Method and apparatus for setting or modifying programmable parameters in power driven wheelchair

• US 8,073,585 B2
• Filed: 08/31/2006
• Issued: 12/06/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Invacare Corporation
• Original Assignee: Invacare Corporation
• Inventors: Jaenke, Bruce A., Peters, Darryl, Chopcinski, Gary E., McCullar, Ricky J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Beaulieu, Yonel
• Application Number:
  US11/513,750
• Publication Number:
  US 20070056780A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,923 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29, 701/36, 180/907, 180/65.1, 280/29, 280/250.1, 188/2.F
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/14 Joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/20 Displays or monitors
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/04 motor-driven A61G5/06 takes precedence; motor-operated rests A61G5/12; for vehicles with handlebars, equipped with three or more wheels B62K5/003, B62K5/023
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/10 Parts, details or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1059 adjusting the height of the seat
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1075 tilting the whole seat backwards tilting forwards for standing-up or sitting-down aids A61G5/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1089 Anti-tip devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/12 Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/128 for feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05784 with ventilating means, e.g. mattress or cushion with ventilating holes or ventilators
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/84 Wheelchairs
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/106 for selecting a programme, variable or parameter
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23128 Switch from one kind of display to other when parameter is changed
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23129 Animated display, changes as function of parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23159 Display plurality of parameters simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23193 Memory stores lifetime, different settings, configurations of controlled device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23332 Overide stored parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23388 Mixture of different means, joystick, keys, pedals, fader, potentiometer
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2637 Vehicle, car, auto, wheelchair
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 21/18 Estimation of position or speed
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility

Abstract

A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.

Claims

1. An apparatus associated with a power driven wheelchair comprising:

one or more fault detection mechanisms coupled to the wheelchair that are configured to output a plurality of stored fault codes each associated with a given wheelchair operating condition; and

a system controller comprising;

a mounting portion for mounting the system controller to the power driven wheelchair;

a display device;

a stored collection of diagnostic information associated with each fault code;

a diagnostic information request selector; and

a microcontroller comprising;

logic that reads an actuation of the diagnostic information request selector; and

logic that in response to reading an actuation of the diagnostic information request selector, selects diagnostic information associated with a fault code presently displayed on the display device and displays the diagnostic information on the display device;

wherein the diagnostic information comprises at least one fault code and at least one text message conveying possible causes for the fault code.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the system controller further comprises a storage medium interface for accepting portable storage media that stores the collection of diagnostic information and fault codes.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller is housed within the display device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the system controller further comprises memory that stores the collection of diagnostic information and fault codes.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the system controller further comprises:

a storage medium interface for accepting a portable storage medium and for coupling the portable storage medium to the microcontroller, wherein the portable storage medium stores at least one of a master diagnostic information version and master fault codes version; and

a storage device for storing at least one of diagnostic information and fault codes;

wherein the microcontroller further comprises logic that can replace the stored diagnostic information with the master diagnostic information version if the master diagnostic information version is newer than the stored diagnostic information when the portable storage medium is coupled to the microcontroller, and wherein the microcontroller further comprises logic that can replace the stored fault codes with the master fault codes version if the master fault codes version is newer than the stored fault codes when the portable storage medium is coupled to the microcontroller.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the system controller further comprises:

a first storage medium interface for accepting a portable storage medium and for coupling the portable storage medium to the microcontroller; and

a programmer interface for interfacing with a programmer, wherein the programmer comprises a second storage medium interface for accepting the portable storage medium;

wherein the portable storage medium is configured to interface with system controllers and programmers, and wherein the portable storage medium stores at least one of diagnostic information and fault codes for use by a plurality of system controllers and programmers.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more fault detection mechanisms includes a joystick fault detector and wherein the collection of diagnostic information includes diagnostic information related to joystick troubleshooting.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more fault detection mechanisms includes a wheelchair brake fault detector and wherein the collection of diagnostic information includes diagnostic information related to parking brake troubleshooting.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more fault detection mechanisms includes a seating actuator fault detector and wherein the collection of diagnostic information includes diagnostic information related to seating actuator troubleshooting.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more fault detection mechanisms includes a wheelchair controller fault detector and wherein the collection of diagnostic information includes diagnostic information related to controller troubleshooting.

56. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller further comprises logic that controls a drive motor in response to a user input device.

57. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller further comprises logic that controls an actuator in response to a user input device.

58. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller further comprises logic that controls drive motors and actuators in response to a user input device.

