Power Wheelchair Configuration via Visual Parameter States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Re-programming of power wheelchair control systems is cumbersome and unintuitive, and there is a risk of erroneous configuration.
Innovation Solution
A configuration device that simplifies the process by associating visual states with predefined sets of wheelchair parameters, allowing for standardized configurations and reducing the risk of errors, and enables remote storage and retrieval of these settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual re-programming of control system parameters is performed, then the power wheelchair can be configured, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines multiple visual states (e.g., different seating positions, drive modes) with their corresponding parameter sets already configured. When a user selects a visual state, the associated parameters are automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual parameter-by-parameter programming and significantly reducing configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from manual parameter adjustment to visual state selection. Each visual state represents a predefined set of parameters, and selecting a visual state automatically changes multiple parameters simultaneously, making the configuration process more intuitive and efficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual parameter adjustment is used, then configuration flexibility is achieved, but the risk of erroneous configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Parameter sets are pre-configured and validated for each visual state before use. This preliminary preparation ensures that only reliable, tested parameter combinations are available for selection, reducing the risk of erroneous configuration while maintaining flexibility through the variety of predefined visual states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the selected visual state and its associated parameters, allowing users to verify the configuration before finalization. This feedback mechanism helps prevent erroneous configurations by making the parameter settings transparent and checkable.
3Ease of operation
If visual states are associated with predefined parameter sets, then configuration is simplified and standardized, but the number of possible configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system is segmented into multiple independent visual states, each representing a specific functional mode or setting. This segmentation allows the system to offer a structured set of predefined options while maintaining simplicity. Users can select from discrete visual states without being overwhelmed by the complexity of individual parameters.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
A configuration device (1) for configuring settings of a power wheelchair, comprising: a display unit (9) arranged to display a graphical representation of a wheelchair functionality setting, an input unit (3) arranged to detect a user input changing 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 set of wheelchair parameter settings, processing circuitry (5) arranged to determine a set of wheelchair parameters associated with the second visual state of the graphical representation, and a communications unit (11) arranged to send the set of wheelchair parameters determined by the processing circuitry (5) to a power wheelchair.