口腔内ジョイスティックの開発-舌を利用した重度障害者のための統合型操作支援装置 “ I-to-AS ” の開発に向けて-

抄録

We have tried to develop an Integrated Tongue Operation Assistive System; “ I-to-AS ” . The “ I-to-AS” is an assistive control system used to operate powered wheelchairs (PWC), Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices and some other environment control devices, for seriously disabled people. In our preliminary study, the “ I-to-AS ” only had a mouthpiece type remote controller input device. So to add a secondary input device, we developed an intraoral mini-joystick. This has a 3-axes force sensor to detect the direction and magnitude of the operational force. The mini-joystick also has 1-axis force sensor to measure the user ’ s biting pressure. For safety, the system will only work while normal pressure is applied on this sensor, but it won ’ t work while abnormally low or high pressure is applied.
To investigate the maneuverability of the intraoral mini-joystick, five able-bodied candidates drove a PWC by using the intraoral mini-joystick. The driving time of operation by tongue and by normal-joystick were compared. The driving time by tongue was 38.0 ± 6.1[s]. It was about 40% slower than that of the normal-joystick but it was short enough and easy to control. These results suggest the possibility this system would be effective as an assistive tool for severely disabled people.