Interfaz Hombre-Máquina mediante un Sensor de Posición sin contacto por Infrarojos

This paper presents a new human-machine interface that has been successfully applied in driving an advanced powered wheelchair. The position of the head is determined by use of infrared sensors, with no parts attached to the head of the user. The placement of the infrared sensors is behind the head of the user, so that the field of view is not limited. Tests on a wheelchair have shown that the system is functioning in real life, and that the vehicle can be driven at normal speeds in a simple and natural way. The behaviour of the sensor and the generated commands are fully programmable, so it can be adapted easily to other constrains or capabilities of potential users