Development of Yomitol-Kun the assistive device Ver.4
Some people with severe physical disabilities who cannot communicate verbally do communicate
with an assisted handwriting method called Yubidan. The method Yubidan is an amazing assistance
for those with impairment of movement. But as it is manual assistance, it needs objective validity.
That is why I developed a device to make Yubidan mechanically possible.
We developed this device with a focus on four-directional input, usability, compactness, and ease of
installation. Its simple setup method, requiring only the placement of a hand, makes it easy to use for
both the user and the caregiver. In addition to four-directional input, we also developed an app
specialized for two-directional input: left/right or forward/backward, allowing users to choose the
most suitable method based on their condition. This device enables communication with individuals
in a locked-in syndrome state without the need for third-party assistance.
*Locked-in syndrome: Also known as 'locked-in state,' this condition involves quadriplegia and paralysis
of the lower cranial nerves while the patient remains conscious, making it impossible to express
emotions, move, or speak.
The hope of mechanization of the assistive handwriting Yubidan
Yubidan is an assistive communication method in which the communicator captures manually
the invisible fine finger movement of one with physical impairment who has difficulties
in verbal communication caused by severe injury and disease. Those with these difficulties
can be called in the locked-in state.
Yubidan communicators support communication between those in a locked-in state and their
families by telling output of assisted handwriting.
Yubidan requires training to master the skill. It is not easy to learn how to recognize the
output of handwriting by the one with paralysis, which is invisible. There are a few among the
families of those in locked-in states who use Yubidan for communication.
It is also said that the output of Yubidan cannot be easily trusted as the method is assistive
by the communicator.
So those in locked-in states and their families are having difficulties in communication.
However, the reliability of assistive handwriting is not said enough. The way of communication
is cut off.
Knowing of their hardships, I tried developing a device for mechanizing the manual assistive writing
Yubidan. With the device I developed, those with paralysis who cannot transmit their words can
communicate with their families and others as they do by Yubidan in an objective way.
This model is specialized for four-directional input, simplifying operation and making it easier for
caregivers to set up. By using dedicated communication software, this model aims to facilitate
communication as much as possible.