From: The Proceedings of the First Joint BMES / EMBS Conference
October 13 - 16, 1999
Atlanta, GA


ORIENTATION AIDS FOR THE BLIND USING ULTRASONIC SIGNPOST SYSTEM
K. Koshi, H. Kani, and Y. Tadokoro
Department of Information and Computer Sciences
Toyohashi University of Technology
Hibarigaoka 1-1, Tempaku
Toyohashi, 441-8580 Japan
kohshi@signal.tutics.tut.ac.jp

Abstract -  This paper presents an ultrasonic signpost system for the blind,
giving precise positional information of landmarks. The proposed system
consists of a beacon placed at location of navigational signs and a hand-held
receiver carried by the blind. The beacon emits the ultrasonic wave modulated
by a suitable speech message. As the blind traveler comes in a transmission
range, the message is provided to him by the receiver. Performance of the
proposed system for orientation aids is also discussed in this paper. 


READER INSTRUMENT OF BASIC TEXTS TO THE TEACHING OF BLIND PEOPLE
Leija L., Hemdndez P., Santiago S.
CINVESTAV-IPN
Dep. E1ectrica
Sec. Bioelectronica Av. IPN 2508 CO1
San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico D.F., 07300
lleija@mvaxl.red.cinvestav.mx

Abstract - It is presented the development of a reader instrument for
translating text to speech using commercial components as a multimedia
computer, a flat bed scanner unit, a control and recognition of characters
program, the instrument is used to read printed text by blind people. The
character recognition is based on a block of pre-classification and
artificial neuronal backpropagation network, the characters are read, through
the scanner text from elemental teaching books, and the program locates the
words recognized in a base of recorded words to emit them via voice through
the multimedia systems. The pre-classification divide the lower case by its
characteristics in the follows four groups: l)acenorsvuxz.2)bdfhklnlit.3)
gjpqy.4)mw. The prototype developed has a limitation; it works with books of
text used in elemental education. The font of characters is Arial in size of
12 pixels, with a performance of 93%. 


PORTABLE TRAVELING NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR THE BLIND AND ITS APPLICATION TO
TRAVELING TRAINING SYSTEM
Y. Tadokoro, S. Takuno, Y. Shinoda
Department of Information & Computer Sciences
Toyohashi University of Technology
Hibariga-oka 1-1, Tempaku
Toyohashi, 441-8580 Japan
tadokoro@signal.tutics.tut.ac.jp

Abstract - We propose a portable traveling navigation system to guide the
blind to the desired destination, and apply it to the traveling training
system. A microcomputer carried by a traveler calculates a traveling locus
using the traveling distance and direction and compares it with the stored
traveling route. Based on the compared results, the appropriate guide voices
are given to the traveler. 


NECK MOVEMENT PATTERNS AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR COMPUTER HEAD CONTROLS
E.F. LoPresti, D.M. Brienza, J. Angelo
Department of Bioengineering and Department of Rehabilitation Science and
Technology
5044 Forbes Tower
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA  15260 USA
edlopresti@juno.com

Abstract - Head controls are an alternative computer interface for
individuals who cannot use a standard mouse. Functional performance was
observed while subjects used a head control system. The relationship between
movement time and distance was described by a Fitts' Law model with 27.3%
error, The data indicate that diagonal movements take longer than horizontal
or vertical movements (p=0.07). 


EOG-BASED GLASSES-TYPE WIRELESS MOUSE FOR THE DISABLED
S. H. Kwon and H. C. Kim*
Interdisciplinary Program in Medical and Biological Engineering
Graduate School and Department of Biomedical Engineering
College of Medicine
Seoul National University
tsailor@snu.ac.kr

Abstract - A new EOG (Electrooculogram) -based computer input device was
developed for the disabled. The device acquires EOG signals generated by eye
movements and blinks and produces output for emulating the PC mouse. For the
user's convenience, electrodes are positioned on five specific points on the
frame of a glasses having good contact with skin and requiring no electrolyte
gel. From the acquired signals we estimate the direction and amplitude of eye
movement and detect blinks using a microcontroller. The estimated information
is sent to a PC through a wireless Radio Frequency (RF) linkage for the
device to be used as a wireless mouse. A new virtual lead positioning (VLP)
algorithm was also developed to detect vertical eye motion which is
relatively difficult to be measured in this specific electrode positioning.
Test results shows sufficient performance of the device in using basic
Windows functions and even playing TETRIS, a well known computer game.  


