Apparatus for extending control and methods thereof

• US 9,625,884 B1
• Filed: 04/16/2014
• Issued: 04/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Daniel Hawley Ousley, Timothy Harris Ousley
• Original Assignee: Daniel Hawley Ousley, Timothy Harris Ousley
• Inventors: Ousley, Timothy Harris, Ousley, Daniel Hawley
• Primary Examiner(s): Wang, Quan-Zhen
• Assistant Examiner(s): FOXX, CHICO A
• Application Number:
  US14/253,866
• Time in Patent Office: 1,098 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 4/00 Methods or devices enabling patients or disabled persons to operate an apparatus or a device not forming part of the body operating or control means for prostheses A61F2/48, A61F2/68
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 13/0205 not using a model or a simulator of the controlled system
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/015 Input arrangements based on nervous system activity detection, e.g. brain waves [EEG] detection, electromyograms [EMG] detection, electrodermal response detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0346 with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/00 Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/003 Repetitive work cycles; Sequence of movements
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/00 Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute audible presentation of material to be studied G09B5/04; devices or methods for replacing direct visual or auditory perception by another kind of perception A61F9/08, A61F11/04; audible indication of meter readings or of colour G01D7/12; watches for blind persons G04B25/02; speech analysis, speech recognition G10L; sound-recording or reproducing, per se G11B
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

An adjustably adapted control apparatus for facilitating control of controlled apparatus 109 by users who have limited means of physical input for activating currently available control means. Transducing apparatus 102-106 transduces a physical contact input 101 of a user with input limitations, decision making apparatus 107 determines the intended commands of the user based on adjustable adaptation parameters, and directs control signals 109 from signal generator 108 through transmittance apparatus 108, causing the controlled apparatus to effect the intended commands of the user.

Claims

1. An accessibility apparatus, which is a control apparatus for engaging and actuating particular powered functions of anatomical support apparatus and auxiliary apparatus and is configured suitably for use by at least one patient having muscular or neural limitations that cause input limitations for the patient, the entire body or portions thereof of said patient being positioned and supported in a preferred configuration for treatment of said patient or in an optimal orientation for comfort or health for said patient, said input limitations of said patient including at least one input limitation selected from the group consisting of:

limited muscle control, limited dexterity, and limited strength,

said control apparatus adjustably adapted to at least one input limitation of said patient, in which said control apparatus;

(i) determines at least one intended command of said patient from a physical contact input applied by said patient to some portion of a transducer mechanical assembly of said control apparatus, and

(ii) generates at least one control signal therefrom for controlling at least one controlled apparatus of said anatomical support apparatus and/or said auxiliary apparatus;

the adjustable adaptation to said at least one input limitation of said patient other than solely comprised of;

(i) geometry, orientation, or arrangement of input structures,

(ii) timing or sequence of inputs, or

(iii) any combination thereof;

said physical contact input other than a voice signal and other than an exclusively electrical phenomenon generated by brain tissue;

said physical contact input transduced otherwise than solely by;

(i) non-contact tracking of the motion of an eyeball,

(ii) optical transducers not requiring physical contact with some portion of said transducer mechanical assembly,

(iii) sip-and-puff apparatus,

(iv) touch-responsive screens lacking adjustable adaptation parameters to adjust response by said control apparatus to said at least one input limitation of said patient, or

(v) any combination thereof;

said control apparatus comprising;

(a) a transducing apparatus configured to transduce said physical contact input of said patient operating under said input limitations, said physical contact input representing said at least one intended command of said patient to said controlled apparatus, said transducing apparatus containing transducers, wherein at least one of said transducers is selected from the group consisting of;

(i) digital transducers of at least two (2) bits of resolution,

(ii) analog sensors and

(iii) magnetically activated digital transducers, and

said transducing apparatus further configured to generate from said physical contact input at least one electrical signal;

(b) a decision making apparatus wherein said transducing apparatus and said decision making apparatus is adjustably adapted via at least one adjustable adaptation parameter such that said decision making apparatus determines said at least one intended command of said patient from said electrical signal,

(c) at least one signal generator, wherein said decision making apparatus is further configured to direct said signal generator to generate said control signal sufficient to direct said controlled apparatus to effect said intended command; and

(d) a transmittance apparatus configured to convey said control signal to said controlled apparatus such that it effects said at least one intended command of said patient;

wherein;

a) said transducing apparatus is comprised of first and second hand-held pendants configured to at least transduce grip intensities of said patient on at least one of said pendants into at least one electrical signal corresponding to an applied intensity, wherein at least one of said first and second hand-held pendants comprises a first housing and second housing joined along at least one end or side, said first and second housing configured such that at least some portion of said first housing is separated from at least some portion of said second housing such that said portion of said first housing moves or deforms relative to said portion of said second housing upon application of said grip intensities,

b) said decision making apparatus is configured (1) to advance from a current state to one of a plurality of available states upon an adjustably predetermined first grip intensity being one of said grip intensities and being applied to said first hand-held pendant, and (2) to activate a new current state upon an adjustably predetermined second grip intensity being one of said grip intensities and being applied to said second hand-held pendant, and

c) adjustability of the grip intensity required for activation of either of said pendants is comprised of the at least one said adjustable adaptation parameter,

whereby said control apparatus enables said patient to control at least one predetermined function of said controlled apparatus by applying said first grip intensity to said first hand-held pendant to induce said decision making apparatus to advance said current state of control apparatus through said available states until said new current state is a desired state for said patient, said desired state being subsequently activated by said patient applying said second grip intensity to said second hand-held pendant, and said desired state remaining activated until said patient ceases applying said second grip intensity (D19).

