Initial Setup and Calibration of Direction Control Using Magnetic Field Sensors

In this research, a tongue-controlled wheelchair interface that uses magnetic field sensors to guide individuals with severe mobility disabilities is designed and calibrated. In order to detect directional inputs (left, right, forward,backward), the system uses a neodymium magnet that is briefly affixed to the user’s tongue and communicates with four carefully positioned magnetic field sensors.The sensors monitor changes in the magnetic field as the user moves their tongue, passing signals to an ESP32 microprocessor, which interprets them to determine the desired direction. The sensors are able to accurately distinguish between standard and diagonal directions, such as northwest and northeast, due to a specially tailored calibration process, ensuring precise control. The real-time feedback function of the system, which is incorporated with a Python-based GUI, enhances usability. Existing systems used inductive intraoral sensors and head-tongue coordination techniques whose approaches have demonstrated vulnerability to unwanted tongue motions, causing errors. Our system with a four-sensor magnetic field detection with a calibrated baseline and direction thresholding reduces these errors offering direct control.