Implementation of a Low-Cost Steering Control System for a Wheelchair based on Electrooculography Signals

Rouillon-Sotomayor L.; Gutiérrez-Abanto J.; Sotomayor-Beltran C. · International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (2024) · DOI: 10.14445/22315381/ijett-v72i3p123

Resumen

This study presents the development of a low-cost steering control for a wheelchair powered by eye movements using electrooculography (EOG) signals. The main objective was to allow people with severe motor disabilities who cannot afford expensive electric wheelchairs to control the movement of a wheelchair intuitively and efficiently using only the movements of their eyes. This work comprised several stages, including designing the EOG signal acquisition system, preprocessing, and implementing a control algorithm to classify human eye movements and determine the desired direction for the wheelchair. This work seeks to position a more accessible option in the field of mobile assistance for people with motor disabilities by providing an intuitive control system for the movement of a wheelchair. The steering tests were successful and demonstrated the system's ability to identify and respond appropriately to the orientation desired by the user, reaching an overall effectiveness of 92% with high rates of precision achieved in the subtests where the direction where the user wanted to steer the wheelchair (forwards, backwards, right and left) was evaluated. The results encourage future research and development in this area, intending to improve to some extent the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities through innovative and adaptive assistive technologies. In summary, this study contributes to the advancement of assistive technology and opens new possibilities for more inclusive and autonomous mobility.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú