© CC0
The results of the study were published in the book Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures Meeting.
The use of a robotic wheelchair with a multi-channel control system is crucial for people with highly reduced mobility. Often, patients are only able to perform small hand gestures, give voice commands or project "mental images".
Different control channels have their drawbacks. For example, a traditional joystick controller may not be suitable for people with minimal motor activity. Therefore, a voice control channel, a gesture control channel, and a channel based on BCI (brain-computer interface) are also in demand. The combination of all these channels is called enhanced BCI.
"Typically, the control channels can be used simultaneously, however, giving conflicting commands - for example, a voice channel recognises the command "to the right", while a gesture channel determined that the given command was "to the left". Therefore, this poses a challenge in choosing the "correct " command in conflict situations", said one of the authors, Konstantin Kudryavtsev, associate Professor at the Institute of Cyber Intelligence Systems of NRNU MEPhI.
To resolve such conflicts, the ICIS researchers of NRNU MEPhI have developed a decomposition method for the multi-channel control system. It is based on a statistical assessment of the quality of each of the control channels, based on a specifically selected quality factor and the consolidation of specific commands to certain channels. In case of conflict situations, a command is selected from the priority channel.
Next, the scientists intend to start experimental testing of a robotic wheelchair, improve the methods for assessing the quality of channels and minimize erroneous situations in determining "channel-commands".
I also remember another use, she was given privileges to use her motorized vehicle out side the facility, .I think of her as full of life, as full of life....she was given a ticket because, she was driving down the middle of the road, and stopped by the cops, her excuse, the sidewalk was too icy.
It went to court and she got off.
So I think this is a good innovation.for those that have the cognitive ability to use and understand the technology.