Support system to allow powered wheelchair users to comfortably climb steps in their chairs. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaede, Kazunori; Otsuka, Ryohei; Watanuki, Keiichi; Muramatsu, Keiichi
• Is Part Of: International journal of the digital human. Volume 2:Number 1/2(2018)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: powered wheelchair -- human interface -- assistive technology -- support system -- climb steps -- laser range finder -- whole body vibration; Human mechanics -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Human-computer interaction -- Periodicals; 620.820113
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-3375

Abstract

It is difficult for electric wheelchair users who suffer from quadriplegia or have compromised motor skills to finely manipulate a joystick. In addition, they risk losing control of the wheelchair upon impacts with steps. In this paper, we describe a system we designed to assist users in finely controlling their speed, depending on the height of the step. The system incorporates a laser range finder to remotely detect the step. During testing, we evaluated the effects of exposing the user to whole-body vibrations in order to estimate the discomfort that arose from the step height and climbing speed. We also verified that this system reduced the impact caused by collisions with steps.