Technology Description

Designed for individuals using single switch scanning or switches for other applications. The Switch Box allows for one switch input to control up to 3 outputs (can be extended). Users hold the switch down for 2 seconds to switch between outputs. While on a specific output, an LED is lit to indicate which output is triggered and switch activation occurs as normal.

This specific device was originally created for a user with limited movement to control switch scanning on a wheelchair, Mac laptop (via a Bluetooth module), and an iPhone (via a Bluetooth module). While this was created for a specific user, it can easily be used out of the box for a variety of different users / cases. It is the intent of the development team to release the instructions on how to create this application online on an open source platform for others to replicate the design.

Internal view of switch box showing arduino controller

Platform

Arduino Uno microcontroller

Development Team

Adrienne Hawkes – Student
Kevin Caves
Leighanne Davis
Laura Juel, OTR/L, CDRS, ATP – Duke Department of Physical Therapy and Occupation Therapy
Meredith Nye, MS, CCC-SLP

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Information and Communications Technology Access (LiveWell RERC) is funded by a 5-year grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (grant number 90RE5028). The opinions contained in this website are those of the LiveWell RERC and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or NIDILRR.