Authors:
Paul Whittington
;
Huseyin Dogan
and
Keith Phalp
Affiliation:
Bournemouth University, United Kingdom
Keyword(s):
Assistive Technology, Automated Transport and Retrieval System, Controlled Usability Evaluation, NASA Task Load Index, People with Disability, Pervasive Computing, System Usability Scale, User Interface.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Applications and Services
;
Computer Vision, Visualization and Computer Graphics
;
Enterprise Information Systems
;
Human and Computer Interaction
;
Human-Computer Interaction
Abstract:
The Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS) is a technically advanced system that enables a
powered wheelchair (powerchair) to autonomously dock onto a platform lift of a vehicle using an automated
tailgate and a motorised driver’s seat. The proposed prototype, SmartATRS, is an example of pervasive
computing that considerably improves the usability of ATRS. Two contributions have been made to ATRS:
an improved System Architecture incorporating a relay board with an embedded web server that interfaces
with the smartphone and ATRS, and an evaluation of the usability of SmartATRS using the System
Usability Scale (SUS) and NASA Task Load Index (NASA TLX). The contributions address weaknesses in
the usability of ATRS where small wireless keyfobs are used to control the lift, tailgate and seat. The
proposed SmartATRS contains large informative buttons, increased safety features, a choice of interaction
methods and easy configuration. This research is the first stage towards a “Smar
tPowerchair”, where
pervasive computing technologies would be integrated into the powerchair to help further improve the
lifestyle of disabled users.
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