A technology that captures an expression of functional intent (e.g., physical movement or physiological change) from the user via sensors, and processes the ensuing electrical signal into a control signal that drives some user interface (e.g., AAC, ECU or computer). The access technology encompasses an access pathway and a signal processing block.
Published in Chapter:
Nascent Access Technologies for Individuals with Severe Motor Impairments
Sarah Power (University of Toronto, Canada), Saba Moghimi (University of Toronto, Canada), Brian Nhan (University of Toronto, Canada), and Tom Chau (University of Toronto, Canada)
Copyright: © 2011
|Pages: 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-206-0.ch002
Abstract
As the number of individuals without physical access to communication or environmental interaction escalates, there are increasing efforts to uncover novel and unconventional access pathways. In this chapter, we introduce three emerging access technologies for individuals with severe disabilities: near-infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalographic measurement of visually-evoked potentials and infrared thermographic imaging of the face. The first two technologies harness activity directly from the brain while the third exploits spontaneous temperature changes in the face. For each technology, we discuss the physiological underpinnings, the requisite instrumentation, the scientific evidence to date and the future outlook.