Apps Of The Month...1

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1 N e w s l e t t e r VOLUME 19 - ISSUE 5 - SEPTEMBER 2010 The world of technology is constantly growing, in both mainstream and disability specific products. We are also seeing increasing convergence in technology, such as smart phones incorporating computer access, and speech generating devices now on tablet PC platforms and incorporating infrared environmental controls. Other developments include increased functionality and adaptability in powered wheelchair controls, with many systems now having inbuilt infrared and Bluetooth capability. These features may allow wheelchair users with limited motor control to operate multiple devices with one method of input, e.g. using their wheelchair joystick to also operate the mouse on a computer. Previously, interfacing these types of technology was complex and costly, involving addition of various modules and cables to the wheelchair. Elizabeth Nade has investigated the main power wheelchair controls available on the Australian market with these interfacing capabilities, and has compiled a comparison matrix to assist in your decision making process. This article is a summary of a full conference paper presented at the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) national conference in Hobart, August For the full paper, check the ARATA website, org.au/conf.php or contact the author, Elizabeth Nade, at tasc@tscnsw.org.au. Happy Reading Liza From the editor s desk Apps Of The Month Here are a few of our favourite apps this month for the iphone and ipad. All apps are available to download from the App store in itunes. ShapeWriter This app allows text entry using a single slide-type gesture, instead of the common hunt and peck often used on phone pads and keyboards. For example, a single stroke that roughly connects the letters w, o, r and d is recognised by the software s algorithms as word. The manufacturers claim this can greatly enhance rate of text production. Suitable for iphone, itouch and ipad. Cost: $9.99 or $3.99 Lite version (does not allow landscape mode, sorting notes, customising fonts/ colours or SMS support). There is also a free version which is more of a game. A Special Phone This app is a dialling system created for people who have difficulty accessing the standard iphone key pad, e.g. people with vision and physical impairments. You can set up six quick dial numbers with photos which are accessed by shaking the iphone to move through each number; the number you stop on dials automatically. There is also an enlarged number pad with auditory feedback of key presses. Suitable for iphone. Cost $ Apps Of The Month...1 Interfacing Powered Wheelchair Technology...2 Tool Guide...11 We welcome any feedback, good or bad, that you may have on our service. Please feel free to contact us by phone on , tasc@tscnsw.org.au or by writing to The Spastic Centre PO Box 184 Brookvale NSW 2100 TechnoTalk Newsletter is free and available from

2 Interfacing Powered Wheelchair Technology by Elizabeth Nade Power wheelchair technology has advanced greatly over recent years with new features such as Bluetooth (for mouse emulation) and infrared (for mouse emulation and environmental control) being readily available as an add-on or built-in to the power wheelchair electronics. This allows for greater interfacing of technology for a powered wheelchair user who has limited physical access sites to utilise technology. Figure 1 - s DX2 in mouse emulation Interfacing can be defined as sharing one single input device or access method to control multiple devices (Lange, 2008a). This could enable a powered wheelchair user to control their powered wheelchair, a speech generating device, have computer access and environmental control all through using the single access method or input device they use to control their powered wheelchair. Additional components such as an infrared to X10 transceiver may be required to control lighting and other appliances around the home. An infrared and/or Bluetooth dongle may also need to be plugged into the computer to enable computer access using the powered wheelchair control. In order to successfully interface powered mobility with other assistive technology, there are some specific components required. Most importantly, a holistic multidisciplinary team approach is vital to ensure that new experiences with interfacing are successful and safe. Members of this team may include the Figure 2 - Expandable joystick and enhanced display powered wheelchair user, their family and relevant carers, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, assistive technology specialist, equipment supplier and powered wheelchair users education team (if applicable). Hardware components required for successful interfacing of technology include: A powered wheelchair with an expandable control. An established access method for the powered wheelchair user. This may be a proportional control such as a joystick or chin control, or a non-proportional control such as head array, sip and puff, single or multiple switches with or without the scanning function. A power on/off switch. External switch jacks are available on most controls, which enable the powered wheelchair user to access the on/off switch through an external switch mounted in a way that is accessible to them. A mode/reset switch. This can also be utilised by an external switch, plugged into the assigned switch jack on the powered wheelchair control. An interfacing module. Historically these have come in a range of separate, individual units for different functions, whereby one unit would control power actuators (tilt, recline, etc.), another unit would access a speech generating device and another unit would enable interfacing with an environmental control unit. Newer power wheelchair technologies now have units with these capabilities built-in, so generally only one extra module (called an interfacing module) is equired, with a connecting cable to the expandable wheelchair controller. The Interfacing module may also couple as an enhanced display and the expandable controller in some brands of powered wheelchair controls (e.g. PG Drives R-Net Omni, see Figure 3). 2