VARIABLE COMPLIANCE JOYSTICK FOR CONTROL INTERFACE RESEARCH
D.M. Spaeth, R.A. Cooper
Dept of Rehabilitation Sci and Tech.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA  15261
Human Engineering Research Laboratories
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Pittsburgh, PA  15206

Abstract - Conventional joysticks are predominately movement sensing.
Individuals with upper extremity impairments may perform better if provided
with joysticks that respond to force as well as movement. This paper proposes
a variable-compliance design containing both force and displacement
instrumentation. 


In-Shoe Multisensory Data Acquisition
E.Richter (ed@earth.wustl.edu)*, R. Morley*, W.Packard*, K.Malui?*
J. Klaesner**, M. Mueller**,
*  Department of Electrical Engineering
   Washington University
   St. Louis, MO  63130
** Department of Physical Therapy
   Washington University School of Medicine
   St. Louis, MO  63108

Abstract - Patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are susceptible
to unnoticed trauma on the foot that can cause skin breakdown. We have
designed an electronic system in a shoe that monitors temperature, pressure,
and humidity, storing the data in a battery-powered device for later
uploading to a host computer for data analysis. The pressure sensors are
located at the heel, and under three metatarsal heads. Temperature sensors
are located under three metatarsal heads and two are under the heel with the
humidity sensor. Correlations of data from pressure and temperature sensors
with known values were high (r>O.93). Although data currently are being
collected for descriptive purposes, the design potentially can be used to
provide feedback to patients. 


AN ULTRA-FLEXIBLE ELECTROTACTILE DISPLAY FOR THE ROOF OF THE MOUTH
Hui Tang and David J. Beebe
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
405 N. Mathews Ave.
Urbana, IL  61801
{huitang, dbeebe} @uiuc.edu

Abstract - In some situations, novel oral tactile interfaces can be
advantageous by freeing hands for tactile tasks. If the tongue is dedicated
to operating an input device, an oral tactile display may be used on other
oral structures. Fabrication of an ultra-flexible electrotactile display that
can conform to the complex geometry of the roof of the mouth is described. A
polyimide transfer process is used to release an array of electroplated
dome-shaped electrodes (700 pm in diameter, 200 um high) from a rigid
substrate.  


CONTROL OF TIME-CRITICAL ROBOTIC REHABILITATION
G. Gruener
Institute of Robotics
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
gruener@ifr.mavt.ethz.ch

Abstract - Robotic rehabilitation of time-critical tasks, such as treadmill
training, needs a special kind of control that not only moves the limb in
question but also allows the patient the liberty to perform his/her own
efforts, especially as therapy progresses, while closely monitoring the
stability and safety of the patient. We present a Shared Force Control
strategy that includes an impedance controller to deal with uncertainties and
an adaptive gait pattern band defined by a nominal gait pattern bound by
allowed motion tolerances.  


EVALUATION OF AN ASSISTIVE CONTROLLER FOR REACHING FOLLOWING BRAIN INJURY
D. Reinkensmeyer (dreinken@uci.edu), C. Takahashi, W. Timoszyk
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Irvine

Abstract - We evaluated an assistive control law for reaching along a
mechanical guide by three individuals with brain-injury. The controller
compensated for passive properties of the arm including its weight and
passive tissue stiffness, as a function of arm configuration. We found that
such "counterpoise assistance" improved the subject's active range of motion
during reaching along the guide, but did not enable subjects to move fully
through their available passive range of motion. These results suggest that
brain-injured individuals exhibit position-dependent weakness that will
constrain future designs of assistive devices for reaching.  


TACTILE SENSITIVITY OF THE TONGUE ON PHOTOLITHOGRAPHICALLY FABRICATED PATTERNS
Hui Tang and David J. Beebe
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
405 N. Mathews Ave.
Urban, IL  61801
{huitang, dbeebe}@uiuc.edu

Abstract - While the oral cavity is a sensory rich location, its potential as
a site for tactile communication remains largely unexplored. The tactile
sensitivity of the tongue (tip and anterior dorsal region) is investigated by
using patterns fabricated with photolithography. Preliminary results are
obtained by performing experiments of two-line separation and grating
orientation on eight human subjects. Thresholds are estimated at 0.7 mm for
tip and 0.85 mm for the anterior. Sensitivity indices from both experiments
indicate the relative spatial resolution also lies between 0.5 - 1 mm. 


THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Kazushige Magatani *, Hirohho Iwaya*, Hironori Yamasaki*, Kenj i Yanashima**
* Department of Electrical Engineering
Tokai University
1117 Kitakaname
Hiratukashi Kanagawa Japan
** National Rehabilitation Center
4-1 Namiki
Tokorozawashi Saitama Japan
magatani@lachesis.ep.u-tokai.ac.jp

Abstract - The objective of this study is the development of auto-navigation
system, which supports activities of the visually impaired without help of
others. This system navigates the visually impaired by using information
about three sensors (a gyroscope. a terrestrial magnetism sensor and an
acceleration sensor), DGPS, and digital maps. In this paper, we report the
outline of the system and assess the developed method. From the experiments,
the following characteristics become clear. (1) Using our method. under any
condition the position of a user can be estimated accurately (2) The system
can calculate the suitable route and navigate a subject correctly. 


A SYSTEM ASSISTING BLIND CHILDREN TO ACQUIRE SPATIAL AWARENESS THROUGH BODY
MOVEMENT 
Noboru Ohnishi*, Takahiro Yoneda*, Hiroaki Kudo*, Hiroki Minagawa**
* Dept. of Information Eng.
Nagoya University
Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
** Dept. of Information Science
Tsukuba College of Technology
Tsukuba 305-0821, Japan

Abstract - This paper presents a system which helps blind children learn
spatial awareness. A blind child searches objects located in a room, and
remembers their relative location. After he or she reproduces the objects'
arrangement on a table by using blocks, the blocks' position obtained by
image processing is compared with the objects' location. If blocks aren't
correctly located, the system informs which block to be adjusted toward which
direction. Repeating the search and reproduction with the interactive assist
of the system, blind children will be able to learn spatial awareness through
their body movement; learning space by motion. 


ADAPTIVE EMG-DRIVEN COMMUNICATION FOR THE DISABILITY
Hae-Jeong Park*+, Sung-Hoon Kwon*, Hee-Chan Kim**, Kwang-Suk Park**
*Interdisciplinary Program of Medical and Biological Engineering Major,
Inst. of Biomedical Engineering
Medical Research Center
**Dept. of Biomedical Engineering
College of Medicine
Seoul National Univ., Korea
hjpark@snuvh.snu.ac.kr

Abstract - In this paper, we suggested a communication method between
severely disabled, who lost both mobility and speech, and their family using
Morse code derived by Masseter muscle EMG We developed a portable system that
comprises EMG amplifier, A/D conversion text-to-speech module, remote control
module and serial communication to the host system. After training, the
patient can make a speech by composing Morse code with moving his/her chin.
Calibration and remote controlling mode is supported, It also supports the
adaptive encoding method for the fatigue. 


VIRTUAL IMAGES AS A PERCEPTUAL ORTHESIS TO ASSIST PARKINSON'S DISEASE GMT
DISORDERS 
E Guti&rez*, RE Mayagoitia*,E Otero-Siliceo**
*Universidad Iberoamerican
01210 Mexico City, Mexico
eduardo.gutierrez@uia.mx
** Parkinson's Clinic
National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery
14269 Mexico City

Abstract - The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the effectiveness
of non-tangible objects provided as virtual images to evoke the phenomenon
called kinesis paradoxa in Parkinson's patients. The virtual objects were
projected on the visual field of the subject by means of an augmented reality
head mounted display (ARHMD) in order to superimpose real and artificial
environments. The results confirm that the temporary improvement of gait in
Parkinson's disease (PD) depends on the merging of two factors: the provision
a freed visual reference that triggers the initiation of motion, and
sustained ambulation by means of a pace-making, dynamic stimulus. Gait
parameters were measured in 20 subjects with PD of stages III and IV of the
Hoen-Yarh scale before, during and after the visual stimulation in order to
demonstrate an immediate effect on gait. A short-term, carry-over effect was
also found. 


