The Center for Really Neat Research (CRNR)
External Control Systems
NeatTools has bi-directional capabilities, and this widgit
demonstrates that option. The widgit is a
120 volt relay
that can be controlled by data received from the parallel
port of the computer. These
widgits can control and modify
the external environment of the user, thereby enhancin
g the reach of the
user outside of the machine.
You can see examples of these technologies by turning lights
and household appliances on and off via
NeatTools.
This remote control (RC) car setup is an example of a wireless connecti
on to NeatTools. The wireless
controller for the car is used
as an interface device. We purchased a wireless RC car, and
wired it
to a TNG. The user manipulates the handset, which
then sends signals to the car. TNG takes the signals
to the car. TN
G takes the signals from the car and inputs them to NeatTools.
A bend sensor was combined
with the pressure switches that
were already in the fingertips of the handheld transmitter.
These
signal two channels of data to the receiver in the car. The si
gnal from the receiver was interfaced into
TNG-2 and then
into NeatTools. This wireless capability demonstrates the
significant potential for
NeatTools to control the surrounding
environment, for example, ability to have emergency controls of a
motori
zed wheelchair. A similar system can be set up using facial gestures
rather than handheld transmitters.
This sega system
is also controlled by data output from the parallel port.
This widgit system allows
information from sensor devices to b
e converted into bits that are then sent to the game controller.
As a result, the user, regardless of physical challenges,
can control the video game.