3 Figure 3 - R-Net Omni The wheelchair controls then need to be programmed according to the user s specific requirements and the user and their team trained in the operation of the control interface (Lange, 2008b). With interfacing, there is increased system interdependence; if the powered wheelchair control requires servicing, or has broken, the powered wheelchair user s means of accessing other assistive technology devices is compromised. This highlights the need for a back-up system, such as a low technology communication system and external computer access and environmental control hardware. Interfacing is not indicated for every powered wheelchair user. The efficient use of an interfaced system requires a level of physical, cognitive and sensory ability in order to access, understand and see the system and display (Lange, 2005). A thorough clinical assessment needs to be conducted with the powered wheelchair user and their multi-disciplinary team to determine if interfacing will be beneficial for the user. For more information on interfacing, please feel free to contact TASC and speak with one of our consultants. A power wheelchair electronics comparison matrix has been written, which aims to compare the main power wheelchair controls available on the Australian market that are capable of interfacing, in order to assist in the decision making for powered wheelchair prescription. Acknowledgement must go to Michelle Lange, for providing a basis of information for this matrix. Interfacing Powered Wheelchair Technology Power Wheelchair Bases Supported Glide Series 6, 7, 8, 9. Magic Mobility PWCs. AC Mobility PWCs. TDX Series (SP, SI, Spree). Storm RWD series. Power Tiger. Permobil Bases. Quickie Bases. Glide Bases. All PWCs. Otto Bock PWC models: B600, C1000, DS, C2000, Xeno Skippi Plus. Tracking Technology G-Trac (Gyro Technology) Accu-Trac technology, only on 6000z. Ability to upgrade electronics Initial system set-up Wizard Software computer program. Through equipment supplier / manufacturer of PWC can structure the set-up of the wheelchair program to auto accept upgrades such as increased Actuator outputs, ECU recognised, etc. Mouse mover function can be set up by manufacturer / equipment supplier to allow the function to be added/ upgraded easily later. Plug and Play. Modules can be programmed and customised through Wizard Software. Insert professional (SD) memory card into driver control follow prompts. (Software upgrades available from web). Factory settings for all modules installed. Plug & Play for all additional Modules. Programmer or SD card to modify for user needs. Future Proofing feature (new modules can be added without programming). Some modules are flash; upgradeable. Plug and Play Modules recognised and programmed automatically. Software downloaded via computer. Software downloaded via computer. Plug and Play Plug and Play Modules recognised Modules recognised and programmed and programmed automatically. automatically. 3

