Constructing device for constructing an electric wheelchair

Abstract

A configuration device (1) for configuring settings of a power wheelchair, the configuration device (1) comprising: a display unit (9) configured to display a graphical representation of wheelchair function settings; an input unit (3) configured to detect a user input that changes a visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit (9) from a first visual state to a second visual state, where every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a wheelchair parameter setting set; a processing circuit (5) configured to determine a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation; and a communication unit (11) configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set determined by the processing circuit (5) to the power wheelchair.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to power wheelchairs. [Background technology]

[0002] Power wheel chairs typically include a control system that controls functions such as the drive mode and seating sequence of the wheelchair. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0197247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Any reprogramming of the control system involves adjusting multiple parameters and is therefore rather tedious and non-intuitive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a construction device for a power wheelchair that solves or at least alleviates problems in the prior art. Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a configuration device for configuring settings of a power wheelchair, the configuration device comprising: a display unit arranged to display a graphical representation of wheelchair functionality settings, an input unit configured to detect a user input that changes a visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit from a first visual state to a second visual state, where every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a set of wheelchair parameter settings, a processing circuit configured to determine a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation, and a communication unit configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set determined by the processing circuit to the power wheelchair.

[0006] This can simplify the configuration of the power wheelchair settings. In particular, this simplification is achieved because a visual state is associated with each set of wheelchair parameters used to program the power wheelchair. Furthermore, the configuration is standardized in the sense that only specific combinations of wheelchair parameter settings are allowed, as predefined by the wheelchair parameter setting sets associated with each visual state. Therefore, the risk of incorrectly configuring the power wheelchair is reduced. For example, a set of rules can be stored and applied to a power wheelchair (or each model of power wheelchair), a specific user or type of user using the power wheelchair, or a combination thereof. A rule for a user or type of user (e.g., a user experiencing a specific injury or disability) may represent positions that the user can tolerate or that are beneficial to the user. A clinician, therapist, or caregiver, a power wheelchair manufacturer's employee, an outside technician, or the like can define rules for a user or a specific type of user based on the user's condition. In some implementations, a power wheelchair is also associated with (and may provide) limits (e.g., the range of angles that a power wheelchair's leg rest can be positioned at using available actuators and the overall physical structure of the wheelchair) that represent the physical limitations of the power wheelchair's components (e.g., as set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)). These rules and limitations allow wheelchair configurations to be standardized in that only combinations of specific wheelchair parameter settings are allowed. These possible combinations may be reflected in positions provided through the graphical representation, wheelchair parameter settings associated (e.g., mapped) to visual states of the graphical representation, or a combination thereof. For example, the graphical representation may limit which visual states are made available to prevent the power wheelchair from being configured incorrectly.Alternatively or additionally, the wheelchair parameters mapped to the visual states may take into account applicable rules and restrictions as part of transmitting the wheelchair parameters to the power wheelchair.

[0007] The communication unit may, according to one example, also be configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter sets to a remote database or server, for example in the cloud, or to a database or server of a wheelchair fleet operator. This may provide traceability of the programming history of the power wheelchair. Thus, in the event that a faulty electronic component that stores the wheelchair parameter settings programmed by the configuration device has to be replaced, it may be possible to recreate the configuration or configure a replacement power wheelchair.

[0008] According to one example, the processing circuitry may be configured to pair the wheelchair parameter set with a specific user identifier, and the communication unit may be configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set with the associated specific user identifier to a remote database or server for storing the wheelchair parameter set and the associated specific user identifier. Thus, the wheelchair parameters are associated with a specific user, which facilitates factory configuration of a new power wheelchair when a new wheelchair is ordered for the user associated with the specific user identifier. The new power wheelchair may therefore be shipped to the user with a familiar wheelchair functional configuration instead of having to be configured at the time of delivery to the user.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to determine wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first and second visual states, and the communication unit is configured to transmit all sets to the power wheelchair. This may be, for example, if the wheelchair function setting is seat positioning. In this case, each intermediate visual state between the first and second visual positions may be associated with a respective set of wheelchair actuator settings, for example, a set of actuators that control the seat position between the first and second visual positions.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to determine an order of sequences of the sets associated with all intermediate visual states, and the communication unit is configured to transmit the order of sequences of the sets to the power wheelchair. Thus, for example, if the wheelchair function is seat positioning, an order of sequences of actuator positions for moving the seating system of the power wheelchair between two seat positions is transmitted to the power wheelchair.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the processing circuitry is configured to determine the wheelchair parameter set based on a look-up table, database, or mathematical function that associates every visual state of the graphical representation with a wheelchair parameter set.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the wheelchair parameter settings comprise wheelchair actuator settings. The wheelchair actuator settings may be settings for controlling an actuator, i.e., an actuator that controls a seating system of a power wheelchair, such as the position or speed of the actuator. For example, the actuator settings may specify the position (e.g., angle or extension), the speed of movement of the actuator, or a combination thereof. For example, some user impairments require slower or more flexible movement than other user impairments. Thus, the actuator settings may define the speed of movement, which may be based on a user profile. When multiple actuators are used simultaneously (e.g., dual actuators operating in parallel or multiple actuators that simultaneously move different parts of the wheelchair), the actuator settings may define the actuator movement so that the actuators move synchronously or in appropriate combination. Thus, the processing circuitry is configured to determine the wheelchair parameter set and then control the wheelchair to implement the parameter set, for example, by transmitting the wheelchair actuator settings to the wheelchair.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the processing circuitry is configured to receive an identifier associated with the power wheelchair and, in response, enable displaying the graphical representation on the display unit, and the communication unit is configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair associated with the identifier.

[0014] The identifier may or may not be unique to the power wheelchair. The identifier may be, for example, a chassis identifier or a serial number of the power wheelchair.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the communication unit is configured to receive the identifier only via the electric wheelchair's local wireless network. The communication unit may be configured to communicate with the electric wheelchair via a wireless network protocol based on the IEEE_802.11 family of standards, such as Wi-Fi®. Alternatively, the communication unit may be configured to communicate with the electric wheelchair via a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth®. It should be noted that other wireless communication means, such as IR, ultrasonic, radio, etc., are also contemplated within the scope of this embodiment.

