HANDS-FREE COMPUTER ACCESS FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED

提出了一种基于EEG、EOG和EMG前额生物电位的多通道计算机输入系统，用于残疾人免提控制增强和替代通信（AAC）技术。原型系统的结果表明，所提出的系统的潜力：健全的科目，经过有限的培训，使用该系统的位置和点击的PC鼠标光标出现在随机屏幕位置的小目标上的采集时间比较有利的标准手动鼠标。建议对不同年龄和残疾的个人进行干预研究，这些人由于身体限制而无法获得技术。受试者将接受系统免提光标控制和使用系统操作代表性AAC软件的培训。在使用系统干预之前和之后，将使用问卷调查和使用AAC技术的录像会话对受试者的沟通和互动程度进行定量和定性评估。研究结果将用于评估该系统作为残疾人免提使用AAC技术的方法的有效性。将确定提高系统性能的方法，包括信号提取和简化用户界面、培训和校准/格式化程序。拟定商业应用：提供负担得起的，易于学习的，免提计算机访问AAC技术适用于各种残疾的个人，包括那些严重的，其他访问系统是无效的。还可以访问互联网、生产力软件、环境控制等，从而提高这些人的生活质量和独立性。

Development of a multi-channel computer input system based on EEG, EOG, and EMG forehead bio-potentials for hands-free control of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies for individuals with disabilities is proposed. Results with a prototype system demonstrated the potential of the proposed system: able-bodied subjects, after limited training, used the system to position and click the PC mouse cursor on small targets appearing at random screen locations with acquisition times comparing favorably to those obtained with the standard manual mouse. An intervention study is proposed with individuals of varying ages and disabilities who have been unable to access technology due to physical limitations. Subjects will be trained in hands-free cursor control with the system and the use of the system to operate representative AAC software. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the subject's degree of communication and interaction will be obtained with questionnaires and video-taped sessions with AAC technologies before and after intervention with the system. The results will serve to evaluate the efficacy of the system as a method for hands-free access to AAC technology for persons with disabilities. Means to improve system performance will be identified, including signal extraction and simplification of the user interface, training, and calibration/formatting procedures. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Provides affordable, easily learned, hands-free computer access to AAC technology applicable to individuals with a wide range of disabilities including those so severe that other access systems are ineffective. Also enables access to the Internet, productivity software, environmental control, etc., thereby enhancing quality of life and independence for these individuals.