Multi-Tiered Scanning System for Wheelchair Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with severe physical disabilities or neurological diseases, such as ALS, face significant delays when using existing input devices to control wheelchairs due to the sequential highlighting of multiple operation options, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-tiered scanning system where more commonly used operation options are prioritized in the first tier and less frequently used options are in subsequent tiers, allowing for faster access to frequently needed functions by limiting the selection of all options within each cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sequential scanning system highlights multiple operation options one at a time, then all operation options can be accessed, but the time required to select commonly used options increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is segmented into multiple tiers (first tier, second tier, etc.), where each tier contains a subset of operation options. The first tier includes commonly used options that are scanned more frequently, while subsequent tiers contain less frequently used options. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive access to all options while reducing the time to access frequently used ones by organizing them in a hierarchical structure with different scan frequencies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning device cycles through all operation options in each scan sequence, then complete option availability is ensured, but frequently used options are delayed by less common options
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system dynamically adjusts the scan sequence and frequency based on the tier structure. The first tier is scanned more frequently than subsequent tiers, creating a dynamic scanning pattern that adapts to user needs. This allows commonly used options to be accessed more quickly while still maintaining availability of all options through periodic scanning of lower tiers, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair can include a control system that is configured to operate the wheelchair using an input device and a scanning device. The scanning device may be programmed to have a multi-tiered scan sequence. A first tier of the multi-tiered scan sequence may include at least a first operation option that is configured to operate a specific function of the wheelchair. A second tier of the multi-tiered scan sequence may include at least a second operation option that is also configured to operate a specific function of the wheelchair. The second operation option is generally selected less frequently than the first operation option included in the first tier.