[0016] Alternatively, the communication unit may be configured to communicate to the power wheelchair via a communication protocol adapted for a wired connection between the configuration device and the power wheelchair. According to one embodiment, the wheelchair function setting is a seat positioning and the graphical representation is a view of the body showing the bodily position achieved by the body in the seating position of the power wheelchair seating system.

[0017] It should be noted that the body positions shown here may represent parameters of the seating system. As an example, the displayed angular position of the lower limbs may actually represent the angular position of the leg rest.

[0018] Power wheelchairs often have pivot points, such as a knee pivot point, that correspond to the user's knee joint or knee joint axis. By showing the body position as a graphical representation, a better understanding of how the user's body is positioned for a particular set of wheelchair parameters that control the actuators, i.e., the seating system actuators, can be obtained than, for example, by visualizing the seating system or by not providing any visualization at all.

[0019] The processing circuitry may be configured to convert body angles displayed on the display unit indicating body position into wheelchair actuator settings as wheelchair parameters. According to one example, the processing circuitry may be configured to perform an animation of the body from a first visual state to a second visual state on the display unit. The animation may be formed by positions of the body in the first visual state, an intermediate visual state, and the second visual state. The animation may show, for example, a sequence of movement from a seated position to a standing position or from a standing position to a sitting position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, all the visual states are different body positions. According to one embodiment, the wheelchair function settings are driving properties of the power wheelchair.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the graphical representation comprises a slider or one or more knobs. According to one embodiment, all visual states are different positions of a slider or one or more knobs.

[0022] According to one example, the configuration device is configured to retrieve parameter sets for wheelchair function settings from the power wheelchair. Thus, parameters defining specific wheelchair function settings of the power wheelchair can be sampled or retrieved by the configuration tool (e.g., as live stream values). This may include most of the parameters and settings that are configurable by the configuration tool, meaning that manual settings performed on the wheelchair can be sampled or retrieved by the configuration tool. This may include, among other things, but is not limited to, seat settings such as angle, extension, etc. The retrieved parameter sets can be mapped by the configuration device to specific visual states of the graphical representation (e.g., similar to how the configuration device is configured to map visual states of the graphical representation to wheelchair parameter sets) and used to display the graphical representation in a state (e.g., a first visual state) that represents the current position or attitude of the power wheelchair.

[0023] According to one example, the processing circuitry can be configured to display a guide for configuring the wheelchair function settings. The guide can be, for example, a step-by-step guide for configuring the wheelchair function settings. Thus, programming of the power wheelchair can be facilitated in the field.

[0024] The guide may, according to one example, provide guidance for repair, maintenance, or upgrade work on a power wheelchair, which may include, for example, replacing an actuator.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided, the method comprising: (a) displaying a graphical representation of wheelchair function settings; (b) detecting a user input that changes a visual state of the graphical representation from a first visual state to a second visual state, where every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a set of wheelchair parameter settings; (c) determining a set of wheelchair parameters associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation; and (d) transmitting the determined set of wheelchair parameters to the power wheelchair by a processing circuit.

[0026] This method is a computer-implemented method. According to one embodiment, determining wheelchair parameter sets comprises determining wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state, and transmitting the wheelchair parameter sets comprises transmitting all sets to the power wheelchair.

[0027] According to one embodiment, determining the wheelchair parameter sets comprises determining a sequence order of the sets associated with all intermediate visual states, and transmitting the wheelchair parameter sets comprises transmitting the sequence order of the sets to the power wheelchair.

[0028] According to one embodiment, determining the wheelchair parameter set comprises determining the wheelchair parameter set based on a look-up table or database that associates every visual state of the graphical representation with a wheelchair parameter set.

[0029] In one embodiment, prior to the step of displaying the graphical representation, the step comprises receiving an identifier associated with the power wheelchair and enabling the graphical representation to be displayed on the display unit in response, and the step of transmitting the wheelchair parameter set comprises transmitting the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair associated with the identifier.

[0030] According to a third aspect, there is provided a configuration device for configuring settings of a power wheelchair, the configuration device comprising: a display unit configured to display a graphical representation of wheelchair function settings; and an input unit configured to detect user input to change a visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit from a first visual state to a second visual state, where every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a wheelchair parameter setting set. The configuration device further comprises a processing circuit configured to set the first visual state of the graphical representation based on data received from the power wheelchair representing a current position of the power wheelchair and to determine a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation, and to transmit the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair via a communication unit; and a communication unit configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set determined by the processing circuit to the power wheelchair for implementing the wheelchair parameter set via one or more actuators of the power wheelchair.

[0031] According to one example, the processing circuit is configured to determine the wheelchair parameter sets by determining wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state, and the communication unit is configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter sets by transmitting all sets to the power wheelchair.

[0032] According to one example, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine a sequence order of the sets associated with all intermediate visual states, and the communication unit is configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter sets by transmitting the sequence order of the sets to the power wheelchair.

[0033] According to one example, the processing circuitry is configured to determine the wheelchair parameter set based on a look-up table, database, or mathematical function that associates every visual state of the graphical representation with a wheelchair parameter set.

[0034] According to one example, the wheelchair parameter settings comprise wheelchair actuator settings. According to one example, the processing circuitry is further configured to receive an identifier associated with the power wheelchair and, in response, enable displaying the graphical representation on the display unit, and the communication unit is configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set by transmitting the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair associated with the identifier.

[0035] According to one example, the wheelchair function setting is a seat positioning and the graphical representation is a view of the body showing the body position achieved by the body in the seat position of the power wheelchair seating system.

[0036] According to one example, every visual state is a different body position. According to one example, the wheelchair function settings are driving characteristics of a power wheelchair. According to one example, the graphical representation comprises a slider or one or more knobs.

[0037] According to one example, all visual states are different positions of a slider or one or more knobs. According to one example, the processing circuitry is further configured to pair the wheelchair parameter set with a specific user identifier, and the communication unit is further configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set with the associated specific user identifier to a remote database or server for storing the wheelchair parameter set and the associated specific user identifier, such that the wheelchair parameters become associated with the specific user.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for configuring settings of a power wheelchair, the method comprising the steps of: (a) using a configuration device remote from the power wheelchair and wirelessly communicating with the power wheelchair, setting a first visual state of a graphical representation of wheelchair function settings based on data received from the power wheelchair representing a current location of the power wheelchair, (b) displaying the graphical representation of the wheelchair function settings on a display unit of the configuration device, (c) using the configuration device, detecting a user input that changes the visual state of the graphical representation from the first visual state to a second visual state, where every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a wheelchair parameter setting set, (d) using the configuration device, determining a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation, and (e) using a communication unit of the configuration device, transmitting the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair for implementation via one or more actuators of the power wheelchair.

