About Us Modern Solutions to Modern Problems€¦ · • Amber • Proteor Keo Specific Portable IR devices Gewa Progress Star (switch input) & Micro USB (mouse only) •From $1,210.00

Modern Solutions to Modern

Problems

Environmental Control for Individuals with

Compromised Physical Access

Chris Sweeney & Gaenor Walker

About Us

• A leading provider of information, consultation, and education on assistive technology

• We provide unbiased solutions to help individuals improve quality of life and remain independent

• Our vision is for people to choose the most appropriate assistive technology to enable them to live independently and improve their quality of life

What is Assistive Technology?

Any device, system or design, …

that allows an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do,

or increase the ease & safety with which a task can be performed.

Independent Living Centres Association of Australia, 2005

Categories of Assistive Technology

• Continence Products

• Eating & Drinking

• Hygiene / Personal

Care

• Clothing & Dressing

• Reading & Writing Aids

• Mobility

• Seating & positioning

• Recreation

• Communication

• Beds & Bedding

• Lifting, Transferring &

Standing

• Transport & Community

Access

• Vocational Aids & Equipment

• Computer Access

• Environmental Control

• Building Requirements &

Design Ideas

Brisbane, Reading Newmarket

Townsville,Domain Central

Our Services

• Services include:– Information & Advisory Services

– Private Consultation Services

– Education & Training Services

• 6 days a week

• Statewide Coverage

Information & Advisory Services

• Display Centre– 1,500+ items of assistive technology– Free Display Tours – QHSI Smart House Demonstrator

• Database– 5,000+ assistive technology products– Free Product Search online

• Enquiries Line – Talk to a Health Professional

• Individual or group based services

Private Consultation Services

• Individual consultation to the public, health professionals, & organisations

• By appointment only

• Available Statewide

• Fees apply

Education and training services

• Free Talks, Exhibitions, and Displays

• Professional Workshops on a wide variety of Assistive Technology Application

Statewide: regular travel to all regions of Queensland

www.lifetec.org.au

• LifeTec Quarterly Review

• Download more than 60 factsheets

• Free Product Search

• LifeTec.info: Professional Product Search

• Outreach Schedule

• Education Calendar

Abstract • In this session we will endeavour to demonstrate to therapists and clients

the range of mainstream and alternative controls available to control infrared, radio and Bluetooth devices in the home. We will explore less common systems (Zigbee, Hal and Control4) and also look at the range of household equipment that has been adapted for remote control. In exploring the use of mainstream remote control options, we will explore their capacity for adaptation for different abilities.

• In showcasing these products we will consider the direct and alternative access options available for these devices, how they interface, the level of complexity and capacity for integration.

• The discussion will also attempt to highlight pitfalls of incompatibility, inflexibility and complexity for carers and clients alike.

• Finally, we will attempt to profile the direction of new technologies and their possible application to the needs of individuals with disability.

Client’s Ability to Access

• Physical

• Cognitive

• Carer’s abilities and availabilities

• Positioning, positioning, positioning!

Client’s Ability to Access

• Client’s function (position, time of day, in future)

• Client’s preferences (direct vs switch)

• Device compatibility for access (iPad with mouse emulation or switch)

• Integration options for access (PWC with computer with automation control)

• What devices in client’s home can be controlled (IR or Zigbee, IP, Radio, Cbus)

Client’s Goals and Expectations

• Some clients have more complex needs or greater opinion of what the device is required to do

• Some clients have little experience with technology

• Others have lots of experience and require expandability in their system

Client’s Home Environment

• Rental/ home owner

• Size of home

• Previous mods or mods to be completed

• Positioning within environment – esp. phone answering etc; IR signals

Future Proofing

• Will the client’s needs change

• Will the devices in their home change

• Will technology change

• Do you prescribe for NOW or for the FUTURE – can you do BOTH?

