Computer-equipped mobility device

• US 6,930,878 B2
• Filed: 11/26/2002
• Issued: 08/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies Incorporated (GE Healthcare Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies Incorporated (GE Healthcare Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Brackett, C. Cameron, Morita, Mark M., Fors, Steven L.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEA EDMONDS, LISA S
• Application Number:
  US10/304,536
• Publication Number:
  US 20040100083A1
• Time in Patent Office: 994 Days
• Field of Search: 361679-686, 280/762
• US Class Current: 361/679.03
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/00 Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/10 Arrangement of audio equipment; Supports therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/20 Cycle computers as cycle accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 50/22 electronic, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 11/007 Automatic balancing machines with single main ground engaging wheel or coaxial wheels supporting a rider

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, a computer, and a user input device. 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 user input device is coupled to the personal mobility device. The user input device is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

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;

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; and

a user device coupled to the personal mobility device and linked to the computer, the user input device capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer wherein the user input device comprises a direction control member and an activation member, further wherein the direction control member is configured and located such that the direction control member is controllable by the occupant'"'"'s thumb while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device, and wherein the activation member is configured and located such that the activation member is controllable by one of the occupant'"'"'s fingers while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device.

2. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the user input device is useable by the occupant to operate the computer while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device.

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 user input device is positioned on the personal mobility device in a location that allows the occupant to use the user input device while controlling the operation of the personal mobility device.

5. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1 wherein the user input device is linked to the computer through wireless communication.

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

7. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen and wherein the computer is operable through the use of the touch screen.

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

9. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 8, wherein the user input device is detachably coupled to the support member.

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

11. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the user input device is capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the personal mobility device.

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

13. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the user input device is one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a joystick.

14. 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.

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

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

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

18. 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;

a computer coupled to the personal mobility device with a first support member, the computer configured to link to the network through wireless communication when the computer-equipped mobility device is within the network accessible area; and

a user input device coupled to the personal mobility device with a second support member, the user input device being linked to the computer and allowing the occupant to at least partially control the operation of the computer while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device.

19. 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

a first support member coupled to the computer, the first support member for coupling to the personal mobility device; and

a user input device linked to the computer, the user input device capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer, wherein the user input device is coupled to the personal mobility device with a second support member.

20. The conversion kit of claim 19, further comprising a second support member coupled to the user input device, the second support member for coupling to the personal mobility device.

21. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the vehicle 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 first support member coupled to the personal mobility device; and

a computer detachably coupled to the first 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;

a second support member coupled to the personal mobility device; and

a user input device coupled to the second support member and comprising an activation member and a direction control member, the user input device being linked to the computer and allowing the occupant to at least partially control the operation of the computer while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device.

22. 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;

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; and

a means for at least partially controlling the operation of the computer, wherein the controlling means includes a direction control member and an activation member, further wherein the direction control member is configured and located such that the direction control member is controllable by the occupant'"'"'s thumb while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device, and wherein the activation member is configured and located such that the activation member is controllable by one of the occupant'"'"'s fingers while the occupant is operating the personal mobility device.