Wheelchair Virtual Reality System

Abstract

Wheelchair Virtual Reality system is a simulation system for new wheelchair users to train their driving skills on using wheelchair. The system is composed of a motion recording platform and a video player application. The motion platform records and analyses the wheelchair motion by four rollers, two encoders and a microprocessor. It is specially designed and suitable for most of the wheelchairs in the market. The communication between the platform and video is by Universal Asynchronous Receive/Transmitter (UART). The platform keeps track of the wheelchair motion, sends the data through UART and reflects the motion on video movement. The video is recording a path on road, for example, the path of crossing the road. In order to train the driving skill, users need to drive the wheelchair in a suitable speed and direction. They need to finish the path in a limited time. The training system has several levels of difficulties for different kinds of users. By training new wheelchair users using this Wheelchair Virtual Reality System, it hopes to help users to gain confident on using wheelchair when they are driving wheelchair on street.