Adequação de um ambiente virtual para treinamento de cadeirantes com deficiências visuais por meio de eletroencefalografia (EEG)

Abstract

Many difficulties are encountered by people with physical disabilities. The situation worsens when diagnoses consist of more than one dysfunction. For example, in the case of a person who is wheelchair-bound and visual impairment. In fact, this picture can generate incapacity for the performance of many activities within the standard considered normal for the human being. Currently, the treatments are performed in an individualized way, according to the clinical aspects of the loss that can be visual, auditory, motor or mental. The joint presence of visual and motor deficiencies causes the impossibility of independent locomotion. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a strategy that allows the displacement of the patient, in this case, it is still with the possibility of training. This requirement bases the use of Virtual Reality (VR). In addition, locomotion needs to have natural control to be incorporated by the visually impaired. Electroencephalography, also known as EEG, has achieved innovative advances in this, through the analysis of spontaneous brain signals. Therefore, this work proposes the use of Virtual Reality and EEG in the training and subsequent real locomotion of blind wheelers. The objective here is to provide the patient with an efficient interaction allowing social inclusion. Studies show that the main criteria for a rehabilitation solution to train blind wheelers are: Control, Feedback, Stimuli, Subjective Assessment, Safety and Interaction Interfaces. In this way, this research proposes a layered architecture for the operation of a 3D rehabilitation environment with the objective of training blind wheelers in a unique way, in accordance with the requirements. A computer system was developed, called Virtual Brainy Chair, which uses RV techniques with 3D audio. It is possible to interact with a virtual training environment in a natural way, by collecting the brain waves, and by activating the movements of a wheelchair in the Virtual Environment. In addition, 3D audio techniques have been included to support patient auditory feedback to assist in controlling the chair's handling. Control experiments of a real chair with EEG were also successfully performed. A fundamental aspect is to enrich the feeling of immersion, characteristic responsible for the sensation of presence in an environment where the patient can interact. Results of this research show that the use of RV with EEG signals has the potential to improve the quality of life and independence of a wheelchair user who is at the same time visually impaired.