2. A control apparatus configured suitably to enable a person having two hands capable of gripping, but suffering from neural or muscular limitation of physical contact inputs (PCI), to control at least one device, said control apparatus comprising:

(a) a transducing apparatus (TA) configured to transduce a plurality of PCI of said person suffering from at least one input limitation comprising limited;

muscle control (MC), dexterity (D), or strength (S);

said PCI comprising grip intensities and representing a plurality of intended commands (IC) of said person to at least one controlled apparatus (CA);

said TA comprising a first and second grip unit configured suitably to be received in a first and second hand of said person, and disposed accessible thereto, and each configured to be activated by an adjustably predetermined grip intensity, and to generate therefrom at least one electrical signal;

at least one said first and second grip unit comprising a first housing and second housing joined along at least one end or side, said first and second housing configured such that at least some portion of said first housing is separated from at least some portion of said second housing such that said portion of first housing moves or deforms relative to said portion of second housing;

(b) a decision making apparatus (DMA) configured to receive said electrical signal, and further configured to determine therefrom a current said IC, wherein said DMA is configured to cycle through a plurality of states in a state machine upon a first appropriate grip intensity (AGI) being applied to said first grip unit;

said states representing functions available for activation, and said DMA being further configured to activate a current state upon a second AGI being applied to said second grip unit, thereby activating a represented function corresponding to the current state;

said DMA configured to determine said first and second AGI regardless of variations therein and corresponding variations in the at least one electrical signal generated therefrom, said DMA being adjustably adapted to accommodate changes in said input limitation via at least one first adjustable adaptation parameter (AAP) selected from the group comprising;

thresholds, filters, and any combination thereof;

(c) at least one signal generator, directed by said DMA to generate at least one control signal; and

(d) a transmittance apparatus configured to convey said control signal to said CA, such that it effects said IC of said person toward said device.

3. The control apparatus of claim 2 wherein said at least one of said first and second grip unit further comprises:

(a) a flexible element disposed between said first and second housings and configured to deflect proportionately to a grip intensity urging said portion of first housing and said portion of second housing together; and

(b) at least one sensor configured to detect said movement or deformation.

4. The control apparatus of claim 3 wherein:

(a) a pressing element is contained in said first housing;

(b) said flexible element comprises a beam approximately as long as, and entirely enclosed between the outer perimeter of, said first and second housings, said beam being configured as a strip substantially wider than the thickness thereof and fixed sufficiently securely relative to one of said first and second housings, and end or center of said beam being configured to be sufficiently free to bend when deflected by said pressing element;

(c) said sensor is mounted to said beam and configured to detect deflection thereof; and

(d) said at least one grip unit is provided with at least one second AAP, varied to accommodate changes in said input limitation, selected from the group comprising;

(i) extent of said separation between said portion of first housing and said portion of second housing, (ii) spring strength maintaining said separation, and (iii) any combination thereof.

5. The control apparatus of claim 4 wherein:

(a) said first and second grip units are configured to be substantially sealed;

(b) said sensor is a strain gage in a quarter-bridge, half-bridge, or full-bridge configuration; and

(c) resistance of said strain gage varies in proportion to deflection of said beam upon application of a grip intensity, in the range between 0 and 1,100 Newtons, to said at least one grip unit.

6. The control apparatus of claim 5 configured as a system with at least one feedback apparatus configured to provide feedback selected from the group comprising:

(a) audible feedback by a speaker or buzzer,

(b) visible feedback by a light source or text or image display,

(c) haptic feedback by a vibrating mechanism, and

(d) any combination thereof;

said feedback apparatus configured to indicate to said person a change of said current state of said state machine to a new current state upon application of said AGI to said first grip unit.

7. The control apparatus of claim 5 wherein:

(a) said input limitation comprises tremors or shakes; and

(b) said DMA further comprises a control logic element and is configured as a signal processing system comprising a low-pass filter comprising an infinite impulse response filter or finite impulse response filter with a filter frequency adaptably adjusted to reject tremors or shakes.

8. The control apparatus of claim 5 wherein:

(a) said input limitation comprises high-baseline grip force; and

(b) said DMA is provided with at least one third AAP, adaptably adjusted to nullify muscle tension causing said high-baseline grip force, said third AAP comprising at least one of;

(i) grip strength threshold, (ii) sensor hysteresis, and (iii) any combination thereof.

