Wheelchair radio for the disabled

LPRS, a European supplier of short-range radio devices, has been selected by MRI Services to provide wireless communications for wheelchair users.

The design provides a flexible personal communication system for Toby Hewson. Toby is the founder of JustDifferent, a charity that was started in 2007 to make a positive difference to the lives of disabled and non-disabled people.

Toby, aged 28, has cerebral palsy and cannot walk or speak (except through his Pathfinder voice synthesiser) and requires 24-hour care.

With no hand ability, Toby has to operate the synthesiser with his elbow. He is very intelligent and articulate with a good sense of humour and has travelled all over the world.

The wheelchair communications system consists of a wheelchair transmitter that links to the Pathfinder synthesiser and to a receiver connected into a laptop computer linked to Skype communication.

The incoming messages are transmitted from a second transmitter fitted to the laptop, which are then sent to the receiver on the wheelchair to which headphones are connected. There is a mixer in the laptop unit, which enables Toby to hear what he is sending out as well as what is received.

The system provides Toby with private communications and therefore carers or bystanders hear no sound unless intended. The synthesiser can produce Toby's output either in speech for normal conversations or muted for private communication or writing.

“Our first thought was to use Bluetooth, although we had to find two systems that wouldn't interfere with each other. Pairing was a bit of a hassle and it was difficult to package the proprietary equipment to suit our specific needs on the wheelchair,” says Mike Ingle, director of MRI Services.

“Range wasn't really an issue but output quality from the Bluetooth could be variable.

“I finally chose the LPRS modules using Circuit Design’s WATX/RX-03-R wireless modules. With them we achieved a much better signal, increased range and instant connection. All in all they gave us a clearer communication system that worked as soon as power was applied.”