U.S. patent application number 11/068655 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for variable compliance joystick with compensation algorithms.
Invention is credited to Cooper, Rory A., Guo, Songfeng, Spaeth, Donald.
Application Number | 20050195166 11/068655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31978340 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050195166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cooper, Rory A. ; et
al. |
September 8, 2005 |
Variable compliance joystick with compensation algorithms
Abstract
The present invention provides variable compliance joysticks
with mechanical and software customization, and with an integrated
control capability, and a method of systematically determining the
best mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in
the joysticks to offer an individual with substantial upper
extremity motor impairments a personal fit and maximum function.
The joysticks may include components for varying the compliance and
dampening of the joystick shaft. The method may include providing
the user access to operate the joysticks, operatively connecting
the joysticks to a driving simulator, displaying an icon on the
driving simulator, controlling movement of the icon by the
joysticks, evaluating performance of the user based upon the user's
ability to control movement of the icon, and modifying hardware
settings and software algorithms for the joysticks based upon the
evaluation.
Inventors: |
Cooper, Rory A.; (Gibsonia,
PA) ; Spaeth, Donald; (Freeport, PA) ; Guo,
Songfeng; (Pittsburgh, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dykema Gossett PLLC
Suite 300 West
1300 I Street, NW
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
31978340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/068655 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11068655 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
|
|
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PCT/US03/27163 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
|
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60406682 |
Aug 29, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/161 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 74/20201 20150115;
G05G 9/047 20130101; G05G 2009/04762 20130101; A61G 2203/14
20130101; A63F 2300/1018 20130101; G06F 3/038 20130101; G06F 3/0338
20130101; G05G 2009/04729 20130101; G05G 2009/04725 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/161 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A joystick apparatus comprising: a rigid shaft including a tip;
and a flexible extension operatively connected to said shaft to
vary the compliance of said shaft.
2. A joystick according to claim 1, wherein said extension is
hollow and encircles said shaft, said extension further includes a
frusto-conical cross-section.
3. A joystick according to claim 2, wherein said extension includes
a viscous substance disposed therein for dampening motion of said
shaft.
4. A joystick according to claim 1, wherein said shaft includes
upper and lower shaft segments, said segments including a resilient
member disposed between adjacent ends thereof and being adjustable
to be spaced away from each other for varying the compliance of
said shaft.
5. A joystick according to claim 1, wherein said joystick includes
integrated control capability for operating multiple assistive
devices.
6. A joystick according to claim 5, wherein said joystick is
operatively mounted on an electric powered wheelchair for allowing
a user to operate multiple assistive devices.
7. A joystick according to claim 1, further comprising compensation
algorithms including an elliptical dead-zone representative of said
joystick shaft at rest, said dead-zone representing a minimum range
of forces which must be exceeded to produce motion of an electric
powered wheelchair including the joystick mounted thereon, said
dead-zone further representing a maximum range of forces which must
not be exceeded to prevent movement of the wheelchair.
8. A joystick according to claim 1, further comprising compensation
algorithms including a determination of an optimal bias axes gain
for movement of said joystick shaft in left, right, forward and
backward directions.
9. A joystick according to claim 1, further comprising compensation
algorithms including at least one software template for at least
one of controlling bias of said joystick shaft, decreasing throw of
said joystick shaft and reducing degrees of freedom of an output
signal of said joystick shaft.
10. A joystick according to claim 9, wherein said software template
is based upon the mathematics of super quadratics.
11. A joystick according to claim 10, wherein said software
template is one of a square, circular, cross, elliptical and
diamond shaped template.
12. A joystick according to claim 1, further comprising
compensation algorithms including filtering to reduce the effects
of unwanted motions of said joystick shaft.
13. A method for systematically determining the best mechanical
settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in a joystick to
offer a user a personal fit and maximum function, said method
comprising: providing the user access to operate the joystick;
operatively connecting the joystick to a driving simulator;
displaying an icon on said driving simulator; controlling movement
of said icon by the joystick; evaluating performance of the user
based upon the user's ability to control movement of said icon; and
modifying hardware settings and software algorithms for the
joystick based upon said evaluation.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein said modifying hardware
settings includes substituting different flexible extensions for
varying compliance of a joystick shaft, the extensions being
operatively connected to the shaft to encircle the shaft, the
extensions further including a frusto-conical cross-section.
15. A method according to claim 13, wherein modifying said software
algorithms includes computing an elliptical dead-zone
representative of a joystick shaft at rest, said dead-zone
representing a minimum range of forces which must be exceeded to
produce motion of an electric powered wheelchair including the
joystick mounted thereon, said dead-zone further representing a
maximum range of forces which must not be exceeded to prevent
movement of the wheelchair.
16. A method according to claim 13, wherein modifying said software
algorithms includes determining an optimal bias axes gain for
movement of a joystick shaft in left, right, forward and backward
directions.
17. A method according to claim 13, wherein modifying said software
algorithms includes providing at least one software template for at
least one of controlling bias of a joystick shaft, decreasing throw
of the joystick shaft and reducing degrees of freedom of an output
signal of the joystick shaft.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said software template
is based upon the mathematics of super quadratics.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said software template
is one of a square, circular, cross, elliptical and diamond shaped
template.
20. A method according to claim 13, wherein modifying at least one
of said hardware settings and software algorithms includes
obtaining a plurality of joystick shaft inputs corresponding to
driving performance of an electric powered wheelchair having the
joystick mounted thereon.
21. A joystick apparatus comprising: a joystick shaft having a
generally predetermined length, and including upper and lower
joystick segments operatively connected to each other, said lower
joystick segment being substantially flexible and movable relative
to said upper joystick segment to vary compliance of said joystick
shaft without substantially changing said predetermined length.
22. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment having a longitudinal axis, said joystick further
comprising a gimbal assembly substantially surrounding a length of
said lower joystick segment for generally maintaining said lower
joystick segment in a predetermined extended orientation relative
to said longitudinal axis.
23. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment includes a handle mounted to an index bushing including
internal threads along a length thereof, a drive stud operatively
connected to said lower joystick segment and further including
external threads operatively engaged with said internal threads
such that rotation of said handle in first and second opposite
rotational directions respectively moves said lower joystick
segment toward and away from said upper joystick segment to vary
the compliance of said shaft.
24. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment includes a handle mounted to an index bushing including
external threads along a length thereof, a chamber column including
internal threads operatively engaged with said external threads
such that rotation of said handle in first and second opposite
rotational directions respectively moves said chamber column away
from and toward said upper joystick segment to vary the compliance
of said shaft by reducing a bendable length of said lower joystick
segment.
25. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment includes a handle mounted to an index bushing including
internal and external threads along a length thereof, a drive stud
operatively connected to said lower joystick segment and further
including external threads operatively engaged with said index
bushing internal threads, and a chamber column including internal
threads operatively engaged with said index bushing external
threads, such that rotation of said handle in first and second
opposite rotational directions respectively moves said lower
joystick segment toward and away from said upper joystick segment,
and further respectively moves said chamber column away from and
toward said upper joystick segment to vary the compliance of said
shaft by reducing a bendable length of said lower joystick
segment.
26. A joystick according to claim 25, further comprising a spring
biased locking plunger selectively engageable with said index
bushing for allowing and preventing rotation of said index bushing
when respectively disengaged from and engaged with said index
bushing.
27. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment includes index bushing means operatively connected to drive
stud means such that rotation of a handle of said upper joystick
segment in first and second opposite rotational directions
respectively moves said lower joystick segment toward and away from
said upper joystick segment to vary the compliance of said
shaft.
28. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment includes index bushing means operatively connected to
chamber column means such that rotation of a handle of said upper
joystick segment in first and second opposite rotational directions
respectively moves said chamber column means away from and toward
said upper joystick segment to vary the compliance of said shaft by
reducing a bendable length of said lower joystick segment.
29. A joystick according to claim 22, wherein said gimbal assembly
includes a gimbal ring operatively connected to said upper joystick
segment, said gimbal ring having said lower joystick segment
disposed therethrough, said gimbal assembly further being disposed
within an enclosure for limiting pivotal movement of said joystick
shaft by substantially enclosing said upper joystick segment within
an opening in said enclosure.
30. A joystick according to claim 29, wherein said gimbal ring
being pivotally mounted within said enclosure for pivotal movement
about a first axis of rotation, said upper joystick segment being
pivotally mounted to said gimbal ring by at least two yoke legs for
rotation about a second axis of rotation substantially orthogonal
to said first axis of rotation for thereby enabling substantially
universal pivotal movement of said upper joystick segment relative
to said lower joystick segment.
31. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said lower joystick
segment being slidably connected to an isometric post, for
controlling said joystick, by a sleeve fixedly mounted to said
lower joystick segment and further slidably disposed around said
isometric post.
32. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said joystick
includes integrated control capability for operating multiple
assistive devices.
33. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said joystick is
operatively mounted on an electric powered wheelchair for allowing
a user to operate multiple assistive devices.
34. A joystick according to claim 21, further comprising
compensation algorithms including an elliptical dead-zone
representative of said joystick shaft at rest, said dead-zone
representing a minimum range of forces which must be exceeded to
produce motion of an electric powered wheelchair including the
joystick mounted thereon, said dead-zone further representing a
maximum range of forces which must not be exceeded to prevent
movement of the wheelchair.
35. A joystick according to claim 21, further comprising
compensation algorithms including a determination of an optimal
bias axes gain for movement of said joystick shaft in left, right,
forward and backward directions.
36. A joystick according to claim 21, further comprising
compensation algorithms including at least one software template
for at least one of controlling bias of said joystick shaft,
decreasing throw of said joystick shaft and reducing degrees of
freedom of an output signal of said joystick shaft.
37. A joystick according to claim 36, wherein said software
template is based upon the mathematics of super quadratics.
38. A joystick according to claim 37, wherein said software
template is one of a square, circular, cross, elliptical and
diamond shaped template.
39. A joystick according to claim 21, further comprising
compensation algorithms including filtering to reduce the effects
of unwanted motions of said joystick shaft.
40. A joystick according to claim 21, wherein said upper joystick
segment is detachable from said lower joystick segment for
facilitating replacement of said lower joystick segment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority of Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/406,682, filed Aug. 29, 2002, and is a
continuation-in-part of PCT App. Serial No. PCT/US03/27163, filed
Aug. 29, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to electric powered
wheelchairs, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for
customized control of an electric powered wheelchair.
[0004] b. Description of Related Art
[0005] Position sensing devices are integral components of
computing systems, the ubiquitous "mouse" being one of the best
examples. Joysticks are also common, and find applications in
computer games, medical devices, wheelchairs, robotics, aircraft,
advanced vehicles, and other devices. Other examples of position
sensing devices include trackballs and virtual reality equipment
such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and foot pedals. The earliest
joysticks were basically a simple arrangement of contact switches
at four quadrants. Moving the joystick shaft away from its centered
position closed one of the four switches, depending on the
direction of movement. Springs connected to the joystick returned
the device to a central position when the joystick was released.
The resistance to motion, called compliance, that is provided by
the springs could be provided or augmented by other means, such as
having the joystick move through a viscous fluid.
[0006] An improvement to the contact switch joystick was made by
development of the position sensing joystick. In this arrangement,
the joystick was coupled to two potentiometers mounted at right
angles. Motion of the joystick produced voltages from the
potentiometers that indicated the position of the joystick. Later
variations of position sensing joysticks employed optical encoders
to determine the joystick position, replacing potentiometers.
Further refinements of position sensing joysticks included the
addition of tactile and force feedback. Tactile feedback is a
simple vibration generated when provided position information falls
within some desired region. Force feedback devices actually apply
forces to the joystick shaft, for example, pushing against the
operator induced motion. Force feedback may be used to indicate to
a robotic operator that contact with an object has been made. The
force sensing, or isometric, joystick used strain gauges to measure
forces applied to the joystick with no motion of the joystick
required. An example of such a joystick is the miniature isometric
joystick used on laptop computer keyboards.
[0007] In view of the aforementioned developments, today's electric
powered wheelchairs include several components for facilitating
control of movement thereof, including proportional position
sensing joysticks, electric powered wheelchair controllers,
isometric joysticks, damped joystick controls, joysticks with
corrective algorithms and integrated control features, and
wheelchair driving simulators.
[0008] Proportional position sensing joysticks for electric powered
wheelchairs are known in the art and generally allow individuals
with impaired mobility to drive such wheelchairs. Position sensing
joysticks produce speed and direction signals proportional to the
joystick's directionality and angle of deflection. It has been
shown that such joysticks are inadequate for as many as 40% of
potential wheelchair users, partly because they are built on a "one
size fits all" philosophy. For example, current clinical practice
is to have a user try out various commercially available position
sensing joystick controls, and then select a handle and mounting
position most compatible with the user's residual hand function.
Frequently, none of the commercial position sensing joystick
controls are suitable and the user is often downgraded to single
switch head arrays rather than a proportional control system. While
single switch technology can be operated with limited and imprecise
limb movement, the result is generally a slow and awkward
wheelchair control system.
[0009] With regard to electric powered wheelchair controllers, such
controllers generally include a power regulating circuit between
the position sensing joystick and the wheelchair drive motors.
Controllers translate the speed and direction signals from the user
control (i.e. a joystick) into appropriate current levels that are
applied to the drive motors of a wheelchair. Over the years, the
improvement and perfection of such controllers has been a focus of
the wheelchair industry. Early controllers generally included
simple driving algorithms, an example of which includes a
controller operated by a driver pushing a position sensing joystick
to the right or left, at which time the controller decided whether
to merely slow the wheel inside the turn or, in the event of a
sharp, low speed turn, to run the inside wheel in reverse to
produce a tighter turning circle. In more modern controllers, in
order to safely match an electric powered wheelchair to different
driving abilities of particular users, manufacturers provide
several adjustments on their controllers that a vendor or clinician
may set with a hand held programmer. An exemplary adjustment may
include adjustment of the maximum velocity the wheelchair will
achieve during straight ahead or turning maneuvers. Modern
controllers also include advanced algorithms to stabilize a
wheelchair in hazardous terrain, such as during climbing or
descending steep grades, or when traversing a cross slope. Even in
light of the aforementioned improvements in controllers, commercial
controllers and position sensing joysticks are generally unable to
recognize or in any way correct for an operator's unintentional
hand movements. Another major disadvantage of currently available
controllers is that they only serve the electric powered
wheelchair, and do not support the control of any other associated
device, such as personal computers or environmental control
systems.
[0010] With regard to isometric joysticks, as discussed above, such
joysticks are generally used with personal computers. A well-known
example of an isometric joystick includes the "eraser head" mouse
used on many laptop computers. While such joysticks are known in
the industry, these joysticks have had limited application in the
field of electric powered wheelchairs due to the associated
limitations in the ability of user to adequately operate the
joystick.
[0011] With regard to damped joystick control, while such a control
methodology is known in the industry, damped control for joysticks
has generally been used in the reduction of hand tremor. Moreover,
the damped control methodology has primarily been used for position
sensing, and not for control of electric powered wheelchairs.
[0012] Lastly, with regard to wheelchair driving simulators, while
simulators have indeed found applications in the automotive field,
as with automobile driving simulators, for example, such simulators
are however not applicable to wheelchair driving. Moreover, no
known driving simulators have been used to tune electric powered
wheelchairs or associated joysticks.
[0013] Accordingly, there remains a need for a customizable and
versatile control technology for electric powered wheelchairs.
There also remains a need for a variable compliance joystick for
electric powered wheelchair control and for facilitating the
customization of the aforementioned technologies for users with
various disabilities.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] The invention solves the problems and overcomes the
drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art wheelchair control and
simulation systems by providing an apparatus and method for
customized control of electric powered wheelchairs.
[0015] Thus an exemplary aspect of the present invention is to
provide variable compliance joysticks with mechanical and software
customization, and with an integrated control capability.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of systematically determining the best mechanical settings
and compensatory algorithms to embed in the joystick to offer an
individual with substantial upper extremity motor impairments a
personal fit and maximum function.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide
customized joysticks that can be closely matched to user needs by
use of a simulator to optimize software and hardware
characteristics of the joystick.
[0018] The present invention achieves the aforementioned exemplary
aspects by providing first and second embodiments of a joystick
apparatus. The first embodiment of the joystick apparatus according
to the present invention includes a rigid shaft having a tip, and a
flexible extension operatively connected to the shaft to vary the
compliance of the shaft. The extension may be hollow and encircle
the shaft, and may further include a frusto-conical cross-section.
The extension may include a viscous substance disposed therein for
dampening motion of the shaft. The shaft may include upper and
lower shaft segments, the segments including a resilient member
disposed between adjacent ends thereof and being adjustable to be
spaced away from each other for varying the compliance of the
shaft. The joystick may include integrated control capability for
operating multiple assistive devices, and may be operatively
mounted on an electric powered wheelchair for allowing a user to
operate multiple assistive devices.
[0019] The joystick may further include compensation algorithms
including an elliptical dead-zone representative of the joystick
shaft at rest, the dead-zone representing a minimum range of forces
which must be exceeded to produce motion of an electric powered
wheelchair including the joystick mounted thereon, the dead-zone
further representing a maximum range of forces which must not be
exceeded to prevent movement of the wheelchair. The compensation
algorithms may include a determination of an optimal bias axes gain
for movement of the joystick shaft in left, right, forward and
backward directions. The compensation algorithms may also include
at least one software template for at least one of controlling bias
of the joystick shaft, decreasing throw of the joystick shaft and
reducing degrees of freedom of an output signal of the joystick
shaft. The software template may be based upon the mathematics of
super quadratics, and may be one of a square, circular, cross,
elliptical and diamond shaped template. The compensation algorithms
may also include filtering to reduce the effects of unwanted
motions of the joystick shaft.
[0020] The second embodiment of the joystick apparatus according to
the present invention includes a joystick shaft having a generally
predetermined length, and including upper and lower joystick
segments operatively connected to each other. The lower joystick
segment may be substantially flexible and movable relative to the
upper joystick segment to vary compliance of the joystick shaft
without substantially changing the predetermined length.
