Abstract
We have tried to develop an Integrated Tongue Operation Assistive System; "I-to-AS". The "I-to-AS" consists of a mouthpiece type remote controller and an intraoral mini-joystick as the input devices. For the operating targets, it consists of an electric Powered Wheelchairs (PWC), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. These intraoral mini-joystick and mouthpiece type remote controller are operated by users' tongue. In this paper we improved the intraoral mini-joystick. To investigate the basic characteristic of the intraoral mini-joystick, the maneuverability was tested. The candidate of ten able-bodied male tried to operate the joystick to the correct direction that was given as random of eight directions. The duration and accuracy of the operation was estimated. The average duration was under 1[sec] and the accuracy was good enough to apply this system to the assistive tools. Five candidates tried to operate PWC on a prescribed course and the required time to goal was measured. The driving time operated by the "Intraoral Mini-Joystick" was up to 39.7% increasing as long as by the normal joystick. These suggest the possibility that this system would be effective as an assistive tool for severely disabled people.
