Background
Speech generation device (SGD) users have very limited mobility and interact with their SGDs using eyegaze or switch scanning. These users are unable to activate a physical switch or have only limited switch access but can not access standard input devices such as a mouse, keyboard or joystick.
Some SGD systems have infrared (IR) transmitters that enable users to control IR devices (such as TVs, cable boxes, AC units), via their communication software.
Introducing the IR Switch Interface
This IR Switch Interface leverages the IR transmitters on SGDs to allow users to control switch adapted devices (toys, adapted gaming devices, home control systems, wheelchair functions like tilting, etc.) using their communication software. Communication software programming is powerful, enabling programming of complex IR commands. For example, long complex sequences to control a remote-control car or complex macros for playing video games.
The device is based on Walfrontckbtuqaw0g95-12 module which can access up to 8 external devices at a time and uses a 12V power supply.
How it works
- User selects an action on their SGD with their access method.
- The SGD sends the IR signal out through the IR Port to the IR Switch Interface.
- The IR Switch Interface receives the signal and relays the command to the corresponding switch output.
- A switch is activated on the external device relative to the desired input, such as on a switch adapted vehicle controller triggering movement of the vehicle. (e.g. forward, backward).
Opportunity
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