a user to perform activities related to self care and communicationEye tracking and head tracking access to speech devicestabletsor computers requires very specific positioningIf the user s position relative to the device are not aligned preciselywithin a narrow operating windowthe device will no longer detect the eyes or headrendering the device inoperableAuto positioning technology uses computer vision and robotic positioning to automatically move devices to a usable positionThe system moves without assistance from othersensuring the user has continual access to communicationIn a generalized applicationthe technology can target any area of the user s body to position relevant equipmentsuch as for hydration or a head array for power wheelchair controlResearch and development of the automatic positioning product will be accomplished through user centerediterative designand design for manufacturingInput from people with disabilitiestheir family memberstherapistsand assistive technology professionals define the functional requirements of the technology and guide its evolutionThroughout technical developmentprototype iterations are demonstrated and user testedproviding feedback to advance the designDesign for manufacturability influences the outcomes to optimize the product pipelineensure high quality and deliver a cost effective productPhaseAims demonstrate the feasibility ofmovement and control algorithmsface tracking algorithms and logic to maintain device positioning andintegration with commercial eye tracking device software development kitsSDKPhaseAims include technicalusabilityand manufacturability objectives leading to development of a product for commercializationSoftware development advances computer vision capabilities to recognize facial expressions and gesturesA new sensor module serves as a gesture switch or face trackerApp development provides the user interfaceremote monitoring and technical supportDesign of scaled down actuators and an enclosed three degree of freedom alignment module reduces the form factorallowing for smaller footprint applicationsRigorous user testing by people with different diagnoses and end uses will ensure the product addresses a range of needs and is easy to useTesting involves professionals and family members to evaluate ease of set upfunctionalityand customizationExtended user testing will investigate and measure outcomes and effects on their independenceaccess and healthPrototype tooling and design for cost effective manufacturing will produce units for user and regulatory testingand eventual sale People who are essentially quadriplegicwith significant mobility impairments and limited to no upper extremity useare dependent on others to maintain proper positioning for access to devices essential for their healthmobility and communicationsuch as eye gaze speech devicescall systemsphonestabletswheelchair controlsand hydration and suctioning tubesAuto positioning technology uses computer vision to detect specific targetssuch as facial featuresto control a robotic mounting and positioning systemautomatically repositioning devices for best access without assistance from otherseven when their position changesThis technology enables continuous access to communicationmaintains one s ability to drive a wheelchair and allows a person to drink or suction themselvesproviding good hydrationrespiratory health and hygiene