9. The control apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one CA comprises a patient support apparatus and an alarm device or assistance-call system.

10. The control apparatus of claim 3 wherein:

(a) said DMA further comprises at least one processor;

(b) said DMA is configured to determine said IC by determining an intended grip force from a grip intensity applied by said person, said DMA being configured to effect adjustment of at least said first AAP on a continuing basis, corresponding to continual changes in said input limitation, according to a dimensionality reduction method performed by said processor on data from a plurality of sensors; and

(c) said plurality of sensors comprises at least one of;

(i) a plurality of sensors disposed within at least one of said first or second grip unit, and configured to measure at least one of;

(A) grip intensity applied by individual fingers, (B) grip intensity applied by an ulnar side of a hand of said person relative to a radial side of said hand, (C) absolute grip intensity applied by at least one particular portion of a hand of said person, (D) grip intensity applied by at least one particular portion of a hand of said person relative to at least one other particular portion of said hand, and (E) any combination thereof;

(ii) at least one sensor from each of said first and second grip unit, having corresponding functions in each grip unit, and enabling said processor to adjust at least said first AAP of at least one of said first and second grip unit according to a steady grip force applied to the other grip unit, thereby determining said intended grip force regardless of said steady grip force resulting from whole body tension due to limited MC; and

(iii) any combination thereof.

11. The control apparatus of claim 3 wherein:

(a) said DMA further comprises at least one processor configured to analyze past electrical signals from said TA, or values derived therefrom, with a classifier algorithm;

(b) said DMA is further configured to determine therefrom an appropriate value, for determining an intent of said person to change or activate said current state, of at least said first AAP of at least one of said first and second grip unit;

(c) said past electrical signals or values derived therefrom are gathered during at least one of;

(i) an introductory patient learning session, (ii) a caregiver-initiated learning session, (iii) a recurring or periodic learning session, and (iv) any combination thereof; and

(d) said past electrical signals or values derived therefrom are correlated to at least one known IC.

12. The control apparatus of claim 3 wherein said control apparatus is configured for use by a plurality of users:

(a) said DMA being further configured to store a plurality of data sets, each of said data sets associated with one user and comprising;

(i) user identity data and (ii) values of said first AAP; and

(b) said DMA being further configured to set current values of said first AAP according to user identity data of a particular user;

thereby allowing said control apparatus to be more rapidly adapted to said input limitation of said particular user.

13. A system configured for use in a multi-patient treatment, care, or assistance facility, comprising the control apparatus of claim 12 and:

(a) said system being provided with a plurality of grip-sets comprising said first and second grip unit,

(b) some portion of said DMA, responsible for managing user parameters, being connected to each of said plurality of grip-sets and comprising at least a central storage and processing unit configured to store said data sets and to set current values of said first AAP of any particular grip-set according to user identity data of said particular user, said particular grip-set being chosen from said plurality of grip-sets.

14. A control apparatus configured suitably to enable a person having at least one hand capable of gripping, but suffering from neural or muscular limitation of physical contact inputs, to control at least one device, said control apparatus comprising:

(a) a transducing apparatus (TA) configured to transduce at least one physical contact input (PCI) of said person suffering from at least one input limitation comprising limited;

(i) muscle control, (ii) dexterity, or (iii) strength;

said PCI comprising a grip intensity representing at least one intended command (IC) of said person to at least one controlled apparatus (CA), said IC being an intent to activate at least one function of said CA;

said TA comprising a grip unit configured suitably to be at least partially received in said hand of said person, and disposed accessible thereto, said grip unit comprising a first housing and second housing joined along at least one end or side, said first and second housing configured such that at least some portion of said first housing is separated from at least some portion of said second housing such that said portion of said first housing moves or deforms relative to said portion of said second housing upon application of said grip intensity;

said grip unit further comprising at least one analog force sensor comprising a force sensitive resistor or strain gage, said grip unit configured to be activated by an adjustably predetermined grip intensity, and to generate therefrom at least one electrical signal;

said grip intensity comprising;

(i) a pinch grip with strength between 0 and 200 Newtons, and pressing said grip unit between a thumb of said hand and a portion of said hand or between a digit of said hand and a sufficiently firm object, or

(ii) a grip, on a sufficiently firm object, with strength between 0 and 1,100 Newtons;

(b) a decision making apparatus (DMA) configured to receive said electrical signal, and further configured to determine therefrom said IC, wherein said DMA is configured to activate said at least one function upon an appropriate grip intensity being applied to said grip unit;

said DMA further configured to determine said appropriate grip intensity regardless of variations therein and corresponding variations in the at least one electrical signal generated therefrom, said DMA being adjustably adapted to accommodate changes in said input limitation via at least one first adjustable adaptation parameter (AAP) selected from the group comprising;

thresholds, filters, and any combination thereof;

(c) at least one signal generator, directed by said DMA to generate at least one control signal; and

(d) a transmittance apparatus configured to convey said control signal to said CA, such that it effects said IC of said person.