[0039] According to one example, determining wheelchair parameter sets comprises determining wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state, and transmitting the wheelchair parameter sets comprises transmitting all sets to the power wheelchair.

[0040] According to one example, determining the wheelchair parameter sets comprises determining a sequence order of the sets associated with all intermediate visual states, and transmitting the wheelchair parameter sets comprises transmitting the sequence order of the sets to the power wheelchair.

[0041] According to one example, determining the wheelchair parameter set comprises determining the wheelchair parameter set based on a look-up table, database, or mathematical function that associates every visual state of the graphical representation with a wheelchair parameter set.

[0042] An example further includes, prior to the step of displaying the graphical representation, receiving an identifier associated with the power wheelchair and, in response, enabling display of the graphical representation on the display unit. The step of transmitting the wheelchair parameter set includes transmitting the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair associated with the identifier.

[0043] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a system for configuring settings of a power wheelchair, the system comprising: a control system for the power wheelchair; and a handheld configuration device, the handheld configuration device comprising an input unit, a display unit, a communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with the control system of the power wheelchair, a processing circuit, and a storage medium comprising computer code. When executed by the processing circuit, the computer code causes the handheld configuration device to: (a) set a first visual state of a graphical representation of the wheelchair function settings based on data received from the power wheelchair representing a current position of the power wheelchair; (b) display the graphical representation of the wheelchair function settings on the display unit; (c) detect a user input via the input unit that changes the visual state of the graphical representation from the first visual state to a second visual state, where every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a wheelchair parameter setting set; (d) determine a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation; and (e) send the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair using the communication unit for implementation of the wheelchair parameter set via one or more actuators of the power wheelchair.

[0044] According to one example, the computer code, when executed by the processing circuitry, further causes the handheld configuration device to validate the wheelchair parameter set and, in response to validating the wheelchair parameters, transmit the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair.

[0045] According to one example, the handheld configuration device validates the wheelchair parameter set using one or more stored rules and associated limits associated with at least one of the power wheelchair and a user of the power wheelchair selected.

[0046] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "elements, devices, components, means," etc. should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, component, means, etc. unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0047] Specific embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example configuration device. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of component devices communicating with a power wheelchair. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of a method for configuring settings on a power wheelchair. [Figure 4A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first example of a configuration for settings on a power wheelchair. [Figure 4B] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first example of a configuration for settings on a power wheelchair. [Figure 5A] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second example of a configuration of a power wheelchair. [Figure 5B] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second example of a configuration of a power wheelchair. [Figure 5C] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second example of a configuration of a power wheelchair. [Figure 5D] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second example of a configuration of a power wheelchair. [Figure 6] 10 shows another example of configuration settings for a power wheelchair. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The inventive concepts are more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments are shown. However, the inventive concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0050] Figure 1 shows schematically an example of a configuration device 1. The configuration device 1 is adapted to be used to configure the settings of an electric wheelchair. Configuration device 1 may be a handheld device, for example, a dedicated handheld device for configuring settings on a power wheelchair, or may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or laptop equipped with computer code configured to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0051] The configuration device 1 comprises an input unit 3. The input unit 3 can be, for example, a hardware keyboard, or a mouse, a touch screen, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The input unit 3 is configured to detect user inputs entered into the configuration device 1 . The configuration device 1 includes processing circuitry 5. Processing circuitry 5 may employ, for example, any combination of one or more suitable central processing units (CPUs), multiprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc., enabled to perform any of the operations disclosed herein for configuring a power wheelchair setting.

[0053] Depending on the type of processing circuitry 5, the control system may also include one or more storage media 7. The one or more storage media 7 are configured to communicate with the processing circuitry 5. When present, the one or more storage media 7 comprise computer code that, when executed by processing circuitry 5, causes configuration device 1 to perform the method steps described herein.

[0054] Each storage medium 7 may be embodied as a memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or more specifically as a non-volatile storage medium of the device in an external memory such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory or a flash memory such as a CompactFlash memory.

[0055] The component device 1 includes a display unit 9. The processing circuit 5 is configured to be able to communicate with the display unit 9. The configuration device 1 comprises a processing circuit 5 and a communication unit 11 configured to communicate with the electric wheelchair. The communication unit 11 may be configured as an antenna for wireless communication or as a communication interface for wired communication.

[0056] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system including an electric wheelchair 13 and a constituent device 1. The electric wheelchair 13 and the constituent device 1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other wirelessly, by wire, or by both.

[0057] The powered wheelchair 13 may be a mid-wheel drive wheelchair, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, a front-wheel drive wheelchair, a rear-wheel drive wheelchair, or a four-wheel drive wheelchair. The electric wheelchair 13 includes a drive wheel 14 and a motor (not shown) configured to drive the drive wheel 14.

[0058] The electric wheelchair 13 comprises a chassis 16 on which the drive wheels 14 are suspended. The electric wheelchair 13 includes a seating system 15. The seating system 15 includes a seat 15a and a backrest 15b. The seating system 15 may also include a leg rest.

[0059] The seating system 15 may be mounted to a chassis 16 . The power wheelchair 13 includes a number of actuators (not shown) configured to operate or manipulate the seating system 15 .

[0060] The electric wheelchair 13 includes a control system (not shown) configured to control wheelchair functions such as speed, rotation, and drive mode by controlling the motors, and to control the steering of the seating system 15 by controlling the actuators. For example, the control system may be configured to operate the seating system 15 between a seated position as shown in FIG. 2 and a standing position in which the seat 15a is tilted forward to achieve an orientation of, for example, 60 degrees or more relative to the horizontal.

[0061] The configuration device 1 is configured to program or configure settings of the control system, and therefore of the power wheelchair, to control the power wheelchair 13. These settings are not accessible to the user via the user interface of the power wheelchair 13.