[0021] For the second embodiment of the joystick apparatus
described above, the upper joystick segment may include a
longitudinal axis. The joystick may further include a gimbal
assembly substantially surrounding a length of the lower joystick
segment for generally maintaining the lower joystick segment in a
predetermined extended orientation relative to the longitudinal
axis. The upper joystick segment may include a handle mounted to an
index bushing including internal threads along a length thereof. A
drive stud may be operatively connected to the lower joystick
segment and further include external threads operatively engaged
with the internal threads such that rotation of the handle in first
and second opposite rotational directions respectively moves the
lower joystick segment toward and away from the upper joystick
segment to vary the compliance of the shaft. The joystick apparatus
may further include a spring biased locking plunger selectively
engageable with the index bushing for allowing and preventing
rotation of the index bushing when respectively disengaged from and
engaged with the index bushing.
[0022] Alternatively, for the second embodiment of the joystick
apparatus, the upper joystick segment may include a handle mounted
to an index bushing including external threads along a length
thereof. A chamber column including internal threads may be
operatively engaged with the external threads such that rotation of
the handle in first and second opposite rotational directions
respectively moves the chamber column away from and toward the
upper joystick segment to vary the compliance of the shaft by
reducing a bendable length of the lower joystick segment.
[0023] Alternatively, in combination, the upper joystick segment
may include a handle mounted to an index bushing including internal
and external threads along a length thereof. A drive stud may be
operatively connected to the lower joystick segment and further
include external threads operatively engaged with the index bushing
internal threads. A chamber column including internal threads may
be operatively engaged with the index bushing external threads,
such that rotation of the handle in first and second opposite
rotational directions respectively moves the lower joystick segment
toward and away from the upper joystick segment, and further
respectively moves the chamber column away from and toward the
upper joystick segment to vary the compliance of the shaft by
reducing a bendable length of the lower joystick segment.
[0024] For the joystick described above, the gimbal assembly may
include a gimbal ring operatively connected to the upper joystick
segment. The gimbal ring may have the lower joystick segment
disposed therethrough. The gimbal assembly may further be disposed
within an enclosure for limiting pivotal movement of the joystick
shaft by substantially enclosing the upper joystick segment within
an opening in the enclosure. The gimbal ring may be pivotally
mounted within the enclosure for pivotal movement about a first
axis of rotation. The upper joystick segment may be pivotally
mounted to the gimbal ring by at least two yoke legs for rotation
about a second axis of rotation substantially orthogonal to the
first axis of rotation for thereby enabling substantially universal
pivotal movement of the upper joystick segment relative to the
lower joystick segment. The lower joystick segment may be slidably
connected to an isometric post, for controlling the joystick, by a
sleeve fixedly mounted to the lower joystick segment and further
slidably disposed around the isometric post.
[0025] As discussed above for the first embodiment, the second
embodiment of the joystick apparatus may likewise include a
joystick having integrated control capability for operating
multiple assistive devices, and the joystick may be operatively
mounted on an electric powered wheelchair for allowing a user to
operate multiple assistive devices. The joystick may further
include compensation algorithms including an elliptical dead-zone
representative of the joystick shaft at rest, the dead-zone
representing a minimum range of forces which must be exceeded to
produce motion of an electric powered wheelchair including the
joystick mounted thereon, the dead-zone further representing a
maximum range of forces which must not be exceeded to prevent
movement of the wheelchair. The compensation algorithms may include
a determination of an optimal bias axes gain for movement of the
joystick shaft in left, right, forward and backward directions. The
compensation algorithms may also include at least one software
template for at least one of controlling bias of the joystick
shaft, decreasing throw of the joystick shaft and reducing degrees
of freedom of an output signal of the joystick shaft. The software
template may be based upon the mathematics of super quadratics, and
may be one of a square, circular, cross, elliptical and diamond
shaped template. The compensation algorithms may also include
filtering to reduce the effects of unwanted motions of the joystick
shaft. The upper joystick segment may be detachable from the lower
joystick segment for facilitating replacement of the lower joystick
segment.
[0026] The invention yet further provides a method for
systematically determining the best mechanical settings and
compensatory algorithms to embed in a joystick to offer a user a
personal fit and maximum function. The method includes providing
the user access to operate the joystick, operatively connecting the
joystick to a driving simulator, displaying an icon on the driving
simulator, controlling movement of the icon by the joystick,
evaluating performance of the user based upon the user's ability to
control movement of the icon, and modifying hardware settings and
software algorithms for the joystick based upon the evaluation.
[0027] For the method described above, modifying hardware settings
may include substituting different flexible extensions for varying
compliance of a joystick shaft, the extensions being operatively
connected to the shaft to encircle the shaft, the extensions
further including a frusto-conical cross-section. Modifying the
software algorithms may include computing an elliptical dead-zone
representative of a joystick shaft at rest, the dead-zone
representing a minimum range of forces which must be exceeded to
produce motion of an electric powered wheelchair including the
joystick mounted thereon, the dead-zone further representing a
maximum range of forces which must not be exceeded to prevent
movement of the wheelchair. Modifying the software algorithms may
include determining an optimal bias axes gain for movement of a
joystick shaft in left, right, forward and backward directions.
Modifying the software algorithms may include providing at least
one software template for at least one of controlling bias of a
joystick shaft, decreasing throw of the joystick shaft and reducing
degrees of freedom of an output signal of the joystick shaft. The
software template may be based upon the mathematics of super
quadratics, and may be one of a square, circular, cross, elliptical
and diamond shaped template. Modifying at least one of the hardware
settings and software algorithms may include obtaining a plurality
of joystick shaft inputs corresponding to driving performance of an
electric powered wheelchair having the joystick mounted
thereon.
[0028] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention and together with the detail
description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of a
variable compliance joystick according to the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the variable compliance
joystick of FIG. 1, with the outer housing removed to show the
internal components;
[0032] FIGS. 3A-3D are enlarged views of the compliance and
dampening components for the variable compliance joystick of FIG.
1;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating sample data for dead-zone
calculation with an ellipse superimposed;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating power spectral density
estimates from data collected while the hand of a user is resting
on the shaft of the variable compliance joystick of FIG. 1, the
low-pass filter frequency being shown for both axes;
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates bias axes (x',y') for a particular case
in which the bias axes were not orthogonal;
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates sample software templates, with the
square template being the default template for the variable
compliance joystick of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates virtual driving tasks performed by a
user, with the desired path indicated in solid lines and the
virtual walls being represented by dashed lines;
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a user driving an electric powered
wheelchair through a virtual environment for the wheelchair driving
simulator according to the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a setup for collecting modeling
data;
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a driving task and the
corresponding motor graph (unimpaired hand control);
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a motor graph of the same maneuver of
FIG. 11 performed by an individual with cerebral palsy;
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates an output signal produced by the
variable gain algorithm;
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates another example of virtual driving tasks
performed by a user;
[0044] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a
variable compliance joystick according to the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 16 is a illustrative sectional view of the variable
compliance joystick of FIG. 15, illustrating the various internal
components of the joystick;
[0046] FIGS. 17A-17C are views of the compliance and dampening
components for the variable compliance joystick of FIG. 15; and
[0047] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view substantially along line
18-18 in FIG. 16, illustrating the mounting arrangement for the
gimbal ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1-14 illustrate components and features of a first
embodiment of variable compliance joystick 100 and associated
systems according to the present invention, and FIGS. 15-18
illustrate components and features of a second embodiment of
variable compliance joystick 200 according to the present
invention.
[0049] The first embodiment of variable compliance joystick 100
will now be described in detail.
[0050] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, the present
invention provides a variable compliance joystick 100 with
mechanical and software customization, and with an integrated
control capability, and a method of systematically determining the
best mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in
joystick 100 to offer an individual with substantial upper
extremity motor impairments a personal fit and maximum function.
Generally, variable compliance joystick 100 may be used for driving
Electric Powered Wheelchairs, for controlling additional
rehabilitation technology, and for other related operations as
discussed in detail below.
[0051] The aforementioned features of variable compliance joystick
100 and the method of systematically determining the best
mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in
joystick 100 will first be broadly described.
[0052] With regard to mechanical customization, as discussed in
greater detail below, variable compliance joystick 100 may
generally be an isometric (force sensing) joystick, and contain an
internal micro controller and memory. Joystick 100 may be operable
in full isometric mode (no shaft movement), or alternatively, a
flexible extension (i.e. a conical elastimer sheathe) may be added
to the joystick shaft to create various levels of compliance
(motion with spring return). If the flexible extension is hollow
and filled with a viscous substance such as stiff modeling clay, a
dampening effect may be included as well.
[0053] With regard to software customization, as discussed in
greater detail below, variable compliance joystick 100 may
generally include a reprogrammable internal micro controller for
intercepting and modifying the transducer signals generated by the
joystick shaft. These transformations will hereinafter be referred
to as "compensatory algorithms".
[0054] With regard to integrated control capability, as discussed
in greater detail below, variable compliance joystick 100 may
generally have the ability to operate a personal computer by
functioning as a cordless joystick mouse. For example, most current
wheelchair joysticks only drive the wheelchair, and separate
interfaces must be purchased and mounted if an individual wishes to
operate other devices such as a personal computer. Moreover,
individuals with impaired hand use may only be able to reach and
operate a single control interface, thus forcing them to obtain
assistance when changing between devices. Therefore, by providing
joystick 100 with the ability to operate a personal computer, in
addition to wheelchair driving and computer access, joystick 100
may also be used to access devices such as voice output
communication aids, environmental control systems etc.
[0055] Lastly, with regard to the method of systematically
determining the best mechanical settings and compensatory
algorithms to embed in joystick 100 to offer an individual with
substantial upper extremity motor impairments a personal fit and
maximum function, as discussed in greater detail below, variable
compliance joystick 100 may include a Wheelchair-Driving Simulator
for determining the best joystick settings. For example, current
clinical practice for setting up an Electric Powered Wheelchair
joystick is to mechanically mount the joystick on the side of the
chair within the user's reach and then have the user practice
driving around the clinic floor space. Based solely upon visual
observation, the clinician makes changes to the wheelchair
controller settings to improve wheelchair manageability. The
Wheelchair-Driving Simulator for determining the best joystick
settings may generally consist of a stationary wheelchair
positioned in front of a large screen computer monitor. While
practicing with joystick 100, the user may "drive" an onscreen
wheelchair icon or "sprite" through a series of close-quarter
maneuvers. The simulator program running on a desktop PC may
monitor the sprite's path and score the driver's maneuvering skill.
During the evaluation phase, both the hardware settings and
software algorithms of the joystick 100 may be modified to improve
the client's driving ability. Hardware compliance and dampening
adjustments may be achieved by substituting different extension
shafts on joystick 100. Compensatory algorithms may be invoked by
selecting options contained on menus in the driving simulator
program. In this manner, a therapist may rapidly try out a variety
of mechanical and algorithm settings. The simulator may immediately
stage a fresh sprite-driving task and objectively score the benefit
of a particular mechanical setting or algorithm. Through this
iterative process, the therapist may "fine tune" joystick 100 to
the user's motor pattern. When the most useful customizations have
been determined, the final extension shaft may remain with the
joystick and the final compensatory algorithms may be
cross-compiled and downloaded into the joystick's internal micro
controller memory, thus providing a user with a personalized
joystick.
[0056] Variable compliance joystick 100 and the method for
systematically determining the best mechanical settings and
compensatory algorithms to embed in joystick 100, will now be
described in detail in reference to FIGS. 1-14.
[0057] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, variable compliance
joystick 100 may be designed such that it would appear similar to a
conventional joystick and use commercial mounting and positioning
hardware for an electric powered wheelchair. Joystick 100 may be
used in full isometric mode or in a variable compliance mode, and
include a housing 102 having a shaft 104 including a joystick tip
106 disposed on a top end thereof for operation by a user's
fingertip. Shaft 104 may couple joystick tip 106 to an actuator
plate fixed to a lower end of the shaft. The actuator plate may
include horizontal arms extending radially from shaft 104, with the
number of arms generally equaling the number of discrete force
sensors (not shown), with each arm overlying a corresponding
sensor.
