Development of Drawing Assist System for One Patient with Tension Athetosis Type Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Creative activities, such as painting and music, are one source of satisfaction and fulfillment for people with disabilities. However, some individuals with disabilities cannot satisfactorily enjoy such activities due to involuntary movement. In this study, we developed a drawing assist system for patients with cerebral palsy of the tension athetosis type, who experience involuntary movement. It has been difficult for the assist system to distinguish involuntary movement from voluntary movement. We designed a variable filter to attenuate involuntary movement on the basis of characteristics of synthesized velocity with respect to involuntary movement. Our system enabled drawing based on the participant's own senses and motor control, even when experiencing involuntary movement.