1.2 Features of Smart Wheelchair

  • Individual modules that can be incorporated into any wheelchair which enables the patient or guardian to choose only what they feel is required thereby reducing the expenditure.
  • The controller is so developed that any module that is developed at a later stage can be integrated on to the wheelchair with ease.
  • Connectivity to the internet.

The modules in the wheel chair can be divided into three categories based on the functions of each module.

1.2.1 Control modules

1.2.1.1 Accelerometer Module :

An accelerometer (adxl345) is attached to a cap which patient can wear. Accelerometer detects the position of the head of the patient and the wheelchair moves according to the position of the head of the patient for example if the patient is tilting his head forward the wheelchair will move forward. This module is more useful to the quardriplegia patient.

1.2.1.2 DTMF module

The wheelchair can be controlled by giving a call to the patient’s phone. A phone is attached to the controller through a DTMF decoder, after the call is received if the caller presses any key a distinct audio tone is heard at the receiving end. This audio tone is decoded by the decoder and corresponding to the input of the caller the wheelchair is moved.

1.2.1.3 Joystick

It is the most commonly used device in the automated wheelchair. The patient can control the wheelchair by moving the joystick.

1.2.1.4 Voice control

The patient can control the wheelchair by saying some predefined keywords. The patients voice is recorded continuously and it is converted to text and saved as a file. This file is checked for keywords like “Forward” “Backward” etc.

1.2.1.5 Chin control

The patient can control the wheelchair moving his chin. A touchpad is mounted in front of the chin of the patient. The patient can use the touchpad to indicate the direction of motion

1.2.1.6 Web control

Anybody can access the control of the wheelchair by logging into a website and they will be able to control the wheelchair from anywhere in the world.

1.2.2 Perception modules

1.2.2.1 Obstacle Detection

Obstacles around the wheelchair can be sensed. We use Ultrasonic sensors to measure the distance between wheelchair and obstacle. 6 ultrasonic sensors are fixed in different sides of the wheelchair so that a 360o perception is achieved

1.2.2.2 Elevation and depression detection

The wheelchair can slowdown when it encounters an elevation or a depression in its way.

1.2.3 Utilities

1.2.3.1 Battery level indicator

It is essential to know the charge in the battery so that proper care can be taken for charging the battery. It uses a Comparator which continuously compares the battery voltage with a preset voltage

1.2.3.2 Urine bag indicator

It indicates when the urine bag has to be replaced. Leads are inserted into the urine bag at it is kept at a certain level, when this level is reached the leads are shorted and appropriate signal is given out.

1.2.3.3 Organiser

      • Alarm
      • Reminder
      • Email
      • Video chat
      • Web browsing
      • Entertainment systems

results matching ""

    No results matching ""