EIBraille: An Electromagnetic Field-Powered Braille Training Device with Development of Printed Circuits and Algorithms for Visually Impaired Individuals
Visual impairment ranks among the top three disabilities globally, with affected individuals projected to increase from 39 million in 2015 to 115 million by 2050. Despite this growing prevalence, over 95% of visually impaired individuals face difficulties in learning Braille (AFB, 2022). In Thailand, the issue is compounded by limited resources, with only 48 schools for the blind serving 6.5% of visually impaired children, alongside a shortage of trained teachers and prohibitively expensive Braille displays. To address these challenges, the EIBraille Box was developed as a cost-effective and accessible tool enabling visually impaired individuals to practice Braille independently. The device utilizes electromagnetic field generation based on Lenz's Law and electromagnetic induction, employing copper coils and varying currents to drive a Braille dot display mechanism controlled by a microcontroller. Results show the device achieves an average display rate of 30–120 milliseconds per cell and a Braille dot-changing frequency of 3–20 cycles per second. The production cost is reduced from 11,660 USD to 87 USD—over 130 times more affordable—while maintaining performance comparable to traditional mechanisms. Additionally, the device integrates with a web application aligned with the Ministry of Education's curriculum to enhance learning. The EIBraille Box is planned for deployment across 48 schools affiliated with the Northern School for the Blind. Plans include extending access to individuals unable to attend schools via alternative distribution channels. This project stores high capacity to achieve global reach by partnering with the World Blind Union, extending its services to rural areas and ensuring access for underprivileged communities. This effort seeks to promote literacy among the blind on a worldwide scale. This innovation strives to enhance equity for the visually impaired by enabling blind individuals to participate in inclusive educational environments alongside their peers. It aims to eradicate the challenges of illiteracy and ensure equitable access to quality education.
EIPCA : Electrocardiogram Interpretation Pattern for Cardiovascular Abnormalities Prediction
Cardiac Arrhythmia is one of the conditions in the group of heart and blood vessel diseases that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (sudden death) and other conditions if not diagnosed quickly and accurately. According to research, heart and blood vessel diseases are the most common diseases and have a mortality rate of one-half of all non-communicable diseases. According to WHO statistics in 2012, it was found that there were 7.4 million deaths from heart and blood vessel diseases, and in 2017, the number of deaths increased to 177 million people, or about 94,444 people per day. Diagnosis of heart and blood vessel diseases can be done by measuring the electrical activity of the heart, and after the examination, a specialized physician will read and analyze the graph to find abnormal patterns. Currently, the shortage of qualified heart specialists to read the graph and screen for heart disease is a medical position shortage, which requires transferring data to hospitals with specialists, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment and even death. The project "EIPCA: Electrocardiogram Interpretation Pattern for Cardiovascular Abnormalities prediction" is an application program that assists in screening for fatal diseases that arise from abnormal heart rhythm. It employs artificial intelligence to aid in the screening and analysis of the electrical waveforms generated by an ECG machine, thus reducing diagnosis time and addressing the shortage of cardiology experts. EIPCA is comprised of two systems: (1) a system for screening and analyzing ECG waveforms using artificial intelligence to solve the problem of a shortage of specialized cardiology physicians, and (2) a system for risk assessment of fatal diseases by analyzing the ECG waveform data. The target group of the project is Rural hospitals, as well as health-related agencies. The project team hopes that the development of this project will significantly improve the efficiency and speed of screening for heart-related diseases, ultimately reducing the mortality rate from these diseases in the future.
SVMR: Smart Versatile Medication Robot
In 2565 B.E., 泰國's elderly, comprising 18.3% of the population at 12,116,199, faced health challenges, with diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, arthritis, and lung cancer prevalent. Caregiving hurdles arose as many family members worked outside, impacting the care of elderly individuals with these conditions. To address this, the "SVMR Medication Reminder and Care Robot for the Elderly" was developed. Known as the Smart Versatile Medication Robot (SVMR) or "New Robot," it serves as a user-friendly solution for home-based elderly care. Recognizing the adverse effects of missed medication on health, the SVMR system, combining hardware (New Robot) and software (Application), aimed to alleviate caregiving burdens. The New Robot's hardware includes a customizable medication reminder system, a video call system, closed-circuit camera system, doctor's recommendation display system, and an SOS system for emergency assistance. The Application complements this with features like medication schedule setting, video call communication, activity tracking, daily schedule management, and live camera monitoring. During the SVMR prototype trial, one unit was tested, with developers' relatives trying the medication dispensing system. Positive results emerged, showcasing improved medication adherence among the elderly and affording caregivers more time for other responsibilities. Satisfaction levels, as assessed through interviews, were notably high. Elderly feedback suggested the need for additional compartments for different medications and enhanced notification methods, particularly when they were not in proximity to the medication cabinet. In essence, the SVMR system provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by households with elderly members, ensuring better disease management, increased medication adherence, and support for caregivers, all within a concise and user-friendly framework.