4 Programming Separate hand-held programmer Speed, acceleration, deceleration, tremor dampening, turn speeds, etc. Help/Info key provides assistance on parameter affects. Mk6 programmer works on Mk5 and Mk6. On-board programming USB stick option for transferring files. Mini USB port for connections to PC. Program through display Limited. Clock, display With Professional SD card. On board programming can see 4 profiles at once. Limited. Clock, language, trip odometer reset, reminders. Joystick calibratable by user Favourites menu. Program through computer Wizard Software. Professional SD card also gives detailed service help. PC programming tool. PC Programming station. PC Programming station. Consumer can program through access method Limited. Clock, display With Professional SD card. Two access methods: key code or dongle. Manufacturer determined. Limited. Clock, language, trip odometer reset, reminders. Joystick calibratable by user Favourites menu. Memory back-up Saved as file onto Wizard Software, customise name of file. System back-up mirror. Onto Basic or Professional SD card or computer. Card can use USB card reader to view settings on computer. Through computer, can save to USB, customise name of file. Through computer software. Through computer software. Specific Programming Parameters Number of Drives/ Profiles Preset programs (Drive profiles, speeds, acceleration etc.) Single program of factory customisable through Wizard Software. Up to 13 standard programs each can be modified. Single program of factory customisable through PC Programming Tool. Single program of factory customisable through PC Programming Station. Single program of factory customisable through PC Programming Station. Torque (turning force at PWC drive wheel) Intuitive torque built-in (higher torque at lower speeds). Sensitivity (how quickly the wheelchair responds to joystick movement) programmable through hand-held programmer or Wizard Software. Tremor dampening, separate acceleration, deceleration, turning speed parameters. Forward and reverse is also separately programmable on DX/ DX2. programmable with hand-held programmer. Tremor dampening and traction parameters for each drive. Separate acceleration parameters for forward, reverse and turns. Tremor dampening. Separate acceleration parameters for forward, reverse and turn at minimum and maximum speeds in each profile. Turn sensitivity is the same as tremor dampening (per drive profile). 4

5 Ability to program which profile to start when turn on power Program last drive Program last drive used used or specific profile. or specific profile. Goes to last profile used. Goes to last profile used. Control Unit Colour Display Two contrast settings: indoor and outdoor. Currently standard on multi purpose joystick. Coming on Rehab display Two contrast options: indoor and outdoor. Backlit display Languages Supported 100% Icon Based Menu Structure English. Symbol support. All text is programmable meaning all European languages can be supported. English, German, Spanish, Italian, French. Icon based. Customise text wording N/A. With hand-held programmer or professional SD card. Through computer software. Through computer software Through computer software. Change font size Customised range of icons, set up by manufacturer. Enhanced view mode enlarges icons. Programmable option of large momentary screens when changing speed or profile. Highlighted user menu items are enlarged. Icons/graphics Some with combined text. Some with programmable text, e.g.: mode names. Many. Not designed to replace text. Additional display required for alternate controls Can use display on multi purpose joystick, but is small. Can use display on multi purpose joystick, however is small. Can use display on multi purpose joystick. Need enhanced display to support alternative access Need enhanced display to support alternative access. Can use G91, G91s display (LED). Additional display is available. Additional display is available. Buttons on control unit Can use iportal with iphone, itouch, ipad. On/off, left and right indicator, drive profile selection, accessory mode selection, horn, two programmable function buttons labelled I and II. On/off, drive select, mode and speed dial. SPJ has horn, actuator control, speed selector. Profiles, mode, power, speed up and down, horn. Joystick Control: power and mode toggle, auxiliary menu button, horn, speed dial, two programmable buttons, labelled I and II. Program through computer. Enhanced Display (for alt access): power, mode. On/Off, mode, profile, lights, indicators, horn, hazard lights. Consumer access to Functions Limited: clock and display Computer software downloadable through website. Require professional SD card or hand-held programmer. User cannot access program unless they have onboard programming enabled. Can disable speed buttons on joystick or display through programming. User can only change clock, trip odometer, profiles and reminders. Consumer can purchase hand-held programmer or computer software for full access. Joystick can be calibrated by user. 5