[0062] A method for configuring the settings of a power wheelchair, such as power wheelchair 13, will now be described with reference to FIG. Typically, an employee of the power wheelchair manufacturer, an outside technician, or a therapist may configure the power wheelchair 13 by operating the configuration device 1 .

[0063] At some point, a connection or communication link is set up between the configuration device 1 and the power wheelchair 13. The connection can be wireless or wired. According to one example, the configuration device 1 must be near the power wheelchair 13, for example, within reception distance of the power wheelchair's 13 local wireless network or within distance to allow short-range wireless communication. Alternatively, the connection or communication link can be a remote connection, for example via a wide area network.

[0064] The connection may be set up before step (a) of the steps described below, or at any time after step (a) but before step (d). In step (a), a graphical representation of the wheelchair function settings is displayed on the display unit 9. The processing circuitry 5 may be configured to transmit data comprising the graphical representation of the wheelchair function settings to the display unit 9, which displays the graphical representation.

[0065] Before step (a), the person operating the configuration device 1 may input into the configuration device 1 via the input unit 3 the identifier associated with the electric wheelchair 13 . The processing circuitry 5 may be configured to receive the identifier and, in response, enable displaying the graphical representation on the display unit in step (a). In some implementations, the configuration device 1 may initially communicate with the power wheelchair 13 via a first type of communication channel (e.g., a Bluetooth® connection) and may use the first communication channel to perform security and authentication functions, such as verifying a certificate provided via the power wheelchair 13, providing a certificate from the configuration device 1 to the power wheelchair 13, or a combination thereof. In response to the connection with the power wheelchair 13 being verified or confirmed (e.g., via certificate verification), the configuration device 1 and the power wheelchair 13 may establish a communication channel via a second, different type of connection (e.g., a Wi-Fi® connection). For example, in response to completing a verification or other security check with the configuration device 1, the power wheelchair 13 may enable its communication module (e.g., a Wi-Fi® module) to exchange additional information with the configuration device 1 (e.g., live streams of data, restrictions, configuration settings, actuator settings, etc.). Using the first connection to perform initial verification (e.g., certificate verification) provides power management and security benefits by enabling a different type of connection (which may require additional power than the first type of connection) only when needed and only once communication is verified. In some implementations, once the second connection is established, the configuration device 1 runs a web-based application or accesses a web-based service to view a list of one or more power wheelchairs that the configuration device 1 (i.e., the user operating the configuration device 1) is authorized to configure. This list of power wheelchairs may be established (e.g., by an administrator) using a web-based service that manages available power wheelchairs. It should be understood that in some implementations, the configuration device 1 is configured to use a particular type of connection for various functions, such as to perform initial verification, subsequent communication with the wheelchair or its components, etc.For example, in some implementations, a Bluetooth® connection is used to communicate with the user's mobile phone and, optionally, with external sensors on the power wheelchair (e.g., smart cushions, alternative drive input systems, etc.).

[0066] In some implementations, the configuration device 1 obtains the coded identifier of the wheelchair by scanning a label (e.g., a QR code or similar machine-readable code or device) on the power wheelchair 13, the label on the wheelchair comprising the coded identifier (similar to a QR code). Scanning such a code provides a security measure because it helps ensure that (1) the correct wheelchair is identified and (2) the technician, therapist, etc. programming the power wheelchair 13 is physically adjacent to the power wheelchair 13. In some implementations, scanning the label also informs the configuration device 1 of the access point (or access point identification) for the onboard computer of the power wheelchair 13 so that a connection can be established to transfer data.

[0067] In some implementations, the configuration device 1 is also configured to communicate with an authentication server that manages users and certificates (e.g., to obtain certificates to provide to the power wheelchair 13 for verification purposes), a configuration server that includes, for example, a configuration history for the power wheelchair and stores a profile of the power wheelchair configurable via the configuration device 1, or a combination thereof. The functionality provided through the authentication server and configuration server may be combined and distributed in various ways, including through one server or through multiple servers.

[0068] The configuration device 1, the configuration server, or both, may also be configured to communicate with a fleet server that stores usage history. In some implementations, the fleet server is configured to remotely configure the power wheelchair 13 (e.g., when the power wheelchair 13 is initially deployed, after maintenance, etc.) by transmitting configuration settings to the power wheelchair 13. In some implementations, in addition to receiving configuration from the configuration device 1, the power wheelchair 13 is also configured to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates (e.g., firmware updates), which may be received from the fleet server.

[0069] In some implementations, the power wheelchair 13 provides an application programming interface (API) that serves as an interface between the internal components (tools) of the power wheelchair 13 and external communications. The API thus enables the configuration device 1 to communicate with the power wheelchair 13 and receive and transmit information. The API may be configured to perform security and validation of data (e.g., parameter settings or other configuration data) received from the configuration device 1 and other sources. In some implementations, the power wheelchair 13 also includes a web application that serves as an intermediary between external communications and the API. To connect to and configure the power wheelchair 13, a user (of the configuration device 1) is registered (e.g., with an authentication server) as an authorized user, and the authentication server accordingly issues a certificate (e.g., associated with the authorized user) to the configuration device 1. The configuration device 1 stores the certificate.

[0070] The configuring device 1 is configured to scan for available power wheelchairs via a first communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth® protocol). For example, when using the first communication protocol, the configuring device 1 may issue a discovery request and wait for responses from discoverable devices located around the configuring device 1, such as the power wheelchair 13. In a situation where the configuring device 1 receives multiple responses to the discovery request, the configuring device 1 may select one available power wheelchair 13 (e.g., the wheelchair located closest to the configuring device 1) by sorting the received responses, for example, based on signal strength. As mentioned above, in some implementations, the configuring device 1 scans a code attached to a particular wheelchair (e.g., using a camera, barcode reader, etc.) to establish communication with the wheelchair.

