An Automated Page Turning Device to Assist In Navigating Through Reading Materials
By Keena, Joshua M., BS; Backlund, Peter B., BS; Nguyen, Hung P., MS; Sanchez, Bryan M., BS; Vaculik, Stewart A., MS; Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) 2007 Conference,Publication Date: 2007
Article focuses on the design and development of an automated page-turning device designed for people with fine motor disabilities. A wide range of page-turning devices exist, though the authors contend that most lack the necessary reliability and functionality. First, the authors conducted a literature review on existing devices, and found that a device is needed to turn pages while offering a wide range of feedback in order to indicate that the page is being turned. The authors designed and built a prototype push-button activated, automated page turning device that indicates the page is being turned while giving dial selected auditory and visual feedback. The product was also infused with an aesthetically pleasing form in order to complement the environment in which the device will be used. Implications for device evaluations are discussed, though preliminary observations were said to be encouraging. The prototype was designed by researchers at the Departments of Special Education and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. This paper was presented at the 2007 Annual Conference of the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America in Phoenix, Arizona.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