11. A method that displays diagnostic information on a display associated with a wheelchair comprising:

storing a collection of diagnostic information associated with one or more of a plurality of fault codes;

receiving a selected fault code and a request for diagnostic information; and

displaying the diagnostic information associated with the selected fault code on the display;

wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing at least one of diagnostic information and fault codes on a system controller mounted to the wheelchair.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the system controller comprises a storage medium interface for accepting portable storage media, and wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing at least one of diagnostic information and fault codes on portable storage media that can be placed in communication with the display.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising storing a fault code log of fault codes generated during operation of the wheelchair and displaying the fault code log on the display and wherein the step of receiving a selected fault code is performed by receiving a fault code selected from the log.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing a set of troubleshooting steps that may be followed to address a wheelchair operating condition that generated the associated fault code.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the associated fault code is related to joystick function and wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing a set of troubleshooting steps that may be followed to address a wheelchair operating condition that generated the associated fault code.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the associated fault code is related to wheelchair brake function and wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing a set of troubleshooting steps that may be followed to address a wheelchair operating condition that generated the associated fault code.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the associated fault code is related to seating actuator function and wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing a set of troubleshooting steps that may be followed to address a wheelchair operating condition that generated the associated fault code.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the associated fault code is related to wheelchair controller function and wherein the step of storing a collection of diagnostic information is performed by storing a set of troubleshooting steps that may be followed to address a wheelchair operating condition that generated the associated fault code.

19. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of receiving a request for diagnostic information is performed by receiving a signal from a user actuable switch.

45. The method of claim 12 wherein a storage device in communication with the display stores at least one of diagnostic information and fault codes, and wherein the portable storage media stores at least one of a master diagnostic information version and master fault codes version, and wherein a microcontroller comprises logic that can replace the stored diagnostic information with the master diagnostic information version if the master diagnostic information version is newer than the stored diagnostic information when the portable storage media is coupled to the microcontroller, and wherein the microcontroller comprises logic that can replace the stored fault codes with the master fault codes version if the master fault codes version is newer than the stored fault codes when the portable storage media is coupled to the microcontroller.

46. The method of claim 12 wherein the display is associated with the system controller or a programmer, and wherein the portable storage media is configured to interface with system controllers and programmers, and wherein the portable storage media stores at least one of diagnostic information and fault codes for use by a plurality of system controllers and programmers.

20. An apparatus associated with a power-driven wheelchair comprising:

a system controller coupled to the wheelchair that includes one or more user input mechanisms for controlling aspects of wheelchair operation and wherein the system controller includes a microcontroller with memory for storing wheelchair operating instructions executable by the microcontroller for controlling aspects of wheelchair operation in response to signals from the input mechanisms; and

wherein the system controller includes a socket for accepting portable storage media that can store wheelchair operating instructions for transfer and storage in the microcontroller memory when the portable storage media is coupled to the microcontroller.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the portable storage media is a secure digital card.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 including a computing device configured to access and store wheelchair operating instructions that are stored on a web page and wherein the computing device can be selectively placed in operative communication to the portable memory storage media.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 including non-volatile storage media that stores an operating instruction library that includes one or more sets of wheelchair operating instructions and wherein the portable storage media can be selectively placed in operative communication with the operating instruction library.

47. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the portable storage media is coupled to the system controller via a programmer coupled to the system controller, wherein the programmer includes a socket for accepting portable storage media, and wherein the portable storage media is configured to interface with a plurality of system controllers and programmers.

48. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the portable storage media is configured to interface with a plurality of system controllers and the portable storage media stores wheelchair operating instructions for use by a plurality of system controllers.

49. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the portable storage media stores a master operating instruction library version, and wherein the microcontroller comprises logic that can replace the stored operating instruction library with the master operating instruction library version if the master operating instruction library version is newer than the stored operating instruction library.

24. A method associated with a power driven wheelchair comprising:

storing computer executable wheelchair operating instructions on portable storage media;

coupling the portable storage media to a system controller that includes a microcontroller configured to execute the operating instructions to control the wheelchair; and

selectively transferring the instructions from the portable storage media to memory associated with the microcontroller or from the memory associated with the microcontroller to the portable storage media.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the step of storing computer executable wheelchair operating instructions includes accessing a set of wheelchair operating instructions by accessing a web page on the Internet.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein the step of storing computer executable wheelchair operating instructions includes accessing a set of wheelchair operating instructions from a library of wheelchair operating instructions stored in non-volatile storage media remotely located with respect to the wheelchair.

27. The method of claim 24 comprising the step of associating a version number with operating instructions corresponding to a date of compilation of the instructions and wherein the step of selectively transferring the instructions is performed by comparing the version numbers associated with the operating instructions stored on the portable storage media and the operating instructions stored in the microcontroller, and transferring the instructions from the portable storage media if the version number of the instructions stored on the portable storage media indicates a later date of compilation than the version number associated with the instructions stored in the microcontroller.

28. The method of claim 24 comprising the step of coupling the portable storage media to a computer and storing updated operating instructions on the portable storage media for transfer to the memory associated with the microcontroller.

29. The method of claim 27 comprising the step of displaying a prompt on the controller that invites a user to manually initiate the transfer of instructions from the portable storage media when the version number of the instructions stored on the portable storage media indicates a later date of compilation than the version number associated with the instructions stored in the microcontroller.

50. The method of claim 24 wherein the portable storage media is coupled to the system controller via a programmer coupled to the system controller, and wherein the portable storage media is configured to interface with a plurality of system controllers and programmers.