[0071] To connect to the power wheelchair 13 after receiving a response to the discovery request, the configuration device may request a certificate from the power wheelchair 13 (which may similarly be issued and maintained by an authentication server, as described above with respect to user certificates) and verify the received certificate (e.g., locally on the configuration device 1 or via communication with the authentication server). In response to verifying the certificate from the power wheelchair 13, the configuration device 1 sends a stored user certificate to the power wheelchair 13, and the power wheelchair 13 verifies the certificate (e.g., locally on the power wheelchair 13 or via communication with the authentication server). In response to verifying the certificate provided by the configuration device 1, the power wheelchair 13 may notify the configuration device 1 that it is enabled to establish a connection, and may enable an internal communication module, such as a Wi-Fi module, to establish a Wi-Fi or similar connection with the configuration device 1. The configuration device 1 may configure a Wi-Fi® connection (e.g., based on a local area network identifier, a network password or other access credentials established via the power wheelchair 13, etc.) and connect to the power wheelchair via the Wi-Fi® connection. It should be understood that other types of communication protocols may be used to connect and exchange information between the configuration device 1 and the power wheelchair 13, and the use of Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi® is provided as one non-limiting example.

[0072] For example, after connecting to the power wheelchair 13 via a Wi-Fi® connection, the configuration device 1 retrieves status and configuration information (e.g., via a web-based API provided on the power wheelchair 13 as described herein) and transmits configuration settings to the power wheelchair 13 via the Wi-Fi® connection as part of the configuration session. In some implementations, the configuration device 1 also backs up the established configuration session with the power wheelchair 13 by communicating with a configuration server.

[0073] The wheelchair function setting may be, for example, a seat positioning, in which case the graphical representation is a body view showing the body position achieved by the body in the seat position of the seating system of the power wheelchair 13.

[0074] To set the graphical representation to a current (live) pose (which may be a first visual state in some scenarios as described herein), the configuration device 1 uses positioning values ​​streamed from the power wheelchair 13. The positioning values ​​may comprise or be generated (by the power wheelchair 13) based on, for example, values ​​sensed by one or more sensors on the power wheelchair 13, positions of the power wheelchair 13's actuators, etc. In some implementations, the power wheelchair 13 may store a set of current positioning values ​​that may be tracked by the power wheelchair 13 based on previous configuration settings (e.g., default settings or settings received from the configuration device 1 or another server communicating with the power wheelchair 13), those sensed by various sensors of the power wheelchair 13 that detect the current position, or a combination thereof. For example, in some implementations, manual configuration may also be implemented in the power wheelchair 13, and thus, as mentioned above, the configuration device 1 may sample or retrieve such configurations (or sensed positions) when such configurations are implemented in the power wheelchair 13. The configuration device 1 maps the received streamed values ​​(individually or as a set) to specific visual states of the graphical representation, which may be stored on the configuration device 1 or in a lookup table or database otherwise accessible to the configuration device 1, as described above.

[0075] In step (b), a user input that changes the visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit from a first visual state to a second visual state is detected. Processing circuitry 5 may detect the user input that changes the visual state of the graphical representation.

[0076] The configuration device 1 may provide one or more input mechanisms configured to receive changes to the visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit. In some implementations, the configuration device 1 may receive input through one or more of the input mechanisms to change the visual state of the graphical representation. For example, the graphical representation (or a portion thereof) provided via the configuration device may be made selectable, such as by changing the position of the graphical representation or portion thereof using, for example, drag and move input. The drag and move input may be provided via a touchscreen of the display unit of the configuration device 1. In some implementations, a portion of the graphical representation may be made movable through a predetermined set of positions (visual states), and each position may be mapped to one or more wheelchair parameters (e.g., via a lookup table or other data structure as described above). In some implementations, one or more portions of the graphical representation may be made movable independently. In other implementations, one or more portions of the graphical representation may be linked such that movement of one portion triggers movement (i.e., a change in position) of a different portion of the graphical representation. For example, movement of one portion of the graphical representation may trigger movement of one or more other portions to maintain the position of the wheelchair within a range of acceptable attitudes or positions. In some implementations, one or more sliders, knobs, or other types of input mechanisms may also be provided on the configuration device 1 to change the visual state of the graphical representation.

[0077] Alternatively or in addition to changing the visual state of the graphical representation through drag and movement input, the user interface or other type of input mechanism (e.g., one or more buttons, switches, etc.) of configuration device 1 may be configured to receive position (numeric) values ​​(e.g., angles from a reference plane, levels from a number of defined levels, percentage of maximum ascent or descent, etc.). For example, configuration device 1 may be configured to receive a set of position values ​​representing a recipe for a particular desired posture (e.g., through one or more fields or menus provided via a user interface displayed on the display unit), which may be provided to the user by a clinician, therapist, or caregiver, an employee of the power wheelchair manufacturer, an outside technician, etc.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, configuration device 1 may receive changes to the displayed graphical representation from power wheelchair 13, the changes representing a sample portion or the complete posture of the wheelchair. For example, a user, therapist, technician, etc. may adjust power wheelchair 13 (e.g., at power wheelchair 13) to specific settings appropriate for the user, and such parameter settings may be enabled to be transmitted to configuration device 1 (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection).

[0079] In some implementations, regardless of how changes are made to the visual state of the graphical representation, the configuration device 1 is configured to wait until a confirmation or commit input is received (e.g., through a user interface provided by the configuration device 1 or via a different input mechanism) before transmitting one or more wheelchair function settings to the power wheelchair, another server, or a combination thereof. Using the confirmation or commit function allows the user to view the visual state of various inputs and enables the configuration device 1 to generate appropriate configuration settings before the corresponding position changes are implemented in the power wheelchair 13. This uses bandwidth resources (communication with the power wheelchair 13) and the power resources of the power wheelchair 13 more efficiently, thereby helping to reduce human error in wheelchair positioning. Every visual state of the graphical representation may be associated with a wheelchair parameter setting set. Each such set of wheelchair parameter settings may be unique. Thus, there may be a one-to-one mapping between parameter setting sets and visual states.

[0080] In step (c), a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation is determined. As described herein, the configuration device 1 may use a lookup table, database, or other data structure that maps wheelchair parameter setting sets to particular visual states. Thus, when changes are made (and committed) to the graphical representation, the configuration device 1 uses this stored mapping to determine a corresponding set of wheelchair parameter settings for the changed visual state of the graphical representation. For example, as described above, a part of the graphical representation (e.g., a leg) may be movable between a range of discrete positions (which may be represented by different numerical values), with each position associated with a particular parameter setting (e.g., a numerical value) for an actuator of the power wheelchair 13. Thus, the configuration device 1 may use the current position of the graphical representation (or part thereof) to determine the corresponding parameter setting (e.g., from a lookup table or database) and perform this mapping for each movable part of the graphical representation to determine the wheelchair parameter set for the current visual state of the graphical representation displayed on the configuration device 1.

