DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A TRANSPORT VEHICLE

Abstract

A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to manual actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the Z-axis is adapted to provide Z-axis movement of the vehicle by processing the first sensor output signal and the second sensor output signal, and wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the X-axis is adapted to provide X-axis movement of the vehicle by processing the first sensor output signal and the second sensor output signal.

Claims

1. A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the Z-axis is adapted to provide Z-axis movement of the vehicle by processing the first sensor output signal and the second sensor output signal, and wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the X-axis is adapted to provide X-axis movement of the vehicle by processing the first sensor output signal and the second sensor output signal.

2. The controller according to claim 1 wherein the contact surface is chosen from the group comprising a handle, joystick, contact pad or headrest.

3. The controller according to claim 1 wherein the actuation comprises physical force imparted by a body part of the operator.

4. The controller according to claim 1 wherein the actuation of the contact surface occurs when physical force is imparted by a body part.

5. The controller according to claim 4 wherein the body part is chosen from the hand, head, arm, shoulder, finger or leg of the operator.

6. The controller according to claim 1, the controller having a single contact surface.

7. The controller according to claim 1, the controller having a third sensor and a fourth sensor each responsive to actuation of the contact surface, and having a respective third sensor output signal and fourth sensor output signal wherein the signal processing means being adapted to process output signals of all the sensors.

8. The controller according to claim 1 comprising a further sensor, wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the Y-axis is adapted to provide a further sensor output signal to enable a further predetermined function of operation.

9. The controller according to claim 1 comprising a further sensor, wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the Y-axis is adapted to provide a further sensor output signal to enable Y-axis movement of at least part of the vehicle.

10. The method of controlling a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle using the controller of claim 1, the method including the step of applying force to the contact surface to control the direction and speed of the vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the force applied is manual force.

12. The controller according to claim 1 when used for a vehicle chosen from the group comprising electric wheelchairs, forklifts, luggage trolleys, goods trolleys and golf bag buggies.

13. The power assisted transport vehicle comprising the controller of claim 1 wherein the controller is in operative connection with the transport vehicle being at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view an example of the physical layout of a controller according to the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates in cross-sectional plan view one embodiment of a controller according to the present invention in side view (FIG. 2A), top view (FIG. 2B), schematic view (FIG. 2C) and perspective view (FIG. 2D);

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates in perspective view a further embodiment of a controller according to the present invention in side view (FIG. 3A) and top view (FIG. 3B);

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates three different applications of the controller according to the present invention, for a wheelchair (FIG. 4A), a luggage trolley (FIG. 4B) and a forklift (FIG. 4C).

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the handle of the present invention with bracket in perspective view (FIG. 5A), side view (FIG. 5B) and plan view (FIG. 5C);

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a double ended loadcell assembly for the present invention in perspective view (FIG. 6A), top view (FIG. 6B) and side view (FIG. 6C);

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates operation of the handle depicted in FIG. 6;

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of a further embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a head operated controller according to the present invention in perspective view (FIG. 9A), top view (FIG. 9B) and side view (FIG. 9C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the physical layout of a controller according to the present invention.

[0067] The controller includes a contact surface in the form of a handle (1) which is attached to one or more force sensors (not shown) within the housing (3), and a signal processor (not shown) that processes electrical signals from the force sensors using an appropriate algorithm to generate a drive signal for the motor driving ground engagement means such as wheels. The sensor housing (3) is supported via a mounting bracket (5) on the motorized base.

[0068] In this embodiment the force sensors are load cells, but other embodiments may include pressure sensing resistors or any other suitable force or pressure sensing element. The load cells are arranged within the control handle in a manner that allows the forces applied to the control handle to be independently resolved into component forces indicated in each of the relevant axes X, Y, Z with R indicating rotational force.

[0069] The controller allows an operator walking beside or behind a power assisted vehicle to control the drive speed; forward and reverse; and the steering (and possibly additional functions) of the vehicle. An attendant can operate the controller in a way that is almost identical to operating vehicles of the prior art.

[0070] The mechanical arrangement of the sensors is such that the forces on the handle are able to be resolved into the component forces in the relevant axes. This can best be explained by way of examples:

[0071] Example 1: Two contact surfaces in the form of control handles (each as depicted in FIG. 1) are fitted to the back of a power assisted wheelchair. The attendant grips a handle with each hand and pushes in the direction of the Z-axis to make the chair move in the forward direction. If, as is common, the attendant also leans on the handles while pushing the chair, another force is applied to the handles in the downward direction. The total resultant force and direction is now no longer just in the desired Z-axis direction.

