VME's Universal Remote Controller (URC) is designed to be a key element in allowing persons with severe disabilities to have control of their environments. Unlike existing Environmental Controls, the URC will directlv control any unmodified infrared controlled device in the home, workplace, or schools, freeing users from being chained to a computer or "ECU Base Unit" The hand held URC will be small enough that a person could control home appliances (e.g, TV, Lighting) and then take the ECU to work and control work appliances (Help Alarm, Computers, Etc.) The URC can be controlled with its oversized keys or by activating the scanned menu options and activating with a Sip & Puff, Blink Switch or any other kind of switch. Children, reading disabled or sight impaired clients will appreciate the voice output prompting the user on all functions (in a fashion similar to voice mail). Keys with raised tactile icons will further aid visually impaired users. The URC is especially flexible in that it learns remote control codes from existing unmodified appliances and allows the user or care giver to easily rename any function or menu.
Keywords: Portable, Scanning, Menu, Infra-Red, Learning, Remote, Control, DisablltiesSummary: The anticipated results of the phase 1 effort will be verification that a compact URC as described herein can be successfully constructed within the current state of the art. The anticipated results of the phase II effort will be the construction of a number of URC's and verification of the usefulness of their features and interfaces with a number of disabled individuals in evaluations at The Johns Hopkins' Kennedy Institute and other places. Upon successful completion of phases l and 2, VME Technologies intends to introduce the URC as a product for consumers with disabilities. Topic 1E: Technologies Related to Transportation and/or Environmental Barriers