The Guido is a robotic walker that provides navigation and obstacle-avoidance assistance. Enginee... more The Guido is a robotic walker that provides navigation and obstacle-avoidance assistance. Engineering tests have found that the device performs adequately and presents no hazard to the user. The performance of the Guido was compared with a low-tech mobility aid, the Assistive Mobility Device (AMD) developed at the Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in trials involving older adults with visual impairments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Guido could increase the safety and mobility of elderly visually impaired individuals in supervised care facilities. Subjects traversed an obstacle course with the Guido and the AMD. Completion time, obstacle/wall contacts, and reorientations were compared for both devices. No significant differences were found between the devices for any of the tests. The Guido did not perform better than the AMD during the trials. Revisions to the device as well as a change in subject requirements and testing protocol may ...
Drop-off detection is a problem in wheelchairs which use sensor technology to provide obstacle av... more Drop-off detection is a problem in wheelchairs which use sensor technology to provide obstacle avoidance features. Tests were conducted to determine whether the Sharp GP2D12 infrared sensor can provide an effective and inexpensive solution. Results indicate that a drop-off detector incorporating the GP2D12 was able to detect drop-offs as shallow as 5 cm. BACKGROUND There have been several different implementations of 'intelligent ' wheelchairs, which are able to detect obstacles in the environment and assist with navigation and obstacle avoidance (1,2). These wheelchairs are intended to aid wheelchair users who have difficulty driving a standard wheelchair due to visual impairments, fine motor limitations, cognitive challenges, and other impairments. These devices have focused on detecting upright obstacles, such as walls, furniture, and people. Unfortunately, many of them do not implement any way of detecting drop-offs such as curbs or descending staircases. Such drop-off...
Compass software for computer access assessment includes eight skill tests that measure a user’s ... more Compass software for computer access assessment includes eight skill tests that measure a user’s performance for mouse use, text entry, and switch use. One of the most commonly used Compass tests is the Aim test, which examines target acquisition skill (i.e., the ability to click on an object). This study examined the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Aim test, with 16 individuals who have physical impairments. Results provide confidence in the Aim test as a valid assessment tool.
Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology, Jul 13, 2016
To evaluate the performance of the circling interface, which is an alternative interaction method... more To evaluate the performance of the circling interface, which is an alternative interaction method for selecting and manipulating on-screen objects based on circling the target, rather than pointing and clicking. We conducted empirical evaluations with actual head-mounted mouse emulator users from two different groups: individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), comparing each group's performance and satisfaction level on pointing tasks with the circling interface to performance on the same tasks when using dwell-clicking software. Across all operations, for both subjects with SCI and with CP, the circling interface showed faster performance than the dwell-clicking interface. For the single-click operation, the circling interface showed slower performance than dwell selection, but for both double-click and drag-and-drop operations, the circling interface produced faster performance. Subjects with CP required much longer time to complete the...
Some wheelchair users have difficulty looking backward when backing up in confined spaces due to ... more Some wheelchair users have difficulty looking backward when backing up in confined spaces due to limited neck range of motion or low vision, which can lead to collisions which may result in personal injury or property damage. The Drive Safe System (DSS) was evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting with blindfolded able-bodied individuals on various backward driving tasks. Performance with the DSS was compared with a standard white cane used for navigation assistance by people with visual impairment. Results indicate that the DSS significantly reduced the number of collisions compared to using a cane (p= 0.0001) alone. There was no difference in task completion time when participants were using the cane or the DSS (p= 0.915). Users rated the DSS favourably as they experience less total workload (p= 0.026), less physical demand (p= 0.006), felt less frustrated (p= 0.002) and put less effort (p= 0.007) to achieve better performance when using the DSS, compared to using a cane. Thes...
Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, Jan 3, 2005
Almost 10% of all individuals who are legally blind also have a mobility impairment. The majority... more Almost 10% of all individuals who are legally blind also have a mobility impairment. The majority of these individuals are dependent on others for mobility. The Smart Power Assistance Module (SPAM) for manual wheelchairs is being developed to provide independent mobility for this population. A prototype of the SPAM has been developed using Yamaha JWII power assist hubs, sonar and infrared rangefinders, and a microprocessor. The prototype limits the user to moving straight forward, straight backward, or turning in place, and increases the resistance of the wheels based on the proximity of obstacles. The result is haptic feedback to the user regarding the environment surrounding the wheelchair. The prototype has been evaluated with four blindfolded able-bodied users and one individual who is blind but not mobility impaired. For all individuals, the prototype reduced the number of collisions on a simple navigation task. The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of providing navigation...
Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 2010
Computer access technology (CAT) allows people who have trouble using a standard computer keyboar... more Computer access technology (CAT) allows people who have trouble using a standard computer keyboard, mouse, or monitor to access a computer. CAT is critical for enhancing the educational and vocational opportunities of people with disabilities. Choosing the most appropriate CAT is a collaborative decision-making process involving the consumer, clinician(s), and third party payers. The challenges involved and potential technological solutions are discussed.
This study describes research behind two software wizards that help users with physical impairmen... more This study describes research behind two software wizards that help users with physical impairments adjust their keyboard and mouse settings to meet their specific needs. The Keyboard Wizard and Pointing Wizard programs help ensure that keyboard and pointing devices are properly configured for an individual, and reconfigured as the user's needs change. We summarize four effectiveness studies and six usability studies. Studies involved participants whose physical impairments affect their ability to use a keyboard and mouse. Effectiveness studies used an A-B-A design, with condition A using default Windows settings and condition B using wizard-recommended settings. Primary data were performance metrics for text entry and target acquisition. Usability studies asked participants to run through each wizard, with no outside guidance. Primary data were completion time, errors made, and user feedback. The wizards were effective at recommending new settings for users who needed them and ...
Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 2005
1. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005 Jul-Aug;42(4):423-36. Smart wheelchairs: A literature review. Simpson ... more 1. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005 Jul-Aug;42(4):423-36. Smart wheelchairs: A literature review. Simpson RC. Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2887, USA. ris20@pitt.edu. ...
Studies in health technology and informatics, 2017
Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning syst... more Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning system. This study is evaluating Scanning Wizard's effectiveness, with nine people who use single-switch scanning participating to date. Text entry rates have improved by an average of 71%, ranging from 29 to 172% improvement.
Telerehabilitation (TR) services for assistive technology evaluation and training have the potent... more Telerehabilitation (TR) services for assistive technology evaluation and training have the potential to reduce travel demands for consumers and assistive technology professionals while allowing evaluation in more familiar, salient environments for the consumer. Sixty-five consumers received TR services for augmentative and alternative communication or alternative computer access, and consumer satisfaction was compared with twenty-eight consumers who received exclusively in-person services. TR recipients rated their TR services at a median of 6 on a 6-point Likert scale TR satisfaction questionnaire, although individual responses did indicate room for improvement in the technology. Overall satisfaction with AT services was rated highly by both in-person (100% satisfaction) and TR (99% satisfaction) service recipients.
The Guido is a robotic walker that provides navigation and obstacle-avoidance assistance. Enginee... more The Guido is a robotic walker that provides navigation and obstacle-avoidance assistance. Engineering tests have found that the device performs adequately and presents no hazard to the user. The performance of the Guido was compared with a low-tech mobility aid, the Assistive Mobility Device (AMD) developed at the Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in trials involving older adults with visual impairments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Guido could increase the safety and mobility of elderly visually impaired individuals in supervised care facilities. Subjects traversed an obstacle course with the Guido and the AMD. Completion time, obstacle/wall contacts, and reorientations were compared for both devices. No significant differences were found between the devices for any of the tests. The Guido did not perform better than the AMD during the trials. Revisions to the device as well as a change in subject requirements and testing protocol may ...
Drop-off detection is a problem in wheelchairs which use sensor technology to provide obstacle av... more Drop-off detection is a problem in wheelchairs which use sensor technology to provide obstacle avoidance features. Tests were conducted to determine whether the Sharp GP2D12 infrared sensor can provide an effective and inexpensive solution. Results indicate that a drop-off detector incorporating the GP2D12 was able to detect drop-offs as shallow as 5 cm. BACKGROUND There have been several different implementations of 'intelligent ' wheelchairs, which are able to detect obstacles in the environment and assist with navigation and obstacle avoidance (1,2). These wheelchairs are intended to aid wheelchair users who have difficulty driving a standard wheelchair due to visual impairments, fine motor limitations, cognitive challenges, and other impairments. These devices have focused on detecting upright obstacles, such as walls, furniture, and people. Unfortunately, many of them do not implement any way of detecting drop-offs such as curbs or descending staircases. Such drop-off...
Compass software for computer access assessment includes eight skill tests that measure a user’s ... more Compass software for computer access assessment includes eight skill tests that measure a user’s performance for mouse use, text entry, and switch use. One of the most commonly used Compass tests is the Aim test, which examines target acquisition skill (i.e., the ability to click on an object). This study examined the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Aim test, with 16 individuals who have physical impairments. Results provide confidence in the Aim test as a valid assessment tool.
Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology, Jul 13, 2016
To evaluate the performance of the circling interface, which is an alternative interaction method... more To evaluate the performance of the circling interface, which is an alternative interaction method for selecting and manipulating on-screen objects based on circling the target, rather than pointing and clicking. We conducted empirical evaluations with actual head-mounted mouse emulator users from two different groups: individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), comparing each group's performance and satisfaction level on pointing tasks with the circling interface to performance on the same tasks when using dwell-clicking software. Across all operations, for both subjects with SCI and with CP, the circling interface showed faster performance than the dwell-clicking interface. For the single-click operation, the circling interface showed slower performance than dwell selection, but for both double-click and drag-and-drop operations, the circling interface produced faster performance. Subjects with CP required much longer time to complete the...
Some wheelchair users have difficulty looking backward when backing up in confined spaces due to ... more Some wheelchair users have difficulty looking backward when backing up in confined spaces due to limited neck range of motion or low vision, which can lead to collisions which may result in personal injury or property damage. The Drive Safe System (DSS) was evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting with blindfolded able-bodied individuals on various backward driving tasks. Performance with the DSS was compared with a standard white cane used for navigation assistance by people with visual impairment. Results indicate that the DSS significantly reduced the number of collisions compared to using a cane (p= 0.0001) alone. There was no difference in task completion time when participants were using the cane or the DSS (p= 0.915). Users rated the DSS favourably as they experience less total workload (p= 0.026), less physical demand (p= 0.006), felt less frustrated (p= 0.002) and put less effort (p= 0.007) to achieve better performance when using the DSS, compared to using a cane. Thes...
Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, Jan 3, 2005
Almost 10% of all individuals who are legally blind also have a mobility impairment. The majority... more Almost 10% of all individuals who are legally blind also have a mobility impairment. The majority of these individuals are dependent on others for mobility. The Smart Power Assistance Module (SPAM) for manual wheelchairs is being developed to provide independent mobility for this population. A prototype of the SPAM has been developed using Yamaha JWII power assist hubs, sonar and infrared rangefinders, and a microprocessor. The prototype limits the user to moving straight forward, straight backward, or turning in place, and increases the resistance of the wheels based on the proximity of obstacles. The result is haptic feedback to the user regarding the environment surrounding the wheelchair. The prototype has been evaluated with four blindfolded able-bodied users and one individual who is blind but not mobility impaired. For all individuals, the prototype reduced the number of collisions on a simple navigation task. The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of providing navigation...
Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 2010
Computer access technology (CAT) allows people who have trouble using a standard computer keyboar... more Computer access technology (CAT) allows people who have trouble using a standard computer keyboard, mouse, or monitor to access a computer. CAT is critical for enhancing the educational and vocational opportunities of people with disabilities. Choosing the most appropriate CAT is a collaborative decision-making process involving the consumer, clinician(s), and third party payers. The challenges involved and potential technological solutions are discussed.
This study describes research behind two software wizards that help users with physical impairmen... more This study describes research behind two software wizards that help users with physical impairments adjust their keyboard and mouse settings to meet their specific needs. The Keyboard Wizard and Pointing Wizard programs help ensure that keyboard and pointing devices are properly configured for an individual, and reconfigured as the user's needs change. We summarize four effectiveness studies and six usability studies. Studies involved participants whose physical impairments affect their ability to use a keyboard and mouse. Effectiveness studies used an A-B-A design, with condition A using default Windows settings and condition B using wizard-recommended settings. Primary data were performance metrics for text entry and target acquisition. Usability studies asked participants to run through each wizard, with no outside guidance. Primary data were completion time, errors made, and user feedback. The wizards were effective at recommending new settings for users who needed them and ...
Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 2005
1. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005 Jul-Aug;42(4):423-36. Smart wheelchairs: A literature review. Simpson ... more 1. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005 Jul-Aug;42(4):423-36. Smart wheelchairs: A literature review. Simpson RC. Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2887, USA. ris20@pitt.edu. ...
Studies in health technology and informatics, 2017
Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning syst... more Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning system. This study is evaluating Scanning Wizard's effectiveness, with nine people who use single-switch scanning participating to date. Text entry rates have improved by an average of 71%, ranging from 29 to 172% improvement.
Telerehabilitation (TR) services for assistive technology evaluation and training have the potent... more Telerehabilitation (TR) services for assistive technology evaluation and training have the potential to reduce travel demands for consumers and assistive technology professionals while allowing evaluation in more familiar, salient environments for the consumer. Sixty-five consumers received TR services for augmentative and alternative communication or alternative computer access, and consumer satisfaction was compared with twenty-eight consumers who received exclusively in-person services. TR recipients rated their TR services at a median of 6 on a 6-point Likert scale TR satisfaction questionnaire, although individual responses did indicate room for improvement in the technology. Overall satisfaction with AT services was rated highly by both in-person (100% satisfaction) and TR (99% satisfaction) service recipients.
Uploads