A powered wheelchair is operated by sensor-based control pads that include force transducers to produce a variable output signal that is proportional to a varying force applied. The control pad provides an analog-type output that provides a variable speed signal to a controller to operate the wheelchair at a variable speed in both forward/reverse directions and in right or left turning directions.

A medical device, a medical device system and a monitor are provided. The medical device is provided with an audio acquisition apparatus and a processor. A user can operate, by means of a voice, the medical device to execute a medical process including several medical actions. Specifically, the user inputs a voice signal carrying a medical process instruction to the medical device. After acquiring the voice signal, the audio acquisition apparatus sends the voice signal to the processor, the processor determines the corresponding medical actions for the medical process instruction in the voice signal according to a preset correspondence between the medical process instruction and the medical actions, and controls execution of the medical actions. Hence, the user can operate the medical device by using the voice, without manually performing a contact operation, so that the operating method is more efficient and convenient.

A patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

There is disclosed a mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility device aid is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, and a wheel arrangement that supports the main unit on a floor surface. The mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in at least one of the main unit and the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility device aid is propelled forwards or backwards and turned by the motor arrangement. The wheel arrangement includes two wheels mounted at lateral sides of main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently driven in operation by the motor arrangement. The mobility aid device is self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal applied to the motor arrangement, and the wheels are contained within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement.

A base module is for a mobile medical system, designed to cover distances autonomously or semi-autonomously. The base module includes a chassis having a plurality of rolling bodies. The rolling bodies are mounted to rotate about axes of rotation and, via adjusting devices, are adjustable in the vertical direction such that each respective rolling body is movable between a first position, in which the respective rolling body is in contact with a floor area, and a second position, in which the respective rolling body is spaced apart from the floor area. A medical system includes a base module of an embodiment. A method for operation of the medical system is also disclosed.

A multifunction wheelchair, with fixed or folding frame, is described. The multifunction wheelchair is reconfigurable, by a transformation mechanism, between a normal use, ergonomic configuration and a roll-over-toilet configuration. This transformation involves raising the seat of the wheelchair, as needed, to position the wheelchair over the determined height of a toilet, and opening a seat closure mechanism to expose a cutout in the seat for toilet use. This transformation may be at least partially automated. In examples, the multifunction wheelchair is equipped with electronics (e.g., camera, microcontroller) to determine the toilet seat height for making height and/or steering adjustments. The transformation mechanism may be provided as a retrofit kit.

A patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

A patient support system for providing improved guidance tools with respect to a patient support apparatus. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from a user, and an information output device is configured to provide instructions to the user. The user interface and the information output device may be embodiment on a touchscreen display. The user inputs may include a search query. A controller may be adapted to determine search results corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus responsive to the search query and to provide said search results to the user with the information output device. The user input may include shorthand commands corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus. The user interface may include a voice actuation device configured to receive voice actuation commands from a user.

A system controls assistive technologies with an assistive tool for users with movement and/or communication disorders. The system includes an electronic communication interface, a biometric sensor, a calibration module and a processing unit. The interface presents users with stimuli associated with commands and/or information that the user might select. The sensor detects the user's biometric activity and generates a biometric electrical signal. During initial calibration, the calibration module records signal characteristics associated with a biometric electrical signal detected with voluntary biometric activity. The processing unit recognizes, based on the biometric electrical signal and the signal characteristics, the user's voluntary biometric activity and commands and/or information the user wants to select. The processing unit provides control signals to the interface and the assistive tool, based on the user's selection preferences. The interface presents stimuli based on the presentation control signal, if present, or presents a scan of stimuli.

Methods, systems, and techniques for controlling posture by using eye gaze technology to facilitate position changes in seating, such as in a wheelchair or bed, are provided. Example embodiments provide an Eye Gaze Posture Control System (“EGPCS”) which enables people with advanced motor neuron diseases or disabilities like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy to use eye gaze technologies to control their seating and bed positioning. In one embodiment, the example EGPCS comprises a posture and pressure advisor, logging and telemetry logic, a posture control application, device interface(s) to one or more other devices that control aspects of the powered wheelchair or bed, and eye gaze actuation control. These components cooperate to adjust position of a seat or a bed using eye gaze technology as opposed to by a virtual cursor or by manual control.