[0081] For example, processing circuitry 5 may be configured to determine the wheelchair parameter set. Processing circuitry 5 may determine the wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state based on, for example, a lookup table or database that associates every visual state of the graphical representation with a wheelchair parameter set. Alternatively, processing circuitry 5 may determine the wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state based on a mapping or mathematical function between the body angle of body 18 in the visual state and a corresponding actuator setting for setting seating system 15 to a position that achieves the angle when body 18 is supported by seating system 15. Processing circuitry 5 may be configured to determine wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state.

[0082] For example, the configuration device 1 may use a first visual state (e.g., the current position of the power wheelchair 13 determined based on a (live) data stream from the power wheelchair 13) and a second visual state determined based on the graphical representation modified (and committed) by a user on the configuration device 1 to determine a sequence of movements to be implemented in the power wheelchair 13 to implement the second visual state of the graphical representation. Each movement (intermediate visual state) in the sequence may specify an action command for one or more actuators of the power wheelchair 13 to move the power wheelchair 13 closer to the second visual state. For example, as one non-limiting example, assume that the first visual state represents the legs at an angle of 90° (e.g., from the ground) and the back at an angle of 105°, and the second visual state represents the legs at an angle of 120° (e.g., from the ground) and the back at an angle of 135°. The configuration device 1 may then determine a set of intermediate positions that may first adjust the leg rest to 120° (as a first intermediate position) and then adjust the backrest to 135° (as a second intermediate position). In some implementations, the configuration device 1 is configured to determine one or more intermediate positions for each positioning actuator of the power wheelchair 13, which, when combined, represent a sequence of movements. Alternatively, the configuration device 1 may be configured to combine one or more intermediate positions when multiple actuators of the power wheelchair can be operated simultaneously. For example, if the leg rest and backrest of the power wheelchair 13 are simultaneously adjustable, one intermediate position determined by the configuration device 1 may represent the movement of both the leg rest and the backrest. The configuration device 1 may store one or more operation rules that are applicable to control whether actuators can be operated simultaneously, whether actuators having any requirements that vary over a certain range are enabled to be executed in stages, etc. For example, when the seat is tilted forward to place the user in a standing position, the seat may also be raised to prevent the foot supports from hitting the ground.The configuration device 1 can be programmed to understand this dependency when defining movements to reach a target (eg, standing).

[0083] As a further example, via the configuration device 1, a user can create memory locations using a graphical representation of a body position. A memory location may represent the simplest form of movement, comprising only one "frame" that moves the power wheelchair 13 from a current position to a target memory location. A more advanced type of memory location is a sequence, comprising multiple "frames," where the memory location implementation moves the power wheelchair 13 from the current position through all frames until the target (memory location) is reached. As described herein, each "frame" can be edited using the body graphical representation presented in the user interface by sampling a position from the power wheelchair 13, by manually entering values, or a combination thereof. Axis involved in the movement can also be selected on the configuration device 1 for both the memory and the sequence. A seating axis can represent a seat function compared to a simple actuator position. For example, examples of such seating axes can include seat tilt (degrees), backrest recline (degrees), legrest tilt (degrees), and leg extension (millimeters or inches). Thus, compared to the process of setting a specific actuator position, the user is enabled to easily set a desired position using the body graphical representation using the configuration device 1 and set one or more seat axes.

[0084] As one non-limiting example, a memory location might be labeled "Kitchen Table" to represent the appropriate wheelchair setting when the user is sitting at the kitchen table. In contrast, a more advanced sequence might be, for example, a standing position (e.g., from a sitting position to a (fully) standing position), an active reaching position (e.g., to reach something on a shelf where the seat is slightly elevated and tilted slightly forward), a transfer position (e.g., to transfer to a bed or vehicle), or an independent repositioning (e.g., moving the power wheelchair 13 to slide the user back into the seat to achieve a better posture or pressure relief). For example, a memory sequence might allow the user to first go into a lying position and then be lifted to a standing position or any other position, instead of going directly to the target position (e.g., standing).

[0085] The configuration device 1 may store rules (e.g., for a particular axis for a particular wheelchair model) that are applied by the configuration device 1 to restrict what is allowed to be done with the displayed body representation before any memory is stored for a particular power wheelchair 13. For example, the power wheelchair 13 may be configured to control what positions and movements are allowed, but the configuration device 1 may be configured to validate values ​​to ensure that a user, technician, etc. does not program the power wheelchair 13 to do something that will be rejected by the power wheelchair 13. The configuration device 1 may apply stored rules and associated restrictions (e.g., associated with at least one of the power wheelchair 13 (e.g., rules and restrictions associated with a particular wheelchair model, a component of the power wheelchair 13 that controls movement or position, or a combination thereof) and the user of the power wheelchair 13 (e.g., a medical or physical condition of the user, user preferences, behavior settings of the power wheelchair 13 set by the user, or a combination thereof)) to validate the value (i.e., the wheelchair parameter set). In response to validating the value, the configuration device 1 transmits the wheelchair parameter set to the power wheelchair 13 (e.g., via the communication unit).

[0086] The processing circuitry 5 may be configured to determine the order of the sequences of the sets associated with all intermediate visual states. In some implementations, after the configuration device 1 determines the intermediate visual states (positions or states) as described above, the configuration device 1 may show an animation of the movement of the power wheelchair 13 on the display unit (e.g., by displaying a set of intermediate visual states in chronological order, like a movie), and may optionally prompt the user to accept or confirm the determined intermediate visual states before the intermediate visual states (or instructions based thereon) are sent to the power wheelchair 13. Thus, in this implementation, the user is enabled to confirm not only the desired end position of the power wheelchair 13, but also that the ongoing movement of the power wheelchair 13 to reach the end position is acceptable.