30. An apparatus associated with a power driven wheelchair, comprising:

one or more input devices for selective activation; and

a system controller comprising;

a mounting portion for mounting the system controller to the power driven wheelchair;

a display device;

a first non-volatile storage device storing one or more sets of calibration parameters associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair;

a microcontroller comprising;

logic that controls display of the interactive screen on the display device; and

logic that controls selection and modification of one or more calibration parameters stored on the first non-volatile memory device in response to activation of one or more input devices.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 including a second non-volatile storage device storing one or more sets of calibration parameters associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the second non-volatile storage device is a portable storage media that can be selectively operably coupled to the microcontroller.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the portable storage media stores a master calibration parameter set version, and wherein the microcontroller further comprises logic that can replace the stored set of calibration parameters with the master calibration parameter set version if the master calibration parameter set version is newer than the stored set of calibration parameters when the portable storage media is coupled to the microcontroller.

34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the system controller includes one or more portable storage media receiving sockets for operably coupling the second non-volatile storage device to the system controller.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a wheelchair programmer that is adapted to be removably coupled to the system controller during a calibration process.

36. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the system controller includes a stereo input port into which two input signals can be routed.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 and wherein the calibration parameters include a set of wheelchair operations that can be controlled by each of the two input signals.

38. The apparatus of claim 30 and wherein the calibration parameters include a relationship between a battery discharge display and an actual battery voltage.

39. The apparatus of claim 30 and wherein the calibration parameters include one or more wheelchair motor outputs that have been selected as wheelchair drive outputs.

40. The apparatus of claim 30 and wherein the calibration parameters include a relationship between operative control of first and second wheelchair motors.

41. The apparatus of claim 30 and wherein the calibration parameters include a selected delay between cessation of operator control input and an activation of one or more wheelchair motor brakes.

42. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the calibration parameters include a display convention that defines a manner in which wheelchair operating information will be displayed on the display device.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 and wherein the calibration parameters include selected timing related to the display convention.

44. The apparatus of claim 30 and wherein the calibration parameters include a selected initial operating mode in which a wheelchair commences operation upon power up.

51. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the portable storage media stores a master calibration parameter set version, and wherein the microcontroller comprises logic that can store one or more sets of calibration parameters on the portable storage media when the portable storage media is coupled to the microcontroller, and wherein the portable storage media is configured to interface with a plurality of system controllers.

52. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the portable storage media is coupled to the system controller via the programmer, wherein the programmer comprises a portable storage media interface, and wherein the portable storage media is configured to interface with a plurality of system controllers and programmers.

53. A method associated with a power driven wheelchair comprising:

storing computer executable wheelchair operating instructions on portable storage media;

coupling the portable storage media to a wheelchair controller that includes a microcontroller configured to execute the operating instructions to control the wheelchair;

selectively transferring the instructions from the portable storage media to memory associated with the microcontroller; and

associating a version number with operating instructions corresponding to a date of compilation of the instructions;

wherein the step of selectively transferring the instructions is performed by comparing the version numbers associated with the operating instructions stored on the portable storage media and the operating instructions stored in the microcontroller, and transferring the instructions from the portable storage media if the version number of the instructions stored on the portable storage media indicates a later date of compilation than the version number associated with the instructions stored in the microcontroller.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of coupling the portable storage media to a computer and storing updated operating instructions on the portable storage media for transfer to the memory associated with the microcontroller.

55. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of displaying a prompt on the controller that invites a user to manually initiate the transfer of instructions from the portable storage media when the version number of the instructions stored on the portable storage media indicates a later date of compilation than the version number associated with the instructions stored in the microcontroller.

59. An apparatus associated with a power driven wheelchair comprising:

a display device coupled to the wheelchair;

a portable storage medium for storing at least one version of at least one of fault codes, diagnostic information, operating instructions, and calibration parameters;

a system controller coupled to the wheelchair for operating the wheelchair, wherein the system controller includes;

a first microcontroller;

a first memory coupled to the first microcontroller and for storing at least one version of at least one of fault codes, diagnostic information, operating instructions, and calibration parameters; and

a first storage medium interface for accepting the portable storage medium and for coupling the portable storage medium to the first microcontroller; and

a programmer coupled to the wheelchair for programming the wheelchair, wherein the programmer includes;

a second microcontroller;

a second memory coupled to the second microcontroller for storing at least one version of at least one of fault codes, diagnostic information, operating instructions, and calibration parameters; and

a second storage medium interface for accepting the portable storage medium and for coupling the portable storage medium to the first microcontroller or the second microcontroller.

60. The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the portable storage medium stores at least one version of at least one of fault codes, diagnostic information, operating instructions, and calibration parameters, and wherein the first microcontroller comprises logic that can replace the version of at least one of fault codes, diagnostic information, operating instructions, and calibration parameters stored in the first memory with the version stored on the portable storage medium when the version on the portable storage medium is newer than the version in the first memory.