A more efficient man/machine interface: fusion of the interacting telethesis and smart wheelchair projects

Presents a new and more efficient man/machine interface resulting from the fusion of two projects: the smart wheelchair project and the interacting telethesis project. This new interface allows a more natural control of the automatic motion capabilities of the smart wheelchair VAHM (autonomous vehicle for motor impaired people). Indeed, the pilot needs only to make his request (switch on the TV for example) without giving details about its location. The VAHM project aims to bring piloting assistance for motor impaired people to powered wheelchairs using techniques coming from mobile robotics. It is possible to call upon local primitives like "wall following" or "automatic forward motion", or to plan an automatic trajectory. The second project aims to realize a man/machine communication interface for people with motor impairments; interface defined as an "interacting telethesis", i.e. as a cognitive and/or valid motion resource(s) extension of the user. Therefore, the interacting telethesis allows disabled persons to be able to communicate (read, write, speak, listen, warn) with other people and to act on their environment (TV, music, etc.).