Integrated Controls Overview

1. Integrated ControlsOverview Allison Fracchia George Gober

2. 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

3. 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

4. Integrated v Distributed Controls • Distributed Controls Methodist Rehabilitation Center

5. Integrated v Distributed Controls • Integrated Controls Methodist Rehabilitation Center

6. 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

7. Command and Configuration Module (CCM)

8. 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

9. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid Methodist Rehabilitation Center

10. 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

11. 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 Methodist Rehabilitation Center

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. Heads Up DisplayDrive Menu Screen Methodist Rehabilitation Center

19. Heads Up DisplaySeating Menu Screen Methodist Rehabilitation Center

20. Heads Up DisplayInfrared Menu Screen Methodist Rehabilitation Center

21. Heads Up DisplayInfrared Music Sub Menu Screen Methodist Rehabilitation Center

22. Heads Up DisplayBluetooth Menu Screen Methodist Rehabilitation Center

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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 Methodist Rehabilitation Center