On 03/02/03 13:08, Jamie Heywood said...
thanks for the ideas - I have updated my post
But you still haven't provided much to go on.
I'm not trying to give you a hard time. Several years ago I wrote some TTS software to allow those with speech disabilities to "speak", control their PC, make phone calls, control lights, TV, etc. It's no longer available but I still help out people with disabilities whenever I can.
Do you want to use voice commands to control things? If so, forget cheap. Look at HomeVoice. Most of the quadriplegics and ALS victims I've communicated with tell me it's the only reliable voice control system. I would be leery of spending what it will take for HomeVoice given that your brother might lose the ability to speak.
Otherwise, a laptop and mouse (or headmouse) with some means of sending IR to an IR543 and/or an Ocelot will probably handle everything. There is a recently released USB IR module that is powered from the USB port. I'm not sure there is any software for it but do know that some ALS victims and support groups are working on software. I can put you in touch with someone who can fill you in.
An alternative is a Firecracker on a serial port to send RF to an X-10 transceiver. The X-10 commands can then control the Ocelot. I've written software for this that an ALS victim currently uses.
I've suggested some other methods to other software and hardware suppliers but have not heard anything back from them.