Devices Available in Oz

Types of ECU

• Specific (disability) portable IR devices

• Specific (disability) static IR devices

• Generic portable IR devices

• Generic static IR devices

Specific Portable IR devices• Developed for the disability

market

• Easy to move from one setting to another (lounge to bed, home to respite)

• Range of access options including touch, switch and voice - cater for client’s different abilities in different positions (i.e. switch for lying, direct in sitting)

• Trainable frequencies

• Enable device to be transported with client on wheelchair

• Can be set up to control devices throughout the home

• Often have options for access that

• Tend to be more reliable –stronger signal strength

• Expensive

Specific Portable IR devices

• Gewa Progress Star USB and Micro USB

• Gewa Control Star and Micro USB

• Gewa Control Prog

• Gewa Access Prog

• Gewa Control 18

• Gewa Control 10

• Gewa Mini Prog

• Gewa Big Jack

• Gewa Microjack

• Gewa Micro Prog

• Jumbo Big Button Remote

• Universal Remote TV Switch Interface

• Tash Relax

• Tash Relax II

• Possum Primo

• Amber

• Proteor Keo


Gewa Progress Star (switch input) & Micro USB (mouse only)•From $1,210.00

•256 infrared signals

•Runs from Laptop, notebook etc.

•Touchscreen option if installed on touchscreen notebook.

•Can run macros.

•Relatively easy to use program-intuitive and customisable


Gewa Control Star and Micro USB •from $700.00

•Switch Interface on Star only

•No PROGress Software

•Runs on VS Communicator or The Grid 2 and similar software

•256 infrared signals

•Runs from Laptop, notebook etc.

•Good option if requiring Speech Generating Software


Gewa Control Prog• Control Prog has 16 trainable keys on 15

levels (and 241 infrared signals)

• Direct access or switch accessible (multiple input)

• Scanning pattern and rate can be customised

• Can be used to control cursor/keyboard using Access USB Interface

• May also be controlled from a computer with cable connection (including voice control with Dragon) –complex to setup


Gewa Access Prog •$2,280

•Direct access (36 large keys) or switch(mulitple input)

•205 programmable infrared functions accessible on 6 levels

•Programmable macros

•Overlays can be generated on the computer with included program – a number of PCS symbols are included


Gewa Control 18 • $560

• No switch input

• 18 keys, five levels

• 16 trainable (programmable) keys per level (80 trainable keys)

• Programmable macros


Control 10 • $560

• No switch input

• 10 keys

• Four levels

• Nine trainable (programmable) keys per level (36 trainable keys)



Mini PROG •$420

•6 keys, 4 levels (20 trainable frequencies)

•Key “1” on each level can be accessed by a single external switch

•Programmable macros


Big Jack • $560 + switches

• Six switch jacks for access by up to six external switches

• Six trainable/programmable infrared functions



MicroJack PROG • $450

• One built-in button

• Two switch jacks for access by two external switches

• 3 trainable/programmable infrared functions


MicroPROG • $400

• One simple button to press to send IR command

• One trainable/programmable infrared function


Jumbo Big Button Remote •$48.95

•Direct access only - 20mm sized buttons

•Pre-programmed (autoscan) and IR learning remote


Universal Remote TV Switch Interface • $160

• Non scanning (one switch – not included) per function

• Up to 6 switch jacks

• Trainable infrared functions


Tash Mini Relax • From $389

•No direct access (switch scanning only)

•Six trainable (programmable) functions

•Two scan modes (Auto scan or hold scan)

•Auditory (beep) and visual scanning


Tash Relax II • From $650

•Controls up to 4 infrared devices

•Pre-programmed X-10 radio frequencies (locked)

•Trainable infrared functions

•Adjustable scan speed and two scan modes

•Auditory (beep) and visual feedback


Possum Primo •$1,572•140 captured IR codes as well as embedded Possum and Gewa codes•Touch screen can be used for direct access or as a large switch for scanning•One or two switch operation with customisable scan rate•Telephone book with 30 stored numbers with fast dial option •Compatible with Possum Sero! phone

•May be controlled from a computer with cable connection•18 ‘get started’ device templates - TV, DVD, bed, VCR, etc•Macros – up to 20 events in sequence•Can be used to control cursor/keyboard using Access USB Interface


Amber •$4,500

•Trainable infrared functions (128 commands)

•4 devices with up to 32 commands on each

•Macros – up to 10 events in sequence

•Auditory scanning with switch selection

•Own or carer’s voice

•Rechargeable battery (100 hours)


Proteor Keo •from $1990.00

•Switch, touch, external joystick or wheelchair joystick (check compatibility)

•Controls IR, mobile phone (bluetooth option) and computer (with IR receiver option)

•250 IR commands


• Enable device to be relocated or transported with client on wheelchair

• Can be set up to control devices throughout the home

• Often have options for access that cater for client’s different abilities in different positions (i.e. switch for lying, direct in sitting)