6 Switch Jacks on control unit 3 or emergency stop. Other two are fully programmable to control drive profile or non drive functions. Monitored switches, so will log a fault code if they are broken. 2 Mode selection with up to two available programmable functions using a splitter or stereo switch. 2 Mode. Joystick Control: 2 Mode: simple and advanced programming. Simple: cycles through modes, Advanced: short switch press cycles through drive profiles, long switch press toggles between drive profiles and auxiliary and seat functions. Joystick Control: 2 Mode: simple and advanced programming. Simple: cycles through modes, Advanced: short switch press cycles through drive profiles, long switch press toggles between drive profiles and auxiliary and seat functions. Enhanced Display: 2: Mode. Enhanced Display: 2: Mode. Both: smart switch feature. If enabled long switch press will power system off. Short switch command powers system on and subsequent short switch presses cycles through profiles. Both: smart switch feature. If enabled long switch press will power system off. Short switch command powers system on and subsequent short switch presses cycles through profiles. Shortcut menu on display Function Button (labelled I and II). Can set these up as shortcuts to particular actuator for user direct access. Mode selection in standby. Any mode or profile can be entered via joystick from standby. Can program a quick access list of desired shortcuts that are shown when wheelchair goes into standby. Can program a list of favourites. Locking feature to prevent external access to wheelchair Hold down power on/ off button PWC will go into lock mode. When power back on will come up as locked; to unlock hit horn button twice within 10 seconds and PWC will unlock. Either button sequence or key. System lock can be programmed into a drive profile. System lock can be programmed into a drive profile. Feature can be turned on or off. Other iphone, itouch, ipad can be used as display and added environmental control using added iportal module. Clock, speed display, mode name and text profile name Can download digital photos to display, also has clock M/H or Km/H, battery %, trip odometer. Can download photos to display. Trip odometer an option. 6

7 Access Method Specifics Joystick Multiple joystick styles. Buttons I and II can be programmed as speed dial. Quick press will give an incremental increase / reduction in speed. Long press will give step through increments in increase/reduction in speed. Multiple joystick styles. Joystick speed dial (Tortoise/Hare). See above parameters, all compatible with joystick access. Multiple joystick styles. Joystick speed buttons. See above, all parameters compatible with joystick access. Joystick speed dial and toggle on/off and mode. Joystick, if deflected more than 50%, will act as switched joystick when programmed. See above parameters all accessible with joystick access. Multiple joystick styles available. See above parameters; all compatible with joystick access. Component required for alternate access connection DX-SNP for Sip n Puff. DX-ACC4B for head array, switched inputs (9-pin port). No interface required for alternative proportional controls. Digital interface for Sip n Puff. No interface required for alternative proportional controls (available with Mk6i connector). Omni Specialty Interface: 9-pin port. Separate Sip n Puff module. Enhanced display: 9-pin port. Sip n Puff Interface. Enhanced display: 9-pin port. Sip n Puff Interface. Number of alternate input devices that can be connected Up to 4 driver controls: joystick, alternate, attendant, DX-ACC4B switch drive control input. Many different options for input and drive control, however one master, one alternate RJM option and attendant control can be fitted at same time. Up to 4 Driver controls and proportional attendant control. One on the multi purpose joystick. Two on Omni display. System can support up to 14 Omnis with 2 access methods each. Up to 4 driver controls: joystick, stand alone, attendant, specialty. Up to 4 driver controls: joystick, stand alone, attendant, specialty. Transfer of control between alternate input devices: e.g. head array, attendant control, Sip n Puff, etc. Choose drive profile programmed for specific input device. Choose drive profile programmed for specific input device. Proportional attendant when on overrides driver input device. When turned off, auto resumes to last driver input. Choose profile programmed for specific input device. Assign input device using power button for that specific device. When power on wheelchair using specific input device, need to control wheelchair by that device., but requires reprogramming. To change input devices, need to turn chair off and on again in desired device. 7

