A fuzzy-logic based morse code entry system with a touch-pad interface for physically disabled persons

Touchpads, haptics and gestures are becoming popular user-interfaces in modern electronic gadgets. In this project, we propose to use a touch pad to construct a HAM radio interface. Low-power, short-range wireless communication interfaces which have become available with modern microcontrollers enable the construction of such systems which can allow users to exchange information within buildings. While Morse code was invented for telegraphy, its simplicity allows a person with physical disability to use it more effectively than a keyboard-based interface. Thus, such an interface can be useful in rehab centers, old-age homes and hospitals. Security systems are yet another domain where Morse code can be gainfully employed. Since the user must make use of touch, drag and release operations for Morse code signaling, it is difficult to prescribe any strict guidelines on the length of the drag or the time gap between two drags. Multiple users of the system will use the system at different speeds. We propose the use of Fuzzy logic with elements of machine learning to reduce the chances of misinterpreting the Morse code and adapting to different users. In order to demonstrate our project, we used the MSP430F5529 development kit from Texas Instruments which comes with a touch-pad, an LCD screen and an RF interface. The system reported in this paper is cost-effective, low-power, and meets the real-time speed requirements of the application.