Specific Static IR devices

• Reduced options for use in alternative environments (bedroom vs loungeroom vs respite setting)

• Not able to control devices out of line of sight (except with the use of extenders like cocoon) $100

• Tend to be sophisticated – operates phone system, direct control of bed functions


• Simplicity

• Touchmate Environmental Control Unit


Simplicity Four in One •Voice or switch control

•Customised auditory scanning

•Customised switch activation speed

•Up to 6 IR devices - 240 functions

•Mains powered (has battery backup up to 8 hours)

•Built-in telephone -Answer, random dial, speed dial, hang-up, privacy option, call waiting, etc.


Touchmate Environmental

Control Unit•Controls up to 5 240V devices

•Direct or switch scanning

•Scan rate adjustable

•Auditory (beep) and visual (light up) scan cues

Generic Portable IR devices

• Easy to move from one setting to another (lounge to bed, home to respite)

• Limited access options


• Tend to be less reliable – weaker signal strength

• Inexpensive (relatively)

Generic Portable IR Devices

Mainstream devices:

• Universal remotes

• FLPR; other Apple based add-ons

• Plug in USB transmitters (Tira 2 USB)

• Logitech Harmony 1100i


Tira 2 USB Infrared Controller• $124

•USB connection to Laptop, tablet etc.

• Runs on VS Communicator or The Grid 2 and similar software

•Transmitter only - no switch interface

•Strong transmission


FLPR •$70

•Compatible with iPhone, iPad,iPod touch

•Pre-programmed and IR learning remote


Harmony 1100i •$297

•Requires computer and internet linkup to program in devices

•Non learning remote


Invoca 3 Voice Activated Universal

Remote •$49

•25 programmable voice commands

•Recharger cradle

•4 device controls (options; TV VCR DVD Cable Satellite AUX)

•Macro options

Generic Portable Universal IR devicesInvoca 3 Voice Activated Universal

Remote $4925 programmable voice

commands

Recharger cradle

4 device controls (options; TV VCR DVD Cable Satellite AUX)

Macros


Voicetouch 2 Universal

Remote •$49

•Voice operating multiple devices by each of 80 voice control sets.

•9 Macro buttons up to 10 signals

•Eighty voice commands, 4 users

•IR learning remote

•Auto-mute function lowers external noise interference

Generic Static IR devices

• Limited portability

• Limited access options


• Tend to be less reliable – weaker signal strength

• Inexpensive (relatively)

Generic Static IR devices

VoiceMe 4 • $227

• Mains powered

• Voice-activated remote control

• 1 to 4 users

• Macro options

• 30 voice commands

• Omni-directional infrared emission

• Can be battery powered for mobility

Generic device based controlXbox 360 with Kinect

•Microsoft has integrated its Xbox with an

internet search engine (Bing), voice technology system (Tellme) and motion sensor (controller-free interface)

•It will enable person to change live TV channels, search the internet, choose movies or music, play games, go on YouTube, interact in live sporting telecasts and many other pursuits without a remote control (release date end 2011)

Wheelchair controllers

• R-net & Omni (P&G) – Sunrise Medical

• Quickie Enhanced Display (Delphi) – Sunrise Medical

• Qlogic (Curtis) – Pride Quantum

• Enable50 (Curtis) – Otto Bock

• Mk6i/Mk7 (Dynamic) – Invacare

• DX controllers (Dynamic) – AC Mobility & Glide

P&G – Penny and Giles

• R Net - controller

• Omni - the enhanced display option that can be used with the RNET controller

• IR control of home devices (i.e. TV)

• Blue-tooth mouse emulation add-on module

R Net & Omni

Curtis

• Non- modular system – comes “pre-packaged”

• Has Bluetooth mouse emulation in-built

• Able to control wide range of electronics that use IR remote controls, such as TVs, stereos, DVD players, etc

Q-Logic (Quantum Rehab)

CurtisEnable50 with SATELLITE

• Non-modular - enhanced display unit (SATELLITE)

• IR ECU - TV, radio, DVD, or home automation control.

• Mouse emulator for PC control.