8 Head Array Access to reverse options: Two options: 1. External switch for reverse, joystick only mode through Time Escape (standby) function. 2. External switch in 3 Quadrant mode. Uses method of short press/long press. Short press will toggle between reverse or forward directions. Access to reverse options: Two options: 1. Mode switch: 1 st activation chooses reverse. Programming enable RIM control. 2. Bypass mode switch by programming standby select. Once in standby, left driver command activates reverse driving. Forward command activates forward driving. Access to reverse options: Two options: 1. Mode switch: single operation toggles direction. 2. Rear pad: double tap goes into reverse. Two axis option for seating actuator control. Access to reverse options: Two options: 1. Mode switch: 2 nd activation chooses reverse. 2. Rear pad: first activation toggles direction, second activation drives. All Access to reverse options: Two options: 1. Mode switch: 2 nd activation chooses reverse. 2. Rear pad: first activation toggles direction, second activation drives. All Long press will scan through drive and non drive (seating) modes. Programmable long and short press to match user needs. Sip n Puff programmable with hand-held programmer or through Wizard Software. Display through G91 or using iportal with iphone, itouch or ipad. 4 pressure Digital interface. Pressure programmable in all 4 quadrants. 4 pressure Built into Omni display. Programmable dead band (neutral zone where no action occurs) and ramp up/ down time. 2 or 4 pressure option. Separate module required. Can latch for menu to scroll to desired mode. Separate Sip n Puff switch available for power on/off and mode. 2 or 4 pressure option. Separate module required. Can latch for menu to scroll to desired mode. Separate Sip n Puff switch available for power on/off and mode. Switch Access 5 switch module (DX-ACC4B). Will recognise two switch inputs at same time for more proportional control. Supports single, 3, 4, 5 switch access. Supports single, 3, 4, 5 switch access. Supports single 2, 3, 4, 5 switch access with enhanced display. Supports single 2, 3, 4, 5 switch access with enhanced display. Single Switch Scanning Require G91s. Single switch operation or configure with 3 switches. Requires external scanner. ASL digital interface. 4 directions on display. Can scan all wheelchair functions. 4 or 8 direction on display. Can customise scan pattern around screen. 4 or 8 direction on display. Can customise scan pattern around screen. Customisable scan sequence. Can scan mode option. Can scan mode option. Can use added switches to shortcut back to main menu. Can customise scan speed. Can customise scan speed. 8

9 Mode Switch Sequence Drive profiles, seating functions, ECU. Reverse, automatic positioning, powered seating functions, drive select, auxiliary. Drive profiles, seating functions, auxiliary. Sequence Drive profiles, seating functions, auxiliary. Drive profiles, seating functions, favourites. Standby Option Time escape (programmable time). Scroll back through menus. Standby select: (programmable time). Allows driver control to select next operating mode after wheelchair enters standby using directional command. Adjustable time or via mode jack socket switch. Can enter all modes/ profiles from standby. Standby select: (programmable time). Goes back to profiles menu. Standby can be disabled in ECU mode. Programmable direction commands. Sleep Mode Sleep. Sleep. Programmable time, any input awakens. Customisable. Programmable time (previously called standby mode). Mode switch required to re-awaken. Programmable time. Programmable time. Programmable time. Shortcut Buttons Two programmable buttons on joystick display (labelled I and II). Profile button can be re-assigned to be able to access both profiles and modes. Two programmable buttons on joystick display. Separate Switch for Actuators Display Function Navigation: Manual (alt access) Manual Scroll. Left/right navigates, forward command selects. Manual Scroll. Directional switches navigate, mode switch selects. Manual scroll. Forward command moves up displayed list. Manual scroll. Forward command moves up displayed list. Manual scroll. Right scrolls clockwise, forward selects. Timed escape method can get back into main home page. Reverse moves down. Right command selects. Left moves back a level. Reverse moves down. Right selects. Left moves back a level. Cruise Control: holding down the forward or reverse command will continue to scan after programmed amount of time. Display Function Navigation: Scanning (alt access) Drive profile is circular scanning system. Seating functions and ECU are column basis. 3 scanning types: Modified row/column, sequential, enhanced. All with adjustable speed and initiation time. Auto scroll. Adjustable speed Right selects and left moves back a level. Auto Scroll. Adjustable speed Right selects and left moves back a level. Auto scroll. 9