NEURO-FUZZY ADVISOR FOR MOUSE SETTING IN MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Michael Tracey, MS, Jack Winters, PhD
Department of Biomedical Engineering
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC  20064
mtraceyl3@email.msn.com

Abstract - The use of computer interface technology by persons with
disabilities often requires the advice of an expert. This guidance is
difficult to acquire because it is highly dependent upon human knowledge, and
on measures of task performance. An advisor or "software wizard" which
captures this expert knowledge and tunes Windows accessibility parameters
would provide a very useful assistive technology. Using MATLAB, an
interactive neuro-fuzzy system was developed and trained to recommend mouse
settings when using Windows.  


Automatic Morse Code Recognition with Adaptive Variable-Ratio Threshold
Prediction for Physically Impaired Persons
Ching-Hsing Luo, Ming-Che Hsieh, Member, IEEE
Department of Electrical Engineering
National Cheng Kung University
Tainan, Taiwan 70101, R.O.C.
chluo@eembox.ncku.edu.tw

Abstract - With one or two switches, Morse code could provide an effective
alternative communication channel for individuals with physical limitations.
However, most of the physically disabled persons have difficulties in
maintaining a stable typing of Morse code, and hence the automated
recognition of unstable Morse code is becoming more on demand. In this study,
an Adaptive Variable-Ratio Threshold Prediction (AVRTP) algorithm is proposed
to analyze the Morse code time series with variable unit time period and
ratio. Two least-mean-square (LMS) predictors are applied to trace the dot
interval and the dot-dash difference concurrently, and then a predicted
threshold based on a variable-ratio decision rule is used to distinguish
between dots and dashes. The same method is also applied to identify the
character-space. 


EVALUATION OF JOYSTICKS IN CURSOR POSITIONING TASK BY INDIVIDUALS WITH
CEREBRAL PALSY 
Raghavendra S. Rae, Rami Seliktar', Tariq Rahman **
Pulmonary Function Laboratory
Temple University Hospital
3401 Broad Street, PA 19140
rrao@astro.temple.edu
* School of Biomedical Eng., Science, and Health Systems
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA  19104
** Extended Manipulation Laboratory
A.I. duPont Hospital for Children
Wilmington, DE  19899

Abstract - Individuals with cerebral patsy with upper limb disability have
difficulty operating standard computer input devices such as, a mouse and a
keyboard. The present study evaluated the performance of non-disabled
individuals and those with cerebral palsy in the use of a zero-order
spring-centered position joystick and a zero-order isometric joystick when
interacting with the computer. The subjects acquired differently sized
targets at different distances by positioning a cursor on the target. The
time to acquire the target was directly proportional to the cursor-target
distance, and indirectly proportional to the target size. Subjects chose to
move more slowly towards the smaller and closer targets and they increased
speed for larger and more distant targets. Performance with the position
joystick was superior to that of the isometric joystick. Fitts' paradigm was
shown to be a good predictor of the movement time for the non-disabled
individuals as well as those with disability. 


AN EEG-BASED CURSOR CONTROL SYSTEM
Cheng Ming, Gao Shangkai, Senior Member, IEEE
Department of Electrical Engineering
Tsinghua University
Beijing 100084, China
gsk-dea@tsinghua.edu.cn

Abstract - This paper describes an experimental brain-computer interface
which allows severely disabled persons to move the cursor on the screen. The
system is based on the detecting of steady-state visual evoked potential
(SSVEP). Four rectangular blocks around the cursor indicate four directions
and flash at different frequencies on the screen. Once the subject fixates on
one of the blocks, the specific SSVEP is obtained. SSVEP signal is processed
online to determine which block the eyes are focusing. As a feedback the
cursor can be moved in corresponding directions. Preliminary results are
presented and evaluated in the paper.  


ARTIFICIAL SPEAKING DEVICE FOR APHASIC CHILDREN
M Abraham, J. Ormrod
maryvonne.abraham@enst-bretagne,fr, janet.ormrod@enst-bretagne.fr
Ecole Nationale Superieure de Tel@communications de Bretagne
BP.832, F 29285 Brest, France

Abstract - We propose to help children with cerebral palsy compensate for
certain neuro-physical deficiencies in vocalization by building a speaking
machine, based on a three-step cognitive model. The first version of the
machine developed speaks French but, faced with translation into English, we
show the limitations of using icons as an intermediate language. Finally, a
test with aphasic children shows their interest in the machine.