[0087] In step (d), the wheelchair parameter set determined by the processing circuit 5 is transmitted to the power wheelchair 13. Thus, wheelchair function settings for specific functions can be configured for the power wheelchair 13. As mentioned above, the configuration device 1 can also be configured to transmit the wheelchair parameters (directly or via the power wheelchair 13 and / or other intermediate devices) to a remote database or server, for example in the cloud, or to a database or server of a wheelchair fleet operator (e.g., a fleet server), to enable the configuration of the power wheelchair 13 to be recreated. For example, when a power wheelchair user receives a new power wheelchair, the stored configuration of the user's old power wheelchair can be provided to the user's new power wheelchair (e.g., via a fleet server). Similarly, when maintenance or repairs are performed on the power wheelchair, the stored previous configuration can be provided (e.g., via a fleet server) to ensure that the power wheelchair is returned to a usable position. If the identifier was received by the processing circuit 5 before step (a), the communication unit 11 may be configured to transmit a wheelchair parameter set associated with the identifier to the power wheelchair 13. In the case of multiple sets, the communication unit 11 may be configured to transmit the sequence order of all sets to the power wheelchair 13. The data transmitted from the configuration device 1 to the power wheelchair 13 may include wheelchair parameter settings associated with each determined intermediate visual state or step. For example, once a user, technician, clinician, etc., creates and stores a memory location or sequence via the configuration device 1, the configuration device 1 transmits the parameter setting set to the power wheelchair 13. In the case of a memory sequence, the transmitted parameter settings comprise a list of values, one value for each step or frame. The power wheelchair 13 stores the received values ​​after verifying them as acceptable / allowed. However, as described above, the configuration device 1 is configured to apply appropriate rules and restrictions to the power wheelchair 13 (i.e., verify the settings) to mitigate the need for error messages from the power wheelchair 13 regarding inappropriate or prohibited values.The powered wheelchair 13 implements the received values ​​via actuators as defined via the powered wheelchair 13 control system.

[0088] In case of multiple sets, the communication unit 11 may be configured to transmit the sequence order of all sets to the power wheelchair 13. The data transmitted from the configuration device 1 to the power wheelchair 13 may include wheelchair parameter settings associated with each determined intermediate visual state or step.

[0089] When the electric wheelchair 13 receives one or more sets of wheelchair parameters, the control system of the electric wheelchair 13 may set corresponding parameters (actuator settings) for controlling the electric wheelchair 13 to the values ​​of the one or more sets of wheelchair parameters that have been received.

[0090] Here, an example of configuring settings for an electric wheelchair will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 6. FIG. 4A-4B show an example in which the settings of a power wheelchair, such as power wheelchair 13, configured are memory settings of the seating system.

[0091] On a power wheelchair, the pre-programmed memory settings may be selected by the power wheelchair user using the power wheelchair user interface. The pre-programming or configuration of the memory settings is done by the methods disclosed herein.

[0092] When the memory setting is selected through the user interface, the seating system and leg rest are set to a position or state according to the wheelchair parameter set obtained and stored by the power wheelchair as a result of step (d) of the method.

[0093] The graphical representation, in the example of Figures 4A-4B, is a diagram of a body 18 showing the body position of a user seated in a power wheelchair. The seating system 15 is not visualized according to this example. A first visual state of the graphical representation shows an upright seated body position.

[0094] The angles that may optionally be displayed in the graphical representation may be the angles of corresponding components of the seating system, for example, the seat, backrest, and / or legrest. When configuring or reconfiguring the memory settings of the seating system, the operator of the configuration device 1 may change the body position of the body 18 to a desired position (e.g., using drag and movement inputs as described above) by providing user input via the input unit 3 on the display unit 9, which may be, for example, a touchscreen.

[0095] The operator may change the leg rest position of the memory setting, for example, by moving the leg upward as shown in Figure 4B, which corresponds to a change in the visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit 9 from the first visual state shown in Figure 4A to the second visual state.

[0096] The processing circuit 5 is configured to determine a wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state. The communication unit 11 then transmits the wheelchair parameter set associated with the second visual state to the power wheelchair. As described above, the wheelchair parameters may include a parameter set and may represent a memory location or a memory sequence. When the parameter set represents a memory location, the transmitted value may include parameters for a desired target position. In contrast, when the parameter set represents a memory sequence, the transmitted value may include one or more values ​​for each frame or step of the sequence. For example, the leg rest of the power wheelchair 13 may change from one position to another without requiring an intermediate state, and the power wheelchair 13 implements the received parameter set to change the current state (first state) of the power wheelchair 13 to the commanded state (second state) according to the received information. As a result, the position change is performed in the most efficient manner (e.g., quickly) according to the configuration of the leg rest and / or the power wheelchair 13, or a combination thereof. The control system settings for the seating system's memory settings are thus configured or reprogrammed. When the wheelchair user then selects the corresponding memory setting on the power wheelchair's user interface, the seating system and leg rest actuators achieve the state in which the user is seated as shown in Figure 4B, which in this case means that the leg rest achieves the raised position.

[0097] 5A-5D show another example where the configuration of a power wheelchair, such as configured power wheelchair 13, is a sequence of movement of the seating system and leg rest. The sequence of movement can be, for example, from a sitting position to a standing position and / or from a standing position to a sitting position.

[0098] An operator of the configuration device 1 can create a sequence of movement for the seating system and leg rest by selecting a body position for the body 18, and thus for some of the actuators of the seating system. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A-5D , the number of user-configurable positions for the body 18 in the sequence of movement may be five. However, more or fewer user-configurable positions are also contemplated in this embodiment. For example, in some implementations, the configuration device 1 may store a set of templates, each of which may define a default sequence of movement (which may represent a sequence of movement for transitioning between two positions as verified or specified by a power wheelchair manufacturer, a clinician, a therapist, a caregiver, or the like). The sequence of movement may be displayed as video frames to provide the user of the configuration device 1 with an animation of how the wheelchair position changes from a start position to an end position (e.g., similar to how determined intermediate states may be animated as described above). Each movement (frame) in the sequence may represent one complete position of the power wheelchair 13 and may be individually customized, for example, using user modifications to the body graphical representation. For example, there may be a template for a stand sequence with multiple positions, and the stand sequence may be animated on the display unit of the configuration device 1 before being sent to the power wheelchair 13 for implementation. This allows the user to better understand the complete movement and what to expect from the power wheelchair when the sequence is executed. In some implementations, each individual movement (frame) may be modified by the user, but the configuration device 1 may be configured to apply rules, limitations, or a combination thereof, as described above, to keep the movement within physical limitations and user-specific rules. Each user-configurable position may be selected, for example, from a menu 21 showing the user-configurable positions in the sequence. As the operator changes the body position at each user-configurable position in the sequence, the graphical representation of that user-configurable position in the sequence changes from a first visual state to a second visual state.