10 Display Function Navigation: Auditory (speech) Scanning (alt access) Auditory feedback switch on/off, reverse beepers, changing modes. Auditory feedback available for screen/ mode changes. Different beeps used for different modes. Auditory feedback to indicate profile, operating mode or selection on User menu. Auditory feedback to indicate profile, operating mode or selection on User menu. Other Built-in Features Signal output DX- IRIS Infrared and Bluetooth (mouse mover only). Can use iportal module with iphone, itouch, ipad for advanced display type functions using 3 rd part devices such as Redeye, Wi-Fi mouse mover. IR/Mouse emulator all in one unit. Can carry 6 devices plus X-10. Omni Specialty Interface with IR control. Enhanced display has IR and Bluetooth for mouse emulator only. Enhanced display has IR and Bluetooth for mouse emulator only. Preset Codes (ECU) GEWA codes Learning Up to 280 separate commands. Macros up to 3 commands. X-10 Control Through IR/X-10 converter (not included). Through IR/X-10 converter (not included). With Omni Speciality Interface and IR/X10 converter (not included). Through IR/X-10 converter (not included). Telephone Not in Australia. IR Phone not included. IR Phone not included. IR Phone not included. IR Phone not included. Mouse Emulation (built-in) DX- IRIS or DX-MTX. Also requires DX-PCMR receiver to plug into computer. Available with IR module. All in one unit. Bluetooth built into Rnet control. Bluetooth. Bluetooth. Can get separate mouse mover modules. Interfacing External Assistive Technology Devices (e.g.: Speech Generating Device) Component required for interfacing DX-IRIS or iportal to utilise iphone, itouch or ipad applications and features. IR/ Mouse Emulator all in one module. ECU module/s for after market devices. Omni Speciality Interface. Enhanced Display. Enhanced Display. Attendant Control Attendant Control features Separate attendant control profile. Power control. Doesn t use up a profile. If attendant control is on, driver access method will not operate. Uses profile 8 as standard. Can be programmed to any profile(s). Can access all user modes or programmable to specific modes. Power control. Doesn t use up a profile. Drive method selected depends where wheelchair is turned on. If want attendant control, need to power on through attendant control. Power control. Mode switch. It has 2 jacks for On/Off and Mode. Can be programmed. If attendant control is on, driver access method will not operate. 10

11 References Lange, M. (2005, January 21). Interfacing assistive technology with power wheelchairs. Workshop presented at 21st International Seating Symposium. Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa. Orlando, Florida, USA. Lange, M.L. (2008a). Streamlining access: Making assistive technology work together. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from Lange, M.L. (2008b). Interfacing, Part V: Controlling electronic aids to daily living through power wheelchair drive controls. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from Lange, M.L. (2008c). New power wheelchair electronics comparison matrix. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from Acknowledgements The following equipment suppliers have contributed to this comparison matrix: Mark Hewitt: Controls Andrew Rousham: Australia Iain Hogg: Specialised Wheelchair Company Tim Mason: Dejay Rehabilitation and Mobility Equipment Jacinta Maurin: Otto Bock TASC EQUIPMENT SERVICES Tool Guide - Choosing the correct tool for the job! When making adjustments to components on a piece of equipment, such as a wheelchair, there are usually a variety of nuts, bolts and screws that need to be accessed. Choosing the correct tool to either undo or tighten any particular fastening is essential, as the wrong spanner, Allen key or screw driver can damage the attachment irreparably, and make future adjustments much more difficult or impossible. Nuts and Bolts Nuts Bolts Nuts & Bolts Metric or Imperial? There are two basic types of thread forms; metric and imperial, which relates to the different style of assorted fastenings that are used by various manufacturers around the world. Metric nuts and bolts require metric tools; imperial nuts and bolts require imperial tools. Metric spanners and Allen keys have a number and the millimeter measurement (e.g. 6mm) written into the tool, imperial tools will have a fraction of an inch dimension written on (e.g. ¾ ). As a general rule the American manufacturers, e.g., will be using imperial thread forms. All other manufacturers from Europe and the rest of the world will generally use metric thread forms. This is however only a general rule, and there is often a mixture of both kinds of fixtures on any one device. The best practice is to have as full a set of tools as possible to hand. It is important that not only the correct type of tool is used (e.g. metric) but also the correct size, especially for Allen keys. Allen Keys Spanners Adjustable Spanner Sockets Flat Head Phillips Head IF IT DOESN T FIT NICELY, TRY A DIFFERENT SIZE The Spastic Centre 321 Mona Vale Road Terrey Hills NSW 2084 T: F: E: contact@tscnsw.org.au W: