Hi Vin.
My concerns are primarily of a technical nature. Radio based
communication interfaces can be subject to interference from external
sources, and whilst it is possible to implement fail safe systems that
prevent the chair from driving IF external interference is detected, it
may not be "safe" for the chair to suddenly stop driving while
conducting a safety critical manoeuvre like crossing the road etc. I
site the problem with I think BMW's on tower bridge. A new data
communication system under trial forced the engine management systems to
apply the brakes !
How would the radio remote system be de-activated while the occupant
were driving using the main joystick. The radio joystick could be the
ONLY joystick, but then you have to have a charging system for the
joystick and battery capacity to ensure that it would last the whole
day, and have the relevant warning messages about low battery etc. I
suspect you would need a properly integrated module for the chair
control, and a remote method of turning the chair on and off and
changing mode. Easy to do with a car fob type device.
You can make a wheelchair control out of model aeroplane controls using
a std radio control kit, I know I have done it, ( but not actually for a
wheelchair) but the risk management aspects of such a system in this
application would need very careful consideration. In my personal
opinion. And it would also need to be a medical device !
Geoff
G.J.Harbach I.Eng MIED IIPEM ATPsoc
Registered Clinical Technologist
Rehabilitation Engineering Specialist
Department of Healthcare Science
West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre
91 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak.
Birmingham B29 6JA
Tel 0121 466 3066
[log in to unmask]
[log in to unmask]
www.actwmids.nhs.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Vin West
Sent: 29 July 2015 21:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Remote control power chair
Warning: This message contains unverified links which may not be safe.
You should only click links if you are sure they are from a trusted
source.
I have to say I don't understand the difference between someone driving
the chair they are sitting in and calling it across the room under
control - and from my own experience I can think of numerous situations
where the ability to call back a chair that has been parked out of the
way to give PAs access to the bedside would impart real choice and
control to the wheelchair user.
Vin
Vin West
Chair
Arfon Access Group
01286880761
07771536760
Glyn Dwr
Llandwrog Uchaf
Caernarfon
LL54 7RA
[log in to unmask]
> On 29 Jul 2015, at 16:56, Harbach Geoff
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> I saw a remote controlled powered chair at PMG last year I think.
> Scares the hell out of me.
>
> Technically it is relatively easy to do, but from an ethical point of
> view it is questionable due to the safety issues.
>
> Why would the chair need to be got out of the way ?
>
> G.J.Harbach I.Eng MIED IIPEM ATPsoc Registered Clinical
> Technologist Rehabilitation Engineering Specialist Department of
> Healthcare Science West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre
> 91 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak.
> Birmingham B29 6JA
> Tel 0121 466 3066
> [log in to unmask]
> [log in to unmask]
> www.actwmids.nhs.uk
>
> This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are private and
> confidential. If you have received it in error you must not use, copy,
> disclose or store the information contained within this email or
> attachments. Please notify the sender immediately by using the reply
> function and permanently delete what you have received. The statements
> and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do
> not necessarily reflect those of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS
> Trust.
>
> Computer viruses can be transmitted by email. Messages and any
> attached files will have been checked with virus detection software
> before transmission, however we advise you to check emails and any
> attachments for the presence of viruses as neither the Trust nor the
> sender accept responsibility for any viruses transmitted by this email
> and/or any attachments.
>
> Confidentiality
>
> The information contained in an email may be subject to disclosure as
> required by law including under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
> <http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/freedom_of_information.aspx>
> and the Data Protection Act 1998
> <http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection.aspx> .
> Unless the information requested is legally exempt from disclosure, we
> cannot guarantee that we will not provide the whole or part of an
> email to a third party making a request for information about the
> content of the email. Internet e-mail is not a secure medium. E-mails
> sent via the Internet could be intercepted and read by someone else.
> Please bear that in mind when deciding whether to send material to
> Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, partner organisations or
the NHS in general.
>
> The principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Caldicott
> guidelines should be adhered to at all times. Incoming and outgoing
> email messages may be monitored in accordance with the
> Telecommunications Regulations 2000 and Human Rights Act 2000.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Tiernan
> Sent: 27 July 2015 10:11
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Remote control power chair
>
> Warning: This message contains unverified links which may not be safe.
> You should only click links if you are sure they are from a trusted
> source.
> Hello,
>
> I am wondering if anyone can help with the following query that was
> brought to my attention today:
>
>
>
>
> Dear Sir/Madam,
>
> Hope you are well.
>
> Having come across your web-site I thought I should email you for
> advice.
>
> I am a disabled person and was wondering if there was a such thing as
> a Remote Control for a Power Chair which would allow you to bring the
> Chair to and from you when you transfer onto a bed or sofa.
>
> If there is, could you please tell me how much it costs and how it can
> be got.
>
> Let me thank you for your time as I look forward to a reply.
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
> John
>
>
> John Tiernan
> SeatTech Service Manager
> Enable Ireland | Sandymount Avenue | Dublin 4 | Ireland
> Phone: +353 1 2615921 or 2615926 | Fax. +353 1 2695816 | E mail:
> [log in to unmask] | www.enableireland.ie\seattech
>
>
> <FONT face="Arial" Size=2 font color=gray>Enable Ireland Disability
> Services Ltd.
> <b>Registered Office</b> Unit 32F, Rosemount Park Drive, Rosemount
> Business Park, Ballycoolin Road, Dublin 11 <b>Registered in Dublin
> No.</b>13909 <b>Charity No.</b>20006617 <b>Patron</b> Michael D.
> Higgins, President of Ireland <b>Chairman</b> Donal Cashman <b>Chief
> Executive\Secretary</b> Fionnuala O'Donovan.
>
> The information contained in this e-mail and in any attachments is
> confidential and is intended solely for attention and use of the
> intended recipient(s).
> If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any form of
> use, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this communication in error please
> notify the sender and delete all copies from your computer system(s).
> The sender accepts no responsibility for unauthorised copying or
> processing of this email by any third party and disclaims any
> liability for any loss arising as a result.</font>
|