Claims
- 1. A wheelchair navigation system comprising:
a motorized wheelchair; at least one computer having software that performs
navigational functions, teaching functions, obstacle detection, supervisory tasks, and diagnostic analysis; at least one camera; at least one proximity sensor; at least one rotation sensor; at least one visual sensor; at least one visual marker; and a single input device such as a switch or microphone, wherein said at least one rotation sensor, said at least one visual sensor and said input device are interfaced to said at least one computer which runs specialized software.
- 2. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:
said at least one computer has a screen with a visual display.
- 3. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:
said computer receives information from said cameras and said sensors, processes said information and determines a path of travel for said wheelchair from such information.
- 4. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:
said computer is voice activated.
- 5. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:
said computer is manually operated.
- 6. A wheelchair navigation system comprising:
a motorized wheelchair; at least one battery; a battery charger; a filter-based estimator with interface software; a computer; at least one camera; at least one proximity sensor; at least one microphone; at least one rotation sensor for the wheels, said at least one sensor is mounted on the wheelchair; and a plurality of visual markers capable of being placed on the walls of a specific location.
- 7. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 6, wherein:
said at least one computer has a screen with a visual display that is visible to a person using the wheelchair.
- 8. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 6, wherein:
said computer receives information from said cameras and said sensors, processes said information and determines a path of travel for said wheelchair from such information.
- 9. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 6, wherein:
said computer is voice activated.
- 10. A wheelchair navigation system according to claim 6, wherein:
said computer is manually operated
- 11. A method of navigation using a powered wheelchair comprising the steps of:
providing a motorized wheelchair, said wheelchair being powered by at least one onboard battery, and a battery charger and having dual cameras, proximity sensors, a microphone and rotation sensors for sensing wheel rotation; providing a filter-based estimator with interface software running that is operated on at least one computer; providing markers at various locations within a specific area; teaching at least one path by walking said wheelchair through said at least one path prior to said wheelchair navigation system being used for independent travel, and recording said at least one path in said computer; sensing said markers with said proximity sensors and said cameras; providing information about said markers from said proximity sensors and said cameras to said at least one computer; operating said software to determine the location of various objects within a location; creating a path for said wheelchair to avoid said objects with said software; recalling said at least one taught path; and directing said wheelchair on said path via said software.
- 12. A method of navigation using a powered wheelchair according to claim 11, further comprising the step of:
operating said computer via voice control.
- 13. A method of navigation using a powered wheelchair according to claim 11, further comprising the step of:
operating said computer manually.
GOVERNMENT SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0001] The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Contract No. ______ (or Grant No. ______) awarded by the Veterans Affairs Agency ______.