Biomechanical Signals Human-Computer Interface for Severe Motor Disabilities

Albano Carrera, Alonso A. Alonso, Ramón de la Rosa, Javier M. Aguiar

Laboratory of Electronics and Bioengineering, Department of Signal Theory, Communications and Telematics Engineering, Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.

DOI: 10.4236/etsn.2013.24009                

Abstract

A system that allows computer interaction by disabled people with very low mobility and who cannot use the standard procedure based on keyboard and mouse is presented. The development device uses the patient’s voluntary biomechanical signals, specifically, winks—which constitute an ability that generally remains in this kind of patients—, as interface to control the computer. A prototype based on robust and low-cost elements has been built and its performance has been validated through real trials by 16 users without previous training. The system can be optimized after a learning period in order to be adapted to every user. Also, good results were obtained in a subjective satisfaction survey that was completed by the users after carrying out the test trials.

Keywords

Man-Machine Systems; Electronics; Medical Rehabilitation; Independent Living; Biomedical Engineering

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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