This is the generation and implementation of a hybrid interface that combines the elements of autonomous navigation of a vehicle, with biological elements as EEG signals , thus furthering technological integration , linked to the mobility of persons with quadriplegia , paraplegia and motor disabilities in general. This through a BCI ( Brain- Computer Interface) .
The investigation is being conducted by Drs . Teodiano Alberto Bastos de Souza Filho ( Brazil ) who, from the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo , leading the areas of Information Technology and Bio Engineering, respectively. Meanwhile, the work of the Universidad Santa María in this investigation is led by Dr. Fernando Auat Cheein , Academic Department of Electronics, who heads the robotics area .
How does this interface? Dr. Auat Cheein explains that " if you imagine that you are moving your right arm that is reflected in a part of the brain, which is the motor cortex, and if you make the movement will be reflected in your EEG signal . All that is known as potential obey different types of stimuli . What we are implementing is a brain-computer interface based on visual stimuli precisely . "
These stimuli must not affect the vision of the person who is driving, so that "we need an autonomous vehicle that can react to a pedestrian who is crossing in front and to detect environmental conditions , such as location and traffic conditions, because as is intended to be used by people with special needs , you may not be able to react to a sudden change in the route , "the academic .
The litmus test for this car robot will make a journey connecting the cities of Vitória and GUARAPARI , in the state of Espirito Santo ( Brazil ) . This is a trip of 50 miles to be completed this mobile in their manufacture is like any other vehicle but which meet certain features such as automatic , hybrid and later adapted to incorporate brain-computer interface .
The respective teams have worked together to combine their experiences in the areas addressed by the project , so Brazilian experts have visited the USM , and the group of this squad has traveled to the Federal University of Espírito Santo , instances that have marked the progress of the investigation.
" On our trip we go on some improvements to the algorithm of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, artificial intelligence algorithm and recursive estimation , that what it does is locate and construct a map around the robot, at the same time. While in the area of Bioengineering define deployment features of brain-computer interface for controlling the car , so it can be appropriate to command it , "said Dr. Fernando Auat Cheein .
The primary objective is that the car walk alone , without human intervention , " it's already done , we must now integrate BCI , in order that it can address the car." Meanwhile, already finalized two visits by the research team in Brazil. Professor at the University of Espirito Santo , Edilson de Aguiar , and doctoral student of the University , Lucas Veronese , met with Dr. Auat Cheein at USM to process data , advancing aspects of the project that involve attaching the computer science and robotics area of land , plus new research project on the subject.
In addition, Dr. Sandra Torres , a researcher at the Federal University of Espírito Santo , an expert in the field of brain signal processing , also visited the USM to work with Dr. Auat Cheein in the scope of the connection of the BCI ( Brain Computer -Interface ) with the car.
"The goal of my work is that the use of this interface is more natural for the user and is seen as something very practical . There is a great debate in the field of brain-computer interfaces how to give momentum to be practical devices in everyday life . In that sense I do not think only people with disabilities but also to be used from the entertainment world , "says Dr. Sandra Torres.
Dr. Auat Cheein emphasizes that they are aware that there is currently no regulation for a car of this kind, but " do not forget that this is a research project , not a product that is being developed to a commercial level " . The project involves a number of challenges in this area as well , " to cause an accident, who would be responsible ? " Says the academic .
Once it is addressed technical work must be validated . In this case , experts warn that it is a challenge (which is expected to close in the short term) put a person in the car and traveling a path defined . " We've done preliminary tests tetraplegic and paraplegic persons , in order to measure the relationship between comfort and safety with the use of the interface. But are essential for qualitative research, " says Dr. Sandra Torres.
"We need to evaluate how well that person clicked with the hardware and receive a feedback from you : if you liked , if you felt confident , that's very important. We do not want a person to control the car , but we want to complement "concludes Dr. Auat Cheein . ( Source : USM / DICYT )
0 ความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น