[0072] Using this conformation of the controller, there are two preferred embodiments; (a) the signal from the sensor is such that either the attached controller can separate the signals into the relevant directions and thus be able to ignore the unwanted forces due to leaning on the handles (or use them to control other functions) or (b) the mechanical arrangement of the contact surface of the handle is such that the unwanted force from leaning on the handles can be isolated (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0073] Example 2: Again with reference to two controllers as depicted in FIG. 1, the attendant might need to carry a bag in one hand and push the wheelchair using the other hand. To accomplish this, the attendant will intuitively push on the contact surface in the form of a handle in the Z-axis direction to move the chair forward, but would also twist the handle in the X-axis direction to maintain a straight course or to steer around corners when required. The controller will therefore need to resolve the independent component forces in the Z and X axes to control the wheelchair correctly.

[0074] The mechanical arrangement of the contact surface and the force sensors is such that the attached controller is able to resolve forces in the X-axisto steer the vehicle left/rightand in the Z-axisto control the forward/reverse speed. The signals proportional to the forces applied in the Y-axis and the rotational forces R might also be used by the attached controller to control other functions of the power assisted vehicle.

[0075] The signals resolved in the X-axis will be used to steer the motorized base vehicle left and right. The signals resolved in the Z-axis direction will be used to set the drive speed and direction (forward and reverse).

[0076] In one preferred embodiment, the signal resolved for the Y-axis direction and the R rotational direction are used to control other functions such as lift and/or tilt where appropriate.

[0077] The location and physical arrangement of the sensors must be such that the forces in the various axes can be independently resolved. One preferred embodiment for achieving this is depicted in FIG. 2A which illustrates a side view of a controller showing preferred locations of the sensors so that the forces in the various planes can be independently resolved.

[0078] Specifically FIG. 2A depicts three plates (6,10,12). The plates may be metal, or constructed of any other convenient materials or combinations of materials. Two of the plates (6, 12) are attached to a support (7) on the vehicle, such as the handle of a wheelchair. The middle plate (10) is attached to a first sensor (9a) and contact surface of the handle (11) and has a small degree of freedom to slide relative to the upper and lower plates (6, 12), subject to the application of the bolts (8a,8b). The first sensor (9a) and second sensor (9b) are attached between two of the plates (10, 12). The first sensor (9a) and second sensor (9b) will therefore measure the forces in the X and Z axial directions only and remain unaffected by forces imparted in the Y-axis direction. As in example 1 above, leaning on the handles has no effect on the control forces in the X or Z-axes.

[0079] FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of the controller of FIG. 2a. In this view the first sensor (9a) and the second sensor (9b) can both be seen, along with the handle (11) and the upper plate (6).

[0080] FIG. 2C illustrates the effects of manual force imparted to the handle (11) of the controller of FIG. 2A. If the signals from the first and second sensors (9a) and (9b) are J and K respectively then with the first sensor (9a) and the second sensor (9b) mounted as shown, the resultant signal for forces in directions Z (for forward/reverse) and X (left/right) will be: Z=J+K and X=JK.

[0081] FIG. 2D illustrates the sandwich structure of the plates (6, 10, 12) and handle (11) in isolation. The plates are held together by two bolts (8a, 8bnot shown in this view) that are located in holes (15a, 15b) that pass through all three plates. The diameter of the holes (15a, 15b) is slightly greater where it passes through the second plate (10), as compared with the other two plates (6, 12). Thus, slight movement of plate 10 relative to plates 6 and 12 is permitted in the horizontal plane and this is sufficient for operation of the force sensors (9a) and (9b). In other vehicles such as forklifts, it may be useful to have a mechanical arrangement that also allows measurement of the vertical forces in the Y axis of the middle plate (10) relative to the other plates (6, 12). This could be achieved for example by including one or more load cells to measure the Y axis forces that the middle plate (10) exerts on the top plate (6) or the bottom plate (12).

[0082] Other embodiments comprising different combinations of mechanical isolation and sensor arrangement can be conceived to provide the same result. FIG. 3 depicts another preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the side view of a controller shown in FIG. 3A comprises just two metal plates (13, 14). The lower plate (14) is attached to a support (7) on the vehicle, such as the handle of a wheelchair. The upper plate (13) is attached to a first sensor (10b) and handle (part 11a) and has some freedom to rotate around bolt (20), subject to the application of the bolt (20) holding the two plates (13,14) in proximity. The handle contains the second sensor (10a) that is attached between the handle parts (11a) and a sliding outer handle sleeve (11b). The first sensor (10b) will therefore measure the forces in the X-axis direction only while the second sensor (10a) will measure forces in the Z-axis direction only. Both sensors (10a) and (10b) will remain unaffected by forces imparted in the Y-axis direction. As in example 1 above, leaning on the handles has no effect on the control forces in the X or Z-axis directions.

[0083] FIG. 3B illustrates a top plan view of the controller of FIG. 3A. In this view the first sensor (10b) and the second sensor (10a) can both be seen, along with the handle parts (11a) and (11b) and one of the plates (14).

[0084] The signal processor receiving the signals from the sensors can also apply a number of algorithms to ensure that the control of the vehicle is smooth, simple, safe and intuitive. The signal processor is thus adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set.

[0085] The algorithms used can be configured, for example, to detect the tilting back of a wheelchair to allow the front ground engaging means (eg castors), followed by the main wheels, to climb over a gutter, step or other similar obstacle. On a wheelchair that has no power assist, the process is generally as follows: The wheelchair is pushed in the forward direction. On approaching a step, the attendant will stop the wheelchair before pulling back sharply on the handles. The chair tilts backwards as a result of this action. The chair can now be pushed forwards in the tilted position until the main wheels hit the step. The attendant then maneuvers the wheelchair to allow the main wheels to negotiate the step (up or down). Once the step has been negotiated the operation resumes as normal with the chair being pushed forward on the flat ground beyond the step.

[0086] The controller of the present invention may comprise further components such as an accelerometer to measure the tilt angle of the chair and a gyroscopic sensor to measure the rate at which the chair is being tilted. The algorithm in the signal processor can be configured to detect actions such as; [0087] stopping of the wheelchair, then [0088] the signal from the handles indicating that the attendant is pulling sharply back on the handles, then [0089] tilting backwards of the chair, then [0090] the tilting of the wheelchair back beyond a certain threshold angle until it is not tilted further.

[0091] If this sequence of events has been completed the signal processor may identify this condition as one where the chair is being tilted backwards by the attendant to negotiate an obstacle such as a step. The drive signal to the motors of the ground engaging members can therefore be applied appropriate to this condition. Once the controller detects that the chair has tilted forwards again normal drive for forwards travel can again be applied to the ground engaging members.

[0092] Thus the combination of signal sensors and an intelligent signal processor can be used to understand the intentions of the attendant and thus apply appropriate power to the ground engaging members to assist the attendant with his intended action.

[0093] Various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms, including computer program logic for use with a processor (e.g., a signal processor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer and for that matter, any commercial processor may be used to implement the embodiments of the invention either as a single processor, serial or parallel set of processors in the system, programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device, discrete components, integrated circuitry, or any other means including any combination thereof).

[0094] The controller might also include a display to inform the attendant or operator of the current state of the vehicle, fault conditions and/or battery charge state.

[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates three different applications of a controller (25) according to the present invention, for (a) a wheelchair (20), (b) a luggage trolley (30) and (c) a forklift (40). The controller could be used for a wide range of devices for moving people and goods, such as at airports, seaports and resorts; hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities; warehouses and other storage facilities.

[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the device of the present invention. Specifically, in this embodiment there can be seen: [0097] fixed base (41) [0098] handle mounting plate (42) [0099] loadcells (44) measuring the forces between points 41 and 42 [0100] the contact surface (45) [0101] assembly mounting plate (46) that holds the handle assembly to the vehicle [0102] mounting plate guide bolts (47)

[0103] The two loadcells 44 are fixed at one end to the handle mounting plate or bracket (42) and at the other end to the fixed base (41) in such a way as to measure the force between the handle mounting plate (42) and the fixed base (41). The driving force (direction Z) and steering forces (direction X) applied by the operator to the handle (45) are transferred via the handle mounting plate (42) to each of the loadcells (44). Steering and driving forces applied to the contact surface (45) in the form of a handle, are mechanically converted by the arrangement shown in FIG. 5C into forces in the J and K direction to be measured and converted to electrical signals by their respective loadcells (44)

[0104] The signals from the loadcells (44) can then be used by an electronic controller to control the drive motors of a vehicle to which they are connected. The mechanical arrangement shown in FIG. 5C illustrates the direction of the driving force in the X-axis and the steering force in the Z-axis. Forces applied in the Y-axis (ie in the vertical plane) are effectively ignored.

