Using a smart wheelchair as a gaming device for floor-projected games: a mixed-reality environment for training powered-wheelchair driving skills

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2012:173:450-6.

Abstract

For children with a severe disability, such as can arise from cerebral palsy, becoming independent in mobility is a critical goal. Currently, however, driver's training for powered wheelchair use is labor intensive, requiring hand-over-hand assistance from a skilled therapist to keep the trainee safe. This paper describes the design of a mixed reality environment for semi-autonomous training of wheelchair driving skills. In this system, the wheelchair is used as the gaming input device, and users train driving skills by maneuvering through floor-projected games created with a multi-projector system and a multi-camera tracking system. A force feedback joystick assists in steering and enhances safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Equipment Design
  • Feedback
  • Man-Machine Systems*
  • Motor Skills*
  • Play and Playthings*
  • Robotics
  • Wheelchairs*