[0058] Joystick 100 may produce a voltage output proportional to
the force exerted on shaft 104 by a user, and include printed
circuit board 154 designed to fit within housing 102 for providing
voltage regulation, bridging direct current excitation, bridging
output signal amplification and low-pass filtering of the strain
gage bridge signal. Joystick 100 may be operatively connected to an
electric powered wheelchair 110. As with conventional electric
powered wheelchairs, wheelchair 110 may operate on a 24 V dc system
and use electromechanical parking brakes (not shown) that are
normally closed (i.e. fully active) that release when power is
applied to the motors. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, joystick 100
may obtain its power from batteries (not shown) and run on 12 V dc,
or half the bus voltage. The output signal may include level
shifting in order to be compatible with commercial analog electric
powered wheelchair controllers. Alternatively, for digital electric
powered wheelchair controllers, joystick 100 may include a serial
or parallel port. Joystick 100 may contain an internal
microcontroller with memory which uses compensatory algorithms to
modify signals generated by the joystick forces on each strain
gauge.
[0059] In operation, a forward directed force on shaft 104 produces
a forward motion of wheelchair 110 with speed proportional to the
magnitude of the force. Likewise, a rearward directed force on
shaft 104 produces a rearward motion of wheelchair 110 with speed
proportional to the magnitude of the force. Left and right forces
on shaft 104 are used to turn wheelchair 110 in the direction of
the applied force with the rate of turning being proportional to
the magnitude of the force. A digital low-pass filter with a
cut-off frequency of 6 Hz, for example, may be implemented as the
default setting to reduce the effects of vibration and tremor.
Joystick 100 may be designed for electric powered wheelchairs that
use differential wheel speed to provide directional control. In
such wheelchairs, front casters 112 may swivel as wheelchair 110
turns in response to changes in the speed of rear wheels 114.
[0060] As discussed above, joystick 100 may generally include
variable compliance and dampening which can be modified to enhance
operator control. Variable compliance, which refers to the movement
ease and springiness of shaft 104, generally refers to the spectrum
of force versus motion. For example, standard position-sensing
joysticks produce output signals proportional to shaft
directionality and angle of deflection. These joysticks move freely
as no significant spring tension (other than a return spring) is
supplied. Examples of common controls that sense position are
computer trackballs, sliding volume controls on stereos and
doorknobs, all of which are essentially movement driven. A separate
set of control technologies exist that respond to force with little
or no displacement. As discussed above, these devices are
collectively called isometric controls, one of which is the common
"eraser head" mouse, which appears in the center of the keyboard on
many laptop computers. Another example is the membrane keypad used
on microwave ovens to simplify cleaning, in which traditional push
buttons are replaced with sealed force-sensing switches. What is
not obvious is that position sensing and force-sensing controls
merely represent the endpoints of a continuum of control designs.
Thus the term variable compliance is used when referring to this
spectrum of force vs. motion. For example, mid compliance controls
are not common in the home, but are frequently found on motor
vehicles. Examples of mid compliance controls include the brake and
accelerator pedals on automobiles, or the control stick on an
aircraft. Mid range compliance is designed into these controls to
provide proprioceptive feedback (tactile sensation through
pressure). This is especially important in situations where the
operator must visually scan the surroundings and cannot observe the
position of the control.
[0061] The variable compliance mode for joystick 100 allows motion
of shaft 104 with mechanical resistance and spring return to
restore shaft 104 to a central position when the operating force is
removed. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, compliance may be achieved by
adding a flexible extension 136 to joystick shaft 104. Compliance
provides tactile feedback which gives the operator an indication of
joystick position, freeing the use of vision for maneuvering
wheelchair 110. While conventional movement sensing and isometric
joysticks are actually endpoints of a spectrum, such joysticks
contain a continuum of movement/force ratios ranging from low
compliance, (high force with very little movement), to high
compliance, (low force with substantial movement). Accordingly,
variable compliance joystick 100 may include shaft 104 including
upper and lower shaft segments 130, 131, respectively, joined by a
closed coil spring 132. The upper shaft segment 130 may be drilled
and threaded to match the spring wire gage. Therefore, by turning
handle 134 counterclockwise, progressively more of spring 132 may
be exposed to increase the compliance. For example, as shown in
FIG. 3A, in the full isometric setting, the ends of the two shaft
segments 130, 131 are in contact and fully constrained by the
backing flange, thus the spring having no effect. To select a mid
range compliance, as shown in FIG. 3B, the upper shaft segment 130
may be turned several revolutions, thus allowing spring 132 to
buckle under load for increasing the amount of movement associated
with a given force. Lastly, for the high compliance setting shown
in FIG. 3C, additional spring length may been exposed by further
turning handle 134 to allow upper shaft 130 to buckle relative to
lower shaft segment 131. It should be noted that shaft 104 becomes
longer as compliance is increased. This increase in length can be
compensated by machining a long threaded hole (not shown) inside
handle 134 and counter rotating the handle to correct for the
length increase.
[0062] Dampening refers to the introduction of friction, which
varies with the velocity of shaft 104. Dampening provides an
additional mechanical modification that may improve proportional
control, especially for individuals with athetoid cerebral palsy.
For example, an athetoid movement disorder is characterized by
incessant, uncontrolled writhing motions, frequently accompanied by
involuntary, explosive bursts of extreme muscular exertion.
Accordingly, if an individual with athetosis attempts to operate a
conventional proportional joystick, he will uncontrollably slam the
stick hard against the stop ring. A damper, as shown in FIG. 3D, is
a frictional device in which the coefficient of friction increases
with the velocity of the joystick. If a tremor or athetoid movement
is characterized by a higher frequency than volitional movement, a
damper will tend to attenuate the unwanted movement while
preserving the volitional movement, thus providing a means of
increasing the signal to noise ratio. Dampening may be accomplished
with pneumatics, viscous fluids, electrorheological fluids, or by
electric particle brakes.
[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 3D, flexible extension 136 (i.e.
an elastimer sheathe) disposed around shaft 104 may be provided to
act as a variable damper. Flexible extension 136 may provide both
compliance and dampening for movement of shaft 104. For example, in
the mid range compliance region for FIG. 3B, the cross section of
extension 136 may be relatively thick and provide the heavier
dampening required for the higher spring tension. Variable
compliance joystick 100 may further include an elastimer backing
flange 138, a clearance hole 140 and a tapered locking base 142. An
enclosure 144 may be used to encase the various components of
joystick 100. Joystick 100 may further include the following
components, including an interface block 146 to mounting tube 148,
an anchor plate 150 for joystick shaft 104, a cable 152 connectable
to a power wheelchair controller (not shown), a printed circuit
board 154 for strain gages, user status LCD panel 158, joystick
power switch (push on-push off) 162, controller interface and user
controls printed circuit board 166, an analog signal conditioning
printed circuit board 168, a digital signal processing printed
circuit board 170 and a computer mouse interface printed circuit
board 172. Alternatively, additional dampening may be achieved by
filling extension 136 with a viscous substance (such as stiff
modeling clay) for providing mechanical dampening of motion.
