1st Edition

Human-Computer Interface Technologies for the Motor Impaired

By Dinesh K. Kumar, Sridhar P. Arjunan Copyright 2016
    214 Pages 50 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Human Computer Interface Technologies for the Motor Impaired examines both the technical and social aspects of human computer interface (HCI). Written by world-class academic experts committed to improving HCI technologies for people with disabilities, this all-inclusive book explores the latest research, and offers insight into the current limitations of this field. It introduces the concept of HCI, identifies and describes the fundamentals associated with a specific technology of HCI, and provides examples for each. It also lists and highlights the different modalities (video, speech, mechanical, myoelectric, electro-oculogram, and brain-waves) that are available, and discusses their relevant applications.

    Easily and readily understood by researchers, engineers, clinicians, and the common layperson, the book describes a number of HCI technologies ranging from simple modification of the computer mouse and joystick to a brain–computer interface (BCI) that uses the electrical recording of the brain activity of the user. The text includes photographs or illustrations for each device, as well as references at the end of each chapter for further study.

    In addition, this book:

    • Describes the mechanical sensors that are used as an interface to control a computer or screen for the aged and disabled
    • Discusses the BCI using brain waves recorded by noninvasive electrodes to recognize the command from the user
    • Presents the myoelectric interface for controlling devices such as the prosthetic/robotic hand
    • Explains the technology of tracking the eye gaze using video
    • Provides the fundamentals of voice recognition technologies for computer and machine control applications
    • Examines a secure and voiceless method for the recognition of speech-based commands using video of lip movement

    Human Computer Interface Technologies for the Motor Impaired considers possible applications, discusses limitations, and presents the current research taking place in the field of HCI. Dedicated to enhancing the lives of people living with disabilities, this book aids professionals in biomedical, electronics, and computer engineering, and serves as a resource for anyone interested in the developing applications of HCI.

    Introduction
    Abstract
    Introduction: Human–computer interface for people with disabilities
    Background
    History
    Future of HCI
    Layout of the book
    Reference

    Human–computer interface: Mechanical sensors
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Modified devices
    Sensors
    Applications of HCI based on mechanical sensors
    Current research and future improvements
    References

    Brain–computer interface based on thought waves
    Abstract
    Introduction
    History of brain–computer interface
    Significance of BCI devices
    BCI technology
    System design
    Signal analysis
    BCI translation algorithms
    User consideration
    Applications of BCI
    Limitations
    Future research
    Ethical consideration
    References

    Evoked potentials-based brain–computer interface
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Brain–computer interface (BCI) systems based on steady-state visual evoke potential
    Design challenges and limitations
    Results
    User benefits and improvements
    References

    Myoelectric-based hand gesture recognition for human–computer interface applications
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Background
    Current technologies and implementation
    References

    Video-based hand movement for human–computer interface
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Background
    Data analysis
    Discussion
    User requirements
    User benefits
    Shortcomings
    Future developments
    References

    Human–computer interface based on electrooculography
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Background
    Current technologies: Historical to state of the art
    Example of EOG-based system
    Results
    Discussion
    Limitations of the study
    Discussion: User benefits and limitations
    References
    Further reading

    Video-based eye tracking
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Background and history
    An example eye-tracking method
    Data analysis
    Results
    Discussion: User benefits and limitations
    References

    Speech for controlling computers
    Abstract
    Introduction
    History of speech-based machine commands
    Automatic speech recognition (ASR)
    Speech denoising methods
    Speech analysis fundamentals
    Subsections of speech: Phonemes
    How people speak: Speech production model
    Place principle hearing model
    Features selection for speech analysis
    Speech feature classification
    Artificial neural networks
    Limitations in current systems
    References

    Lip movement for human–computer interface
    Abstract
    Introduction: History and applications
    Current technologies
    User requirements
    Example of voiceless speech recognition systems
    Discussion: User benefits
    Summary
    References

    Biography

    Dinesh K. Kumar received a B.Tech from IIT Madras, and a Ph.D in biomedical engineering from IIT Delhi and AIIMS, Delhi. He is a professor and leader of biomedical engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Kumar has published more than 330 refereed papers in the field, and his interests include muscle control, affordable diagnostics, and human–computer interface. He is editor of multiple journals, chairs a range of conferences related to biomedical engineering, and enjoys walking in nature in his spare time.

    Sridhar Poosapadi Arjunan received a B.Eng in electronics and communication from the University of Madras, India; a M.Eng in communication systems from Madurai Kamaraj University, India; and a Ph.D in biomedical signal processing from RMIT University, Australia. He is currently a postdoctoral research fellow with Biosignals Lab at RMIT University. Dr. Poosapadi Arjunan is a recipient of the RMIT SECE Research Scholarship, CASS Australian Early Career Researcher Grant, and the Australia-India ECR Fellowship. His major research interests include biomedical signal processing, rehabilitation study, fractal theory, and human–computer interface applications.