Enhanced Remote Data Logging for Electric Powered Wheelchairs

Principal Investigator/s: Dan Ding, PhD

Funding Source: NIDRR Switzer Fellowship

2004-2006

Much engineering research, both commercial and grant sourced, has been invested to improve the usefulness of electric powered wheelchairs. However, virtually all quantifiable performance data has been collected in laboratory environments. Community outcomes and consumer satisfaction research has been carried out with survey methods rather than instrumentation. Wheelchairs do not inherently lend themselves to data collection. New wheelchairs are not even equipped with a basic odometer despite the fact that such a device could be built in at the factory for a few dollars and by logging the data wheelchair usage can be unveiled. Another example is tilt-in-space and recline functions of an electric powered wheelchair, which are used as a way to relieve pressure ulcers. However, the overall usage in a real world environment has never been confirmed by objective data. We propose to develop a remote data logging (RDL) device incorporating cellular communication and Global Positioning System (GPS) function. The device will be attached to a Mini Data Logger electric powered wheelchair collecting travel data of wheelchair users as well as performance data of wheelchairs, i.e. driving distance, speed, wheelchair locations, frequency of using tilt and recline functions, and battery usage etc. This data will allow manufactures to improve wheelchair design, enable researchers to more thoroughly investigate the effect of interventions on participation and activity, and let clinicians know if patients are using the devices as intended. Finally, information related to system failures can enable this in-wheelchair RDL device to become a safety and security system with a GPS satellite network and cellular technology being used to link the wheelchair users with technicians or researchers at a host station. Through making full use of the latest available technologies, i.e. sensors including GPS and wireless communication, we will improve wheelchair driving safety and enhance independence of wheelchair users.