Simulation of a Power Wheelchair

Abstract

A computer-based wheelchair simulation will be demonstrated. Such a wheelchair simulator could be used in rehabilitation both to prescribe controls for patients and to develop new types of wheelchairs. The selection of a wheelchair controller and control dynamics for a specific patient currently involves the actual use of a variety of power wheelchairs. A valid simulator could reduce costs by eliminating the need to test and evaluate a set of power wheelchairs for each patient, increase safety of the patient by eliminating the risk associated with learning to operate a new power wheelchair, and ease collection of performance data by providing automated data collection. Further, the simulation could be used to test control dynamics as related to the user's perspective view when developing new power wheelchair products. The simulation runs on a personal computer with low resolution color display. The realism of the display is augmented by the use of a Fresnel lens to increase the three-dimensional effect. The display is updated frequently to ensure accurate control feedback. The performance measures used to test the simulation include both time and accuracy to move through a computer simulated course and an identical physical course. The initial results from user testing are being used as the basis for an iterative redesign process before formal testing is initiated.