Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION III – CENTRAL LUZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA ECIJA
BARTOLOME SANGALANG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
GUIMBA, NUEVA ECIJA
____________________________________________________________________________________

HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for
Quadriplegic Patients

Marc Sebastien D. Esguerra

Aryan Jovic C. Domingo
Althea Ashanti O. Felipe
Micha Shane G. Mayo
Shean Elizander V. Mañebog
Normalyn M. Bautista
Ericka Rose S. Roderos
Proponents

Jobelle Ann B. Nacino, PhD

Research Adviser
 RESEARCH PLAN/RESEARCH SUMMARY

A. Rationale

Disabled individuals are among the highest-priority groups in every country, as per the

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). This group encompasses

people with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, which, when

combined with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an

equal basis with others. In the Philippines, an estimated 1.44 million people, representing 1.57%

of the population, are considered disabled, with males constituting 50.9% of this total

(Department of Health, n.d.). When someone is paralyzed, they cannot move some parts of their

body because something has gone wrong with their connection to their brain. It comes in

different forms, temporary or permanent, or even ones that will appear and disappear (Slivinski,

2021).

Also, according to Slivinski (2021), strokes are the most common cause of paralysis,

often resulting from a blocked artery in the neck or brain. Injuries to the brain or spinal cord,

such as those sustained in auto accidents or sports-related incidents, can also lead to paralysis.

Paralysis comes in four main types. Complete paralysis involves the loss of movement and

control in all muscles, rendering the patient immobile. In contrast, partial or incomplete paralysis

allows the patient to retain some muscle movement and sensation in specific areas. Localized

paralysis affects only one region of the body. Lastly, generalized paralysis is more likely to

affect multiple areas of the body when two or more regions are afflicted, depending on the

location of the injury in the brain or spinal cord.

On the other hand, quadriplegia is a generalized paralysis symptom that affects all of a

person's limbs and body from the neck down. A spinal cord injury in the neck is the most
common cause of quadriplegia, but it can also be caused by other disorders. Quadriplegia is

sometimes curable, although the majority of cases, particularly those caused by injuries, result in

permanent paralysis (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). People who have quadriplegia are forced to only

move their heads, and usually, patients use a wheelchair as their mode of going from one place to

another with the help of others. Many people with quadriplegia require extensive care and

assistance, including medical equipment and devices, physical therapy, and personal support.

Machangpa and Chingtham (2018) utilized the MPU-6050 Triple Axis Accelerometer

and Gyroscope to detect head movement, using its Digital Motion Processor for precise

calculations and six degrees of freedom for output values. Additionally, Ultrasonic sensors are

used as proximity sensors. They can be found in parking technology and anti-collision safety

systems. Ultrasonic sensors are also used in robotic obstacle detection systems and

manufacturing engineering. Compared to infrared (IR) sensors in proximity sensing applications,

ultrasonic sensors are less susceptible to interference from smoke, gases, and other airborne

particles (Robocraze, 2022).

Furthermore, the Arduino microcontroller is an affordable open-hardware computer

widely available on the market. It serves as a versatile tool that empowers individuals to delve

into computing and human-machine interaction. To connect the MPU6050, the general-purpose

input/output (GPIO) pins, as well as the SDA (data line) and SCL (clock line), are utilized on the

Arduino microcontroller. The data transmitted by the gyroscope is processed within the Arduino,

which then sends signals to the relay, facilitating the control of the wheelchair's movement

(Machangpa & Chingtham, 2018).

This intelligent machine that controls a powered wheelchair through head motion using

an accelerometer, monitors the user's heart rate and SpO2, sends SMS alert notifications, and
stops when an obstacle is detected ahead, is programmed using an Arduino microcontroller.

Machinery, including robotics, needs batteries to function. Once the battery has drained it can no

longer be used unless the user charges the batteries themselves. The instrument that measures the

voltage or potential difference in volts is known as the voltmeter (Archana, 2017), therefore this

study will monitor the battery life span using a voltmeter which can be recharged by installing a

charging plug to its batteries. Its development represents a significant technological

advancement, as the Arduino microcontroller is more cost-efficient than the Raspberry Pi and is

widely used in school projects due to its programming capabilities.

Moreover, this technology has the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals

with disabilities by providing them with greater autonomy and independence. It also offers a new

level of safety and security by accurately responding to changes in the user's condition and

ensuring the user's safety through its obstacle-detection capability. Using head motion to control

the wheelchair through sensors also provides a more natural and intuitive interface for users,

making the experience of using a powered wheelchair more comfortable and enjoyable. This

research is an enhancement of the previous study of the researchers entitled “An Arduino-Based

Head-Controlled Wheelchair using an Accelerometer for Quadriplegic Patients with an Arduino-

based Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor, and SMS Alert Notification”.

