Eyegaze mount for wheelchair user

20th October 2023

Allowing the wheelchair user to be mobile with his Eyegaze screen

Voice Control Of Electronic Device

30th June 2020

As I have been on furlough this is a learning exercise as to how to control a device via a web page.#

Voice control is a common requirement for many – and many commercial devices are now available via Alexa or other such service – and these work well on web pages – can they be used somehow?

Any kind of microprocessor or embedded controller needs some kind of user input, such as “up” “down” or “on” off” for certain functions, a web site, when hosted by the device, would be accessible on any web browser on any device. A web page also allows for data reporting (position of an encoder, temperature or other sensor output) and data entry (position to move to, set point for a heater and so on).

This project shows how it is possible to operate a device via a web page on a web browser, in this case 2 LED’s. We also demonstrate that it is possible to use the web page by voice – which then makes the embedded device voice controlled. This is free and open for anyone to try, please contact me if you have a project in mind and need some advice.

I have investigated how to host a webserver on an embedded device in order to operate devices connected to it.

Any web enabled computer (Android, Windows, Apple etc) would be able to access the site and operate the devices so connected.

As a bonus many web sites offer assistive access, including voice control, and I wished to see if I could access and then operate devices by voice alone.  The micro computer tested is shown in the picture with the yellow network connection.  A wireless connection would work the same way.

Push Button Sewing Machine, Juki

26th February 2020

The servo motor can be programmed somewhat to control peak speed and accel / decel profiles.  There is a lever on the back case of the motor which sets the speed demand.  At first the lever was relocated onto the table where the client could operate it directly to allow the client to use it by hand.

Front Door Lock Indicator

17th February 2020

Please find a way to show clearly that the front door is locked when inside the house.

Push Button Sewing Machine Control

29th December 2018

He employed his full time assistants to operate the foot pedal of the sewing machine.   He wished to control the sewing machine himself.

Additional benefits would include:

Timed interval between pushing the button and stitch (so he can prepare the work and his hands)

Rate of stitch control

Auto stop after a sensible number of stitches.

Wheelchair stair lift

27th April 2014

This wheelchair user could not climb and descend two steps in his hall. There is no room for a ramp.

A platform on parallel legs from a frame was sunk into the hall floor. Motive power is by a 24V Warner actuator assisted by two quarter elliptical leaf springs. Operating control is by a push button on a flexible lead.

The client is able to enter and leave his house without difficulty.

Walking frame carrier

27th April 2014

The client relies on the use of a large walking frame, but also needs an electric buggy to cover longer distances. On disembarking from his buggy he needs the walker, so a method of taking both was required.

The job required brackets on the buggy so that the walker could be hooked on.

He now has the best of both worlds – the buggy for longer distances, then the walker.

Stair gate for child

25th April 2014

The client is a seven year old autistic boy who frequently wakes at night and wanders. An existing gate at the top of the stairs was low and there was danger of him toppling over and down the stairs.

A higher than standard safety gate was made and fitted. It is secured by a catch not operable by the little boy himself.

The parents are secure in the knowledge that their son cannot fall down the stairs.

Power wheelchair football

21st April 2014

This client has inaugurated a power wheelchair football club and required a “bull bar” for his wheelchair to facilitate ball control.

A welded thin-walled steel tube was constructed to attach to the wheelchair so as to be easily fitted and removed. The finished frame was covered with plastic heating pipe insulation.

The client has started an enthusiastic and well-patronised football club that meets twice each week in a local sports hall.

Paging device

15th April 2014

The client, in his early twenties, has Down’s syndrome and has limited sight and hearing. He likes to occupy himself in his room but is subject to epileptic seizures usually triggered by being taken by surprise. His family needed a gentle means of attracting his attention when necessary, for example, when meals are ready.

The paging device is worn on a belt or carried in a pocket. When a button is pressed on the transmitter, a vibrator in the device is activated starting at a low level and rising gradually to a higher acceptable level. The client can respond by pressing a button to acknowledge acceptance of the signal. No seizures have been experienced since the pager has been in use.

Book rest

11th March 2014

The client cannot hold a book or look down to read due to severe arthritis. A simple wooden lectern was made which straddles the client’s armchair. This was fitted with simple wire page holders and holds the books in exactly the correct position.

The client can now enjoy reading books of any size or shape without pain.

Angled reading stand

7th March 2014

The client is unable to bend his neck to read books or papers in a horizontal position and needed a simple stand to elevate them.  An adjustable stand was made with an attached book rest to hold reading matter at the optimum angle. 

The client can now read without difficulty or pain.