XBee based novel wireless technique to simplify locomotion of physically handicapped persons

This paper presents a working model for Gesture controlled user interface which is then extended to being used in a wheelchair. A wheelchair is made to operate on the basis of signals that are generated using the hand gestures. A 3-axis accelerometer is used to detect the change in the direction of the hand gesture. The use of XBee technology helps the wheelchair to be operated in a very large range. Also, the efficiency is immensely increased. In the gesture recognition module the heart of the system is microcontroller. The movement and tilt of the hands is judged by the 3-axis accelerometer mounted on it, which further feeds an output to the microcontroller that is digital in nature. The movement of the wheelchair is proposed in four directions: stop, backward, forward, left and right. Lastly, the results of certain tests performed with the modelled system are presented. The entire system is able to detect the movement of hands very effectively. Thus, the merging of the user's needs and expectations, with the virtual environment is made possible easily.