B. Research Questions/Hypotheses/Engineering Goals/Expected Outcomes

B1. Research Questions

This research study entitled HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair with Heart

Rate and SpO2 Monitor for Quadriplegic Patients aims to answer the following questions:
 1. Can the wheelchair’s voltmeter show the battery life of the HeCo Wheel based on its

current battery life?;

2. How fast can the battery be recharged after getting drained?;

3. Can the HeCo Wheel stop if there is an obstacle ahead using an ultrasonic sensor?;

4. Is the “HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for

Quadriplegic Patients” effective according to the assessment of the Medical Professionals

to ISO 9126 standards?; and

5. Is the “HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for

Quadriplegic Patients” effective according to the assessment of Quadriplegic Patients

using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)?

B2. Hypotheses

This study aims to validate the tests with the following hypothesis:

1. The wheelchair’s battery does not show the battery life of the Heco Wheel;

2. The battery did not recharge after getting drained;

3. The Heco Wheel does not accurately stop when there is an obstacle ahead using an

ultrasonic sensor;

4. The “HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for

Quadriplegic Patients” is effective according to the assessment of the Medical

Professionals using ISO 9126 standards; and

5. The “HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for

Quadriplegic Patients” is effective according to the assessment of Quadriplegic Patients

using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

B3. Technological Goals

This research aims to further improve the past designed HeCo Wheel to further give

quadriplegic patients an increase in autonomy and independence further improving their quality

of life. The current implementation of this research allows patients to monitor their heart rate and

spo2 level will be improved in terms of its physical design and added new features to the current

capabilities of the HeCo Wheel. The research aims to develop an easily rechargeable HeCo

Wheel to provide quadriplegic patients convenience, adding a charger can help quadriplegic

patients go to any location as long as there is electricity, through the installation of a voltmeter

the user can easily gauge the amount of battery life left or needed for it to function, We also plan

to install an ultrasonic sensor that makes the system stop if it scans any obstacles needed in its

path. These technological goals help the improvement of the HeCo Wheel giving quadriplegic

people the convenience of providing a better quality of life. This research also aims to gather the

insights of Medical Professionals using ISO 9126 standards and Quadriplegic Patients using the

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to have a better reliability source in using this technology

advancement.

B4. Expected Outcomes

At the end of the study, the researchers expect to use the HeCo Wheel for quadriplegic

patients to detect accurate head motion in the direction of the wheelchair. The researchers also

expect to use the Arduino-based heart rate and SpO2 monitor and SMS alert notification to show

real-time results and send a message to the registered mobile number in case the heart rate and

SpO2 of the patient went abnormal. The researchers expect the batteries to be recharged with the

use of its own plug after getting drained and the voltmeter accurately shows the actual remaining
battery voltage of the batteries after and before using the system, the researchers expect the

HeCo Wheel would stop once an obstacle is detected and provide the insights of Medical

Professionals and Quadriplegic Patients in using the HeCo Wheel using ISO 9126 standards and

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

B5. Significance of the Study

Quadriplegic Patients

This study can help quadriplegic patients enhance the independence and

autonomy of people with disabilities and improve their quality of life. Additionally, it

offers a higher level of protection and safety.

Caregivers

The system can ease the work of caregivers. With its SpO2 monitor, caregivers

can monitor their patient's condition anytime. Additionally, the system can alert

caregivers when the patient is at risk of danger.

Future Researchers

This study can serve as a valuable reference for future research in the field of

intelligent machines that assist disabled individuals.

B6. Scope and Delimitations

This study aims to improve the HeCo Wheel which can currently monitor heart rate and

SpO2, and SMS alert notification to the registered mobile number via arduino microcontroller,

develop rechargeable batteries with a voltmeter to monitor the life of the batteries, and
implement an ultrasonic sensor that once an obstacle is detected the HeCo Wheel would stop

using an Arduino microcontroller.

The study delimits the accessibility of quadriplegic patients in specific environments,

such as public spaces. This is because the testing of the system will be conducted in flat and

spacious areas. Due to certain factors, such as time constraints, the study may not assess the

long-term use or durability of the HeCo Wheel.

 METHODOLOGY

This study's chapter covers the step-by-step approach for the entire conduct process. It

also comprises the appropriate statistical analysis and modified methodologies for the validation

of data.

Collection of Materials

Assembly of the ultrasonic obstacle detector sensor

Assembly of the Battery Charger and the Voltmeter of the HeCo

Wheel’s Battery

Testing the Ultrasonic Obstacle Detector Sensor, Battery Charger and

the Voltmeter of the HeCo Wheel

Assessing the Medical Professional using ISO 9126 Standard and

Quadriplegic Patients using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Statistical Analysis

Figure 1. Methodological Flowchart

Collection of Materials

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor was bought at layadcircuits, the battery charger was

obtained at a local store in Guimba, and the voltmeter was bought at an online store.

HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

Ultrasonic sensors are used as proximity sensors. They can be found in parking

technology and anti-collision safety systems. Ultrasonic sensors are also used in robotic

obstacle detection systems and manufacturing engineering. Compared to infrared (IR)

sensors in proximity sensing applications, ultrasonic sensors are less susceptible to

interference from smoke, gases, and other airborne particles (Robocraze, 2022).

Battery Charger and Voltmeter

A battery charger is a device or piece of equipment designed to recharge or

replenish the energy stored in a rechargeable battery. It works by supplying an electric

current to the battery, which forces electricity back into the battery's cells, effectively

reversing the chemical reactions that occur when the battery discharges its stored energy.

While voltmeter is an instrument or device used to measure the electrical potential

difference, or voltage, between two points in an electrical circuit. It is one of the most

common and fundamental instruments in electronics and electrical engineering.

Voltmeters are essential for diagnosing and monitoring electrical circuits and systems.
Assembly of Ultrasonic Obstacle Detector Sensor

Arduino Microcontroller

Ultrasonic Sensor

Figure 2. Circuit Diagram of the Assembly of Ultrasonic Obstacle Detector Sensor

(Source: fritzing)

The core components of the Obstacle Detector are the Ultrasonic Sensor and the Arduino

Microcontroller.

The 5v is connected to the VCC, GND would be connected to the GND, Pin 2 is

connected to the Echo and the pin ~3 is connected to the Trig of the Ultrasonic Sensor.

Assembly of Battery Charger and Voltmeter

Battery Charger HeCo Wheel’s Voltmeter

Batteries

Figure 3. Block Diagram of the Assembly of Battery Charger and Voltmeter

The Battery charger will be connected to the battery’s terminals to allow the rechargeable

ability of the battery. The voltmeter would also be connected to the battery’s terminals to

generate and show the current life span of the HeCo Wheel’s Battery.
Testing the Ultrasonic Obstacle Detector Sensor

The Ultrasonic Obstacle Detector Sensor will be tested by the researchers in terms of its

alertness once an obstacle is detected and how fast the HeCo Wheel stops once an obstacle is

detected.

Testing the Battery Charger and the Voltmeter

The Battery Charger will be tested by the researchers to evaluate the ability of the battery

charger to recharge the battery of the HeCo Wheel and test how long it takes the battery to meet

its max capacity. To test the Voltmeter, the researchers will provide the current battery life of the

battery depending on how long it has been used.

Assessing the Medical Professional using ISO 9126 Standard and Quadriplegic Patients

using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

The researchers will seek 9 Medical Professionals in different Rural Health Units (RHU)

in Guimba to assess them with the development of the HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled

Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for Quadriplegic Patients using ISO 9126

Standards. The researchers will also seek 5 Quadriplegic or any type of Paralyzed patients in

Guimba to assess them in the development of the HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled Wheelchair

with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for Quadriplegic Patients using the Technology

Acceptance Model (TAM). The data would be gathered using a weighted mean with different

interpretations.
Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis involves the use of statistical methods and tools to analyze the data

collected during a research study. The proposed system, "HeCo Wheel: Head-Controlled

Wheelchair with Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitor for Quadriplegic Patients," encompasses multiple

components and data sources. The researchers intend to utilize a t-test, weighted mean, and

efficiency level to gather information concerning the proposed system's components, including

its Obstacle Detector, Battery Charger, Voltmeter, adherence to ISO 9126 Standards, and the

assessment using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

Researchers will employ a t-test for the Ultrasonic Obstacle Detector Sensor to determine

if there are significant differences in the results to be gathered. The weighted mean will be used

to collect data related to the time it takes the battery to recharge, the evaluation of Medical

Professionals according to ISO 9126 Standards, and the assessment of Quadriplegic or other

paralyzed patients using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), where interpretations may

vary based on the assessment results.

The efficiency formula will be employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Voltmeter

design. The desired outcome of this system is to provide reliability in the results of the voltmeter.

The input required to achieve this output involves the use of a battery and voltmeter. To calculate

the system's efficiency, it is necessary to determine the actual output achieved and the input

required to attain it. The output achieved will be the results displayed on the voltmeter used in

the HeCo Wheel's battery, and the actual output will be the results shown in a voltmeter used in

most electronics with the aim of achieving the most reliable results possible. This test is also

conducted to identify any differences in the voltmeters used. Once the actual output and output
required are determined, they can be plugged into the efficiency formula, which is Efficiency =

(Output / Actual Output) x 100%.