[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a double ended loadcell assembly for the present invention. Specifically, in this embodiment there can be seen: [0106] mounting base (51) fixed to the vehicle [0107] double ended loadcell (52a, 52b) measuring the forces on the handle (54) [0108] connecting frame (53) [0109] contact surface (54) [0110] handle body guide bolts (55) (see FIG. 6C) [0111] loadcell fixing bolts (56)

[0112] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation in further detail. The double ended loadcell (52a, 52b) is fixed to the mounting base (51) by the fixing bolts (56). The driving forces (X direction) and steering force (Z direction) applied by the operator on the handle (54) are transferred via the connecting frame (53) to each of the loadcell measuring elements (52a, 52b) by the connecting pins (52c, 52d). Steering and driving forces applied to the contact surface (54) are mechanically converted by the arrangement shown in FIG. 7 into forces in the J-direction and K-direction to be measured and converted to electrical signals by the respective load cell elements (52a, 52b).

[0113] The signals from the loadcells (52a, 52b) can be used by an electronic controller to control the drive motors of the vehicle to which it is connected. The mechanical arrangement of FIG. shows the driving force in the X-axis and the steering force in the Z-axis. Forces applied in the Y-axis (ie in the vertical plane) are effectively ignored.

[0114] FIG. 8 illustrates operation of a further embodiment of the handle. The two load cells (52a, 52b) are fixed at one end to the handle bracket (51) and at the other end to the mounting base (57) in such a way as to measure the force between the handle bracket (51) and the mounting base (57). The driving and steering forces applied by the operator on the contact surface (54) are transferred via the handle bracket (51) to each of the loadcells (52a, 52b). Steering and driving forces applied to the contact surface (54) are mechanically converted by the arrangement shown in FIG. 8 in to forces in the direction of the arrows (J and K) to be measured and converted to electrical signals by loadcell elements (52a, 52b) respectively.

[0115] The signals form the loadcells (52a, 52b) can then be used by an electronic controller to control the drive motors of the connected vehicle. The mechanical arrangement of FIG. 8 illustrates how the driving force in the X-axis direction (X) and Y-axis direction are effectively ignored.

[0116] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a head operated controller according to the present invention. In this embodiment the contact surface is adapted for contact with the operator's head and is appropriately curved to comfortably fit the rear of the operator's skull.

[0117] The controller is mounted at one end of a mounting pole (65) in a position to allow the operator to place the back of their head against the contact surface (60) in the form of a headrest. The other end of the mounting pole (65) is connected to a wheelchair or other vehicle. The wheelchair steering can be controlled by the operator pushing their head to the left or right against the contact surface (60) to direct the wheelchair to the left or right respectively. The drive speed can be controlled by the amount of pressure imparted by the user's head directly against the contact surface (60) in the X direction.

[0118] Two loadcells (62a, 62b) are each mounted with one end fixed to the mounting plate (68) and at the other end fixed to the headrest bracket (66). This mounting arrangement allows the driving and steering forces applied by the operator on the contact surface (60) of the headrest to be transferred via the headrest bracket (66) to each of the loadcells (62a, 62b). Using this arrangement the steering and driving forces are mechanically converted into Forces J and K to be measured and converted to electrical signals by the respective loadcells (62a, 62b).

[0119] The signals from the loadcells (62a, 62b) can then be used by an electronic controller to control the drive motors of the connected wheelchair or other vehicle. The mechanical arrangement shown in FIG. 9 illustrates the driving force in the X-axis direction and the steering force in the Z-axis direction. Forces applied in the Y-axis direction (ie in the vertical plane) are effectively ignored.

[0120] Drive force can only be applied in one direction with the arrangement shown in FIG. 9. As an added feature, a pushbutton switch could be mounted to protrude through the hole in the contact surface (60) of the headrest in such a way that the operator can change the drive direction by operating the switch with their head.

[0121] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features set out above.

[0122] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0123] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0124] Computer program logic implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be embodied in various forms, including a source code form, a computer executable form, and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by an assembler, compiler, linker, or locator). Source code may include a series of computer program instructions implemented in any of various programming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or a high-level language. Moreover, there are hundreds of available computer languages that may be used to implement embodiments of the invention.

[0125] The computer program may be fixed in any form (e.g., source code form, computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, an optical memory device, a PC card, or other memory device. The computer program may be fixed in any form in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and inter-networking technologies. The computer program may be distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web).

[0126] Hardware logic implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically using various tools, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), a hardware description language, or a PLD programming language. Hardware logic may also be incorporated into display screens for use with the invention and which may be segmented display screens, analogue display screens, digital display screens, CRTs, LED screens, Plasma screens, liquid crystal diode screen, and the like.

[0127] Programmable logic may be fixed either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, an optical memory device, or other memory device. The programmable logic may be fixed in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and internetworking technologies. The programmable logic may be distributed as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation, preloaded with a computer system, or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system.

[0128] Comprises/comprising and includes/including when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, includes, including and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.