A real-time embedded I/O device for kinetically challenged personsA real-time embedded I/O device for kinetically challenged persons Περίληψη Δημοσίευσης σε Συνέδριο Conference Paper Abstract 2015-11-122004enInput devices in general are based on the translation of a stimulus to some action. With the effect of computers today, a large selection of input devices for computer I/O is available for kinetically challenged persons such as large keyboards, eye-tracking devices etc. Essentially, all research and associated products to date have focused on making computers more accessible to kinetically challenged persons, or, in using computers to perform tasks (e.g. pick-up telephone, turn lights on/off, controlling appliances etc.). The next step is to detach the input devices from the need to be connected to a personal computer, and by making them embedded, to associate such devices directly with desired tasks, such as direct device control (without the need of a general purpose computer). Furthermore, for kinetically challenged persons, it is desirable to decouple the input device functionality from the actual manipulation of physical entities (e.g. joysticks, trackballs, keyboards, mouse devices) and rather rely on free motion which may be more comfortable. Taking example from advances in virtual reality applications for scientific and entertainment purposes alike, which employ 3D input and manipulation devices, we consider that an input device which is based on free motion of kinetically challenged persons would be useful in real-world applications, if it is reliable in its results, robust in its operation, reasonable in its size, and inexpensive. In this project we aim at the development of a low cost, embedded input device for impaired persons, which will be easily tunable to the specific motion characteristics of different persons without a re-compilation of the design but through reconfiguration, as needed. This device is based on solid-state accelerometers to sense motion in space, which are mounted on user’s hand, a microcontroller to sample the data in real-time and an embedded reconfigurable device (e.g FPGA) to distinguish types of motion from programmable lists of motions. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is an Integrated Circuit (IC) that can be programmed in the field after manufacture. The FPGA computational model is an implementation of Finite State Machines (FSM) running in parallel that detect the individual’s movements. A vocabulary of 16 predefined motions has been formed. Depending on the identified motion the system exits a predefined output. The device then could control external devices (e.g airconditioning units, TV, appliances), in real-time, through a direct electronic interface. A training methodology by which the device could be adapted to individual user’s needs has also been developed. By using the PC as the user interface, we collect the acceleration data for the motions from individuals. In the standalone operation of the system the personal computer is not connected. In this way, the embedded system can recognize the motions that are similar to the initial patterns which the user provided. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/XIV World Congress on Information Technology Papadimitriou Kyprianos Παπαδημητριου Κυπριανος Dollas Apostolos Δολλας Αποστολος Sotiropoulos Stamatios Automatic computers Automatic data processors Computer hardware Computing machines (Computers) Electronic brains Electronic calculating-machines Electronic computers Hardware, Computer computers automatic computers automatic data processors computer hardware computing machines computers electronic brains electronic calculating machines electronic computers hardware computer