• Control of motor-driven switches, outlets, or dimmers

Dynamic

DX – ECU • An expandable (modular) system• Able to control up to 8 separate devices per DX – ECU•Modules can be added for IR mouse control

MK6i (Invacare)

• Also an expandable modular system• Similar functionality to the DX-ECU

Communication devices

• Dynavox Maestro

• Dynavox Xpress

• Dynavox M3 and Max

• Dynavox V

• Dynavox V and Vmax

• Bluebird 2

• The Jive


• Kookaburra

• Allora

• Tobii C8

• Tobii C12

• Alt Chat

• Springboard Lite


• Bespoke

• Tobii S32

• Tellus 4

• Lightwriter

• Zingui

• Powerbox 7

Coming?

• EvoAssist by RSL Steeper

• Primarily ECU but has communication pages also

Access Options

• Direct access

• Alternative access

• Variety of access options in one device

• Level of complexity

Specialised IR controlled devices• Scanning Bed Controller

• Ultra Plus Air-Conditioner Control

• Possum Sero! Phone

• TS Phone

• TV/ DVD/ adapted HiFi systems

Stand alone controllers &adapters

• X10 – power, lights, fans

• Powerlink 4

• Door control modules

• Blind control modules

• Transmitters (RF senders)

• Sensor controls (pressure, movement) – are these controllers??

Stand alone controllers &adaptersPowerlink 4•Enables on/off control of 1-2 240V devices

•Two switch input jacks

•Control Options: Direct, count, two switch, timed seconds, timed minutes, latching.

Home Automation vs. Environmental Control Unit (ECU)

• What is the difference

• How do these differences affect the user and their ability to access the device

• What type of devices can be controlled?

Home Automation

Home Automation 101

4 main components in a system:

– Interfaces• Touch panels

• Key pads

• Remotes

• Mobile devices

• Internet

– Main controller• Computer/mainframe

Home Automation 101

– Sensors – status report to controller• Temperature

• Motion

• Occupancy

• Light

• Moisture

Home Automation 101

– Control methods/ Transmitters “way the system communicates”:

• IP (internet protocol), C-Bus, Serial data

• Wifi

• Bandwidth protocols (i.e Zigbee, Z wave)

• Infra-red

Benefits of Home Automation

• Automatic occurrences reduce the need for client’s control of house functions

• Reduced amount of input to get complex output

• Allows control of increased amount of household functions – i.e. watering systems, security systems

*Few current alternative access options (no switch but touchscreen and voice available soon)

Control/Transmitter Systems• C-Bus

• Zigbee Alliance (Control 4)

• Z-Wave

• KNX

• HAL (X-10)

• Insteon

Interfaces - Apps

• Apple compatible (iPad & iPhone interfaces):

– Control4, ControlFX(UK) – branded apps for Control Alliance

– iKontrol – (Knoll)

– Smart Remote & AyControl – (KNX system)

– CF iViewer – (Crestron, AMX and Control4 compatible)

Interfaces

•Remotes

•Touch panels

•Computer based

Communication Methods

Environmental Control Units

• Enable the user to control devices in their immediate environment

• Don’t allow feedback from the devices to the user

• Don’t allow for automatic control and adjustments – relies solely on user input

Home Automation

• Allows feedback from the home system to the user

• Doesn’t always rely on direct input from user

• Control can be (very) remote

• Is not readily accessed by users with compromised physical access

Jocelyn’s home

• video

Pitfalls and Promises

Home automation systems

• Compatibility- Appliances with each other

• Technical support and set up -specialisation

• Ongoing support (ie new equipment changes etc)

• Flexibility for client functional changes

• Portability for relocation (moving house)

Pitfalls and Promises

Environmental Control Systems

• Limited to IR and few RF controls –problematic for door control

• No automatic functions (programmed events)

• No control from outside of home/ range

• Modular systems

• Limited “cool” factor

Promises – Home Automation

• Increased compatibility and availability of appliances (in-built)

• Specialised equipment interfaces (electric hospital beds etc)

• Ability to switch adapt interfaces

• Potential control from wheelchairs

Promises - ECU

• RSL Steeper

• Control Omni

• Jive 2

“Smart Home”

Bringing it all together…

• Home Automation

• Telehealth

• Telecare

• “Smart Appliances”

1300 885 886

[email protected]

www.lifetec.org.au

Documents

About Us Modern Solutions to Modern Problems€¦ · • Amber • Proteor Keo Specific Portable IR devices Gewa Progress Star (switch input) & Micro USB (mouse only) •From $1,210.00