An accelerometer-based human computer interface driving an alternative communication system

People with severe motor disabilities present reduction or absence of motor control. However, in different stages of these conditions, some people can perform voluntary movements of low amplitude. This paper presents the development of an Human Computer Interface - HCI - for controlling an augmented and alternative communication system. The device consists of an accelerometer to capture voluntary movements performed by users who have restricted movement such as patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The sensitivity of the device is calibrated according to the amplitude of the dynamic action executed by the user, allowing the placement of the sensor in different body regions, for which the use has some level of motor control. The system was tested successfully in healthy subjects suggesting that the accelerometer can be used in patients with motor disabilities.