[0099] In this example, the upright sitting position of FIG. 5A is the first visual state of the graphical representation and represents the first user-configurable position in the sequence of movement of the seating system. When the upright sitting position of FIG. 5A is changed, the first visual state is changed to the second visual state of this user-configurable position. Thus, all user-configurable positions can be set from the first visual state to the second visual state to form a complete sequence of movement of the seating system. Body positions of body 18 between the first visual state and the second visual state are intermediate visual states. Intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state can be preset. Each intermediate visual state is associated with a wheelchair parameter set. The wheelchair parameters for any visual state, i.e., first, second, and intermediate, are determined by processing circuitry 5, for example, by a look-up table, a database, or by a mathematical model / function.

[0100] FIG. 5B shows a standing position as the second user-definable position in the sequence. Using the configuration device 1, the operator is enabled to configure a sequence of movements, for example, from a sitting position to a standing position and / or from a standing position to a sitting position, for example, via the horizontal lying position shown in FIG. 5C.

[0101] 6 shows another example where a setting of a power wheelchair, such as configured power wheelchair 13, is a driving characteristic of the power wheelchair 13. The driving characteristic may be, for example, a driving mode. The graphical representation may include, for example, one or more sliders. Every visual state may be a different position of the slider. The sliders may represent different speed or behavior settings. For example, slider 23 may set the behavior of the electric wheelchair indoors. The behavior may be changed, for example, between a "chill" mode and a "sporty" mode, which affects, for example, acceleration, speed, braking characteristics, and steering. These are wheelchair parameters that are determined when slider 23 is changed from a first position corresponding to a first visual state to a second position corresponding to a second visual state. Similarly, slider 25 may set the behavior of the electric wheelchair outdoors. The graphical representation may include one or more images showing different options, for example, indoor, outdoor, sporty, comfortable, etc. As described herein, sliders allow a user to make simple changes (e.g., behavior changes) that affect one or more parameters, the changes being visualized by the slider along a scale having symbols or text.

[0102] The inventive concept has been described above primarily with reference to certain examples. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments besides those disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A configuration device (1) for configuring settings of an electric wheelchair (13), said configuration device (1) comprising: a display unit (9) configured to display a graphical representation of the wheelchair function settings; an input unit (3) configured to detect a user input that changes a visual state of the graphical representation on the display unit (9) from a first visual state to a second visual state, wherein every visual state of the graphical representation is associated with a wheelchair parameter setting set as a set of wheelchair parameter settings; a processing circuit (5) configured to determine a set of wheelchair parameters associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation; a communication unit (11) configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set determined by the processing circuit (5) to the electric wheelchair (13); A configuration device (1).

2. the processing circuit (5) is configured to determine the wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state; The communication unit (5) is configured to transmit all the wheelchair parameter sets to the electric wheelchair (13). A configuration device (1) according to claim 1.

3. the processing circuit (5) is configured to determine a sequence order of the wheelchair parameter sets associated with all the intermediate visual states; The communication unit (11) is configured to transmit the order of the sequence of the wheelchair parameter sets to the electric wheelchair (13). A configuration device (1) according to claim 2.

4. the processing circuitry (5) is configured to determine the wheelchair parameter set based on a look-up table, a database, or a mathematical function relating all the visual states of the graphical representation to the wheelchair parameter set. A construction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the wheelchair parameter settings comprise wheelchair actuator settings; A construction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the processing circuit (5) is configured to receive an identifier associated with the electric wheelchair (13) and, in response, enable displaying the graphical representation on the display unit (9); The communication unit (11) is configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set to the electric wheelchair (13) associated with the identifier. A construction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the wheelchair function setting is seat positioning; the graphical representation is a view of the body (18) showing a body position acquired by the body (18) at a seating position of a seating system of the electric wheelchair (13); A construction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. All of the visual states are different body positions. A construction device (1) according to claim 7.

9. The wheelchair function settings are driving characteristics of the electric wheelchair (13). A construction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. the graphical representation comprises a slider or one or more knobs; A construction device (1) according to claim 9.

11. all the visual states are different positions of the slider or one or more of the knobs; A configuration device (1) according to claim 10.

12. the processing circuit (5) is configured to pair the wheelchair parameter set with a specific user identifier, and the communication unit (11) is configured to transmit the wheelchair parameter set with the associated specific user identifier to a remote database or server for storing the wheelchair parameter set and the associated specific user identifier, so that the wheelchair parameters become associated with the specific user. A construction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 1. A method for configuring settings for an electric wheelchair (13), said method comprising: (a) displaying a graphical representation of wheelchair function settings; (b) detecting a user input that changes a visual state of the graphical representation from a first visual state to a second visual state, wherein all of the visual states of the graphical representation are associated with a wheelchair parameter configuration set; (c) determining a set of wheelchair parameters associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation; (d) transmitting the wheelchair parameter set determined by the processing circuit to the electric wheelchair (13); The method comprises:

14. determining the wheelchair parameter sets comprises determining the wheelchair parameter sets for all intermediate visual states between the first visual state and the second visual state; The step of transmitting the wheelchair parameter sets comprises a step of transmitting all of the wheelchair parameter sets to the electric wheelchair (13). The method of claim 13.

15. determining the wheelchair parameter sets comprises determining a sequence order of the wheelchair parameter sets associated with all of the intermediate visual states; The step of transmitting the wheelchair parameter set comprises transmitting the order of the sequence of the wheelchair parameter sets to the electric wheelchair (13).

15. The method of claim 14.

16. determining the wheelchair parameter set comprises determining the wheelchair parameter set based on a look-up table, database, or mathematical function that associates all the visual states of the graphical representation with the wheelchair parameter set. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The method further comprises, prior to the step of displaying the graphical representation: receiving an identifier associated with the electric wheelchair (13); and in response, enabling said graphical representation to be displayed on a display unit; It is equipped with The step of transmitting the wheelchair parameter set includes transmitting the wheelchair parameter set to the electric wheelchair (13) associated with the identifier. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

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