Application of flex sensors to control devices for helping the elderly

Abstract

Statistics of the elderly population in Thailand in 2021 are likely to increase rapidly and continuously, which has an increase in the characteristics of living alone in the household. Considering the ability to carry out daily activities, it was found that there were elderly people who were unable to help themselves. Including the elderly who can help and take care of themselves accounted for 1.3% and 1.8%, respectively. Therefore, to help the elderly to be self-reliant within the residence. This article focuses on implementing the invention by applying a flex sensors mounted on a finger to detect finger movements for controlling wheelchair, small robot and electrical equipment. By processing the signal with the Arduino R3 microcontroller from the flex sensor mounted on the finger. The test results for controlling the device with all 5 fingers are divided into 2 forms, which are control by moving one finger or moving a set of finger codes. Controlling a wheelchair from any event, this demonstrated accuracy with an average of 89.07% and 87.47% under different environment both indoor and outdoor, by order. Accuracy of controlling a small robot along with the control of turning on and off the lamp, accounting for 83.20% and 87.81%, respectively.