Fascinating discussion! For this one-off, if it is to only be used in a single room, I'd be thinking about IR control. That requires the operator to be within line of sight of the chair which takes care of many of the safety aspects. The other way of simplifying the system would be to use the chair in a "switch scanning" mode, so the controls available would be turn left/right, and move forward/back - and only one function at a time. This could be used with a very slow drive profile which is selected when the chair is changed to switch mode.
Cheers,
James Dean
([log in to unmask])
Technical Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
109 Ferndale Rd, Silvan Vic 3795
tecsol.com.au
Ph (03) 9737 9000
Fax (03) 9737 9111
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Hewett
Sent: Friday, 31 July 2015 2:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Remote control power chair
I think the original request sounding like a really interesting and useful idea, but that there isn't anything available currently.
Considering the proliferation or driverless vehicles that will soon be upon us, it's not really outside the realms of possibility. In particular in the context of the original message that described operation within a small area in a single room, it's a pretty safe environment.
Surely we can find ways to facilitate this type of function rather than trying to find reasons why we can't.
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Harbach Geoff
Sent: 30 July 2015 10:53
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Remote control power chair
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
>
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> -----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
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