[0064] In operation, as handle 134 is turned counterclockwise
toward higher compliances (movement sensing region), as shown in
FIG. 3C, the spring tension decreases. At this stage, the thinner
region of flexible extension 136 is engaged and less dampening is
imposed on shaft 104.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 3C, a scale similar to a micrometer thimble
may be affixed above flexible extension 136. Upper shaft 130 may be
engraved with ring rulings and a single longitudinal line (not
shown) to allow reading and replicating compliance settings. By
combining this physically adjustable compliance with the different
gain and filter settings discussed below, a variety of unique
joystick characteristics may be created.
[0066] The method of systematically determining the optimal
settings for variable compliance joystick 100 by means of a
wheelchair driving simulator will next be described in detail in
reference to FIGS. 4-14. The wheelchair driving simulator
illustrated in FIG. 9, may be used to evaluate the operational
characteristics of a user and to adjust software and mechanical
parameters of joystick 100 to determine the optimal driving
configuration. As discussed in greater detail below, the simulator
may use a computer generated rendition of a wheelchair course
displayed on a large-screen computer monitor and a stationary
wheelchair placed before the monitor. The wheelchair may be fitted
with a joystick, but instead of the joystick controlling motion of
the wheelchair, the joystick may control the motion of a wheelchair
icon on the monitor. The user may guide the wheelchair icon through
a series of close-quarter maneuvers. The program may have the
ability to load various compensatory algorithms and driving tasks.
The therapist running the simulation may add compliance and
dampening to the test by attaching different extension shafts to
joystick 100. The simulator may score each driving task, enabling
the therapist to determine the optimal mechanical and software
configuration for the user. The compensation algorithms may include
dead-zone computation joystick at rest). This section includes
low-pass filtering to reduce effects of tremor-like motion. The
compensation algorithms may further include a determination of
optimal bias axes (i.e. left-right, forward-backward), gain for
each axis, determining wheelchair speed in each direction, and
software templates (i.e. mathematically generated, to control bias,
complex shapes generated by changing a single parameter).
[0067] Software compensation algorithms may be applied to the
signals emanating from the joystick transducers. These can be
either an alternative or an addition to the aforementioned
mechanical variable compliance or dampening intervention techniques
discussed previously.
[0068] The three phases (i.e. Phase One, Phase Two and Phase Three)
for the optimization of variable compliance joystick 100 will now
be described.
[0069] Generally, for Phase One, because the fitting of joystick
100 is carried out in a virtual setting, an empirical kinematics
database (EKD) of the user's current or "to be prescribed" electric
powered wheelchair is preferably obtained and loaded onto the
virtual driving system. An EKD characterizes the movement behavior
of an electric powered wheelchair as various joystick signals are
applied. This data is needed so that the virtual wheelchair image
on the simulator can be made to accelerate, decelerate and turn in
the same manner as the actual vehicle. For Phase Two, a virtual
driving simulator may be used to train the user to effectively
control the electric powered wheelchair through an iterative
process. The user may be observed driving the virtual wheelchair
while performing virtual tasks and the physical (compliance and
dampening) and algorithmic (software compensation) parameters of
the joystick may be adjusted to maximize the user's driving
capability. For Phase Three, the final control parameters chosen
during simulation may be embedded into joystick 100 mounted on an
actual electric powered wheelchair. The user may be observed
driving the physical wheelchair in a wheelchair activities driving
laboratory to confirm that the parameters chosen carry over to real
world driving.
[0070] Specifically, for Phase One, a control fitting evaluation
may be conducted using a virtual (computer simulated) environment.
The benefits for virtual fitting include opportunities for practice
without injury risk, rapid adjustment of control parameters and the
ability for a computer to record accurate performance data. The
accuracy of the user's driving may be graphically displayed by
generating "Motor Graphs" from the computer's stored time-series
data.
[0071] For Motor Graphs, joystick input forces and movements may be
continuously recorded as time-series data while the user drives. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, for the graphical method for displaying
these data, the forward and reverse joystick axes are plotted above
the graph centerline. The region below the centerline may be used
for plotting left and right turns. The height of any plotted
segment may represent the magnitude of the force/movement being
applied at that moment. Since forward and reverse data, as well as
left and right data are mutually exclusive, there is no overlap in
the graphs. Graphs, as shown in FIG. 11, reveal much about an
individual's joystick interaction.
[0072] Specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary driving trial
taken from an actual study. During the particular trial for FIG.
11, an electric powered wheelchair 110 was driven from the starting
position to a target 305 centimeters to the right. The user begins
by applying strong forward and right forces to joystick 100 to
quickly turn the chair about 130 degrees to the right.
Approximately halfway through the maneuver, some left turn force
was applied to straighten out the chair path and during the last
third, forward power was decreased to halt the chair. This
particular user had a lumbar spinal cord injury and very little
hand impairment.
[0073] FIG. 12, illustrates the control patterns generated by an
individual with athetoid cerebral palsy while performing the same
trial as for FIG. 11. The raw signal recorded for FIG. 12
illustrates the many transients are apparent as the user drives. In
prior studies where only the motion of the entire wheelchair was
tracked, these transient signals would be hidden by the inertia of
the chair and driver.
[0074] Lastly, FIG. 13 shows the same trial time-series after
processing with a basic, variable gain algorithm, where the weaker
signals have gain applied and the sharply spiked transients have
been substantially attenuated, resulting in considerably smoother
driving. It should be noted that this attenuation is not a fixed
cut-off value but one that tracks the contours of the operator's
original input. This improved signal is sent to the electric
powered wheelchair controller. It should also be noted that any of
the driving tasks illustrated herein may have motor graphs
generated as they are performed. To judge whether a user is able to
drive more accurately following an adjustment to one of his
compensation algorithms, the user's motor graph may be compared to
a graph generated by an electric powered wheelchair driver without
movement disorders performing the same maneuver.
