Computer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network

• US 20040102166A1
• Filed: 11/26/2002
• Published: 05/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information
• Original Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies Incorporated (GE Healthcare Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Brackett, C. Cameron, Morita, Mark M., Fors, Steven L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,200,427 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/152.1
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 11/007 Automatic balancing machines with single main ground engaging wheel or coaxial wheels supporting a rider
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 17/00 Cycles not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 3/002 without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 7/12 with the engine beside or within the driven wheel

Abstract

A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device and a computer. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The occupant of the computer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer while operating the personal mobility device.

Claims

1. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising a personal mobility device and a computer coupled to the personal mobility device, the computer configured to link to the network and to engage in two-way communication with the network, wherein an occupant of the computer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer while operating the personal mobility device.

2. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is a one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.

3. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to link to the network through wireless communication.

4. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen and wherein the touch screen is useable to at least partially control the operation of the computer.

5. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein voice commands can be used to at least partially control the operation of the computer.

6. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the personal mobility device.

7. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1 further comprising a support member coupling the computer to the personal mobility device.

8. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7, wherein the computer is moveable relative to the personal mobility device.

9. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7, wherein the support member is detachably coupled to the personal mobility device.

10. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the support member.

11. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is linked to the personal mobility device and wherein the computer is capable of performing at least one of the functions of controlling and monitoring the operation of the personal mobility device.

12. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the personal mobility device comprises at least two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, a column extending from the platform and having a first end coupled to the platform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column.

13. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the personal mobility device accommodates only one occupant.

14. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the network is a hospital information system.

15. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to provide patient information when the computer is linked to the hospital information system.

16. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 14, wherein the patient information includes at least one of patient charts, patient status information, and patient monitoring information.

17. A conversion kit for converting a personal mobility device into a computer-equipped mobility device, the conversion kit comprising:

a computer configured to link to a network; and

a support member coupled to the computer, the support member for coupling to the personal mobility device.

18. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.

19. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is configured to link to the network through wireless communication.

20. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen that is capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

21. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is configured to engage in two-way communication with the network.

22. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is movable relative to the personal mobility device.

23. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the support member is detachably couplable to the personal mobility device.

24. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the support member.

25. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is configured to perform at least one of the functions of controlling and monitoring the operation of the personal mobility device.

26. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network within a network accessible area, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising:

a personal mobility device; and

a computer coupled to the personal mobility device, the computer configured to link to the network through wireless communication when the computer-equipped mobility device is within the network accessible area.

27. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a hospital information system within a system accessible area, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising:

a personal mobility device configured to accommodate a single occupant, the personal mobility device comprising at least two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, a column extending from the platform and having a first end coupled to the platform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column;

a support member coupled to the personal mobility device; and

a computer detachably coupled to the support member, the computer configured to link to the hospital information system through wireless communication and to provide at least one of patient charts, patient status information, and patient monitoring information when the computer-equipped mobility device is within the system accessible area, wherein the computer is one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.

28. A computer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising:

a means for transporting an occupant over a distance; and

a means for linking to the network and for engaging in two-way communication with the network, wherein the linking means is operable while the occupant is operating the transporting means.