Special focus section on applications of signal processing and control to assistive technology

Abstract

Assistive technology covers technologies, equipment, devices, apparatus, services, systems, processes and environmental modifications used by disabled and/or elderly people to overcome the social, infrastructural and other barriers to independence, to enable their full participation in society and the ability to carry out activities safely and easily [1]. It is a relatively new but an expanding field due to factors such as the increasing number of older people in the industrialised countries; legislation on access to employment, education, goods and services and demands from disabled people for increased participation. Technology development and maturation are presenting exciting new possibilities, such as portable assistants of various types on smart phones. The combination of legislation, the demands of disabled people and an ageing population -with the proportion of disabled people in the population increasing with age -are leading to an increase in demand. Control and signal processing are important components of many assistive devices.The special focus section comprises three papers covering different aspects of the application of control and signal processing to assistive technology.Ossmann et al.[2] present a useful low-cost approach to modifying and customising assistive devices for physically disabled people based on the AsTeRICS tool box, which enables the creation of flexible prototypes for individual users.Łutkowsi et al.[3] describe a mobile phone application for supporting indoor navigation for blind people, particularly in public buildings. Pre-installed software is used to locate and identify barcodes attached to the wall by doors and other interesting features.Park and Howard [4] discuss the use of robotics and an RGB-D depth camera to give visually impaired people access to a remote environment through a 3D haptic interface. They also present the results of end-users tests of the system.