[0075] In order for the virtual fitting for Phase One to be
meaningful, it is essential that an accurate kinematics model of
the actual mobility vehicle be obtained. The steering response,
acceleration and deceleration of the virtual vehicle must closely
match the prescribed real world vehicle.
[0076] In order to create an Empirical Kinematics Database for a
personal mobility vehicle, the onscreen chair must accelerate, turn
and decelerate consistent with the user's actual test chair. As
shown in FIG. 10, the user's chair may be characterized by
temporarily mounting friction driven shaft encoders 174 on the
drive wheels, a joystick signal generator 176 and a laptop computer
178. A manikin 180 approximately equal to the user's weight may be
strapped into the chair seat. Joystick signal generator 176 may
then be activated to execute a prerecorded set of joystick signals
covering representative directions and magnitudes. Computer 178 on
the rear of chair 110 may record the joystick signals and the
encoder data representing the chair's movement responses. From this
session, an empirical kinematic database may be calculated.
[0077] The onscreen wheelchair image used for virtual driving may
be defined with variables to allow the drive wheel diameters, drive
wheel span, caster diameters, wheelbase and caster fork offset
values to be assigned. To interpret a joystick action entered
during virtual driving, the joystick signal may be matched to the
two nearest records in the EKD and the shaft encoder data fields
read. The virtual motion may be interpolated from these two
records.
[0078] Continuing with Phase One, kinematic models of popular
wheelchairs and scooters may be provided as part of the virtual
software, the only adjustment needed would be to correct for the
user's weight and possibly a different floor surface, i.e. the user
may live in a home with wall to wall carpet.
[0079] Thus, for Phase One, a series of basic joystick inputs
without feedback as to driving performance in electric powered
wheelchair 110 may be optimized. In order to accomplish this, a
user may be asked to rest his or her hand comfortably on shaft 104
of joystick 100. Thereafter, force data in the x and y directions
may be collected for a predetermined interval (i.e. 30 seconds)
while the user's hand is at rest on the joystick (i.e. no attempt
to drive will be made). The user may then be asked to push shaft
104 in the y-direction (i.e. straight ahead) with a light push and
hold, moderate push and hold, and maximum push and hold for a
minimum period (i.e. 10 seconds each), during which time the forces
in the x and y direction may be recorded. The user may then repeat
these tasks by pulling in the minus y-direction (i.e. straight
back). The user may also be asked to push shaft 104 forward for a
predetermined interval (i.e. two minutes) at a force that is
comfortable. Next, the user may be asked to exert a force in the
plus and minus x-direction (i.e. left and right). The user may be
asked to push or pull lightly and hold, moderately and hold, and
maximally and hold, in each direction for a predetermined interval
(i.e. 10 seconds). The user may also exert a force at a comfortable
level in both the left and right directions, each for a
predetermined interval (i.e. two minutes). This force data may be
used to determine the bias axes, maximum force frequency in the x
and y directions, and to set the speed sensitivity. Based upon the
force measurements recorded, the optimization software may
calibrate the joystick software variables.
[0080] As briefly discussed above, the optimization of the variable
compliance joystick 100 thus consists of five steps, which involve
a series of basic joystick inputs without feedback as to driving
performance in the electric powered wheelchair. The steps being,
dead-zone calibration, filter frequency determination, bias axis
adjustment, software template determination, and fatigue
compensation, will now be described in detail.
[0081] Specifically, for step one, the resting force data may be
used to set the "dead-zone" (i.e. the minimum range of x and y
forces that need to be exceeded in order to produce motion of the
wheelchair). The dead-zone may be calculated by the following
equations: 1 DZ = arg min a , b ( af x 2 + bf y 2 ) = r 2 Equation
- 1 f y 2 ( k T ) = T u + e ( k T ) where : Equation - 2 T = [ a b
r 2 b ] u = f x 2 ( k 1 T ) f x 2 ( k N T ) 1 1 Equation - 3
[0082] Using the least squares criteria:
.theta.=R.sup.-1.times.P Equation-4
[0083] where:
R=[uu.sup.T] P=[u.sup.Tf.sub.y.sup.2(k.DELTA.T)] Equation-5
[0084] The variables definitions for Equations 1-5 are listed in
Table-1.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, the aforementioned equations may be
used in an algorithm to calculate the parameters to define an
elliptical dead-zone fitted from the data for each user. The
parameters that define the ellipse may be increased by 20%, for
example, in order to ensure that there is no unintended input to
the wheelchair controller, and to ensure that the power wheelchair
brakes fully engage when the forces on shaft 104 are within the
dead-zone. If the forces on shaft 104 are outside the dead-zone
upon start-up of the controller, wheelchair 110 may not move and an
error signal may be provided to the user. The user must restart the
controller while the forces are in the dead-zone (i.e. lower forces
or remove hand from shaft 104) for the controller to start. This
would be a safety feature designed to prevent the wheelchair from
lunging when powered-up.
[0086] For step two, the data from the resting forces, fore-aft
forces, and left-right forces may be used to determine the low-pass
filter frequency, for example due to tremor or athetoid motion, in
the x and y directions. Independent filters for the x and y forces
may use second order digital Butterworth Filters having the
following filter frequency:
F.sub.y(Hz)=min[F.sub.stop.sub..sub.y(Hz),F.sub.forward.sub..sub.y(Hz)F.su-
b.reverse.sub..sub.y(Hz)F.sub.left.sub..sub.y(Hz),F.sub.right.sub..sub.y(H-
z)]
F.sub.x(Hz)=min[F.sub.stop.sub..sub.x(Hz),F.sub.forward.sub..sub.x(Hz),F.s-
ub.reverse.sub..sub.x(Hz),F.sub.left.sub..sub.x(Hz),F.sub.right.sub..sub.x-
(Hz)]
[0087] The variables definitions for the above-identified filter
frequency are listed in Table-2.
[0088] The optimal cut-off frequencies for the x and y force
filters may be chosen as the minimum of the 95% power frequency for
each of the test cases. Referring to FIG. 5, a sample data set
displaying the y-directional force in the frequency domain along
with the boundary frequency at 95% is