Integrated Controls Overview Allison Fracchia George Gober

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Objectives Define Integrated Controls (IntCon) and associated terminology Introduce the types of IntCon  Wheelchair controls  External interface controls Identify and explain technologies used by IntCon (Infrared, Bluetooth) Explore pros and cons of IntCon Provide a vision of the future of IntCon

Methodist Rehabilitation Center What are Integrated Controls? In its simplest form Integrated Controls allow the user to control more than one assistive device through a single input device. Integrated Controls is a broad term used to describe the interface standards, the hardware bus, the software, the electronics package, the associated technologies, and the accompanying hardware devices.

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Integrated v Distributed Controls Distributed Controls

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Integrated v Distributed Controls Integrated Controls

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Technical Jargon RESNA Serial Interface Standard Committee and the Trace Center created ISO Standard TC 173/SC-1/WG-7 Multiple Masters Multiple Slave (M3S) Initiative by the European Common Commission (EEC) Computer Area Network (CAN) Command and Configuration Module (CCM)

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Why use Integrated Controls? Quick learning curve Versatility Streamlined approach to multiple device use Potential Cost effectiveness But most of all… Greater independence for the user. Enhanced sense of control.

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid

Methodist Rehabilitation Center When to consider integrated… User and Caregivers prefer it Funding is available for alternative controls Client has only one reliable access method The optimum access method is the same for all needed devices Optimum access method may save considerable cost Client anticipates controlling all needed devices while in the wheelchair Future loss of functionality will result in only one reliable access method

Methodist Rehabilitation Center When to consider distributed… User and Caregivers prefer it Client has many different reliable access methods The optimum access method varies from device to device When distributed access methods may be much more affordable Client anticipates controlling multiple devices from multiple locations (bed, etc.) When other factors (visual, perceptual, cognitive, etc) make integration less successful When funding source prohibits IntCon

Who makes the decision? The IntCon Team User and Caregivers Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist Speech Therapist Assistive Technology Specialist Seating Specialist Wheelchair Vendors Biomedical Engineers Physician

Methodist Rehabilitation Center What can you really control? Wheelchair: Drive functions, seating External dedicated Assistive Devices: ECUs, AAC devices External Environmental Controls: X10 modules, power doors, telephones, home automation Computer: Assistive Programs External Entertainment Devices: TV, Cable, DVD, CD, iPod, etc. Any InfraRed remote controlled device

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Technology: Infrared Infrared is light frequency wavelength Used for wireless communication Common in consumer electronics Line of sight, directional Infrared codes may be learned by most integrated control systems IrDA (Infrared Data Association) requires a minimum of one meter of transmission but many consumer devices will transmit up to 3m+

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Technology: Bluetooth Wireless technology standard allowing electronic devices to communicate Wireless communication over short distances using radio transmission Becoming common in consumer electronics Omnidirectional Bluetooth specs call for a maximum connection distance of ten meters

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Technology: Systematic Automation Interface Control of lights and the bed Control of HVAC and blinds Control of doors and elevators Control of Control of TV, DVD, etc Control anything with an IR remote Activate Nurse call Video Example

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Demonstration Programming explanation Wheelchair drive programs Seating InfraRed external device control Bluetooth computer control

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Heads Up Display Drive Menu Screen

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Heads Up Display Seating Menu Screen

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Heads Up Display Infrared Menu Screen

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Heads Up Display Infrared Music Sub Menu Screen

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Heads Up Display Bluetooth Menu Screen

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Advantages While in the wheelchair, user has access to multiple systems User has control via the optimum access method Mastery of one switch method provides access to multiple devices and modes User has opportunity to gain control over a number of aspects of their environment

Methodist Rehabilitation Center Disadvantages If battery fails or the electronics on wheelchair malfunctions, the user loses access to multiple devices It takes time to scan through options and switch from one device to another User is only able to access one device or mode at any given time If IntCon is centered around the wheelchair, what happens in other locations, ie. Bed. Funding Issues

Methodist Rehabilitation Center The future of Integrated Controls The physical control devices will improve The electronics programming and capabilities will be enhanced Device communication protocols may become universal and specified Mainstream devices will become more and more controllable Smart devices (in items we consider “dumb” at this time) like clothing, food products, etc. Internet able devices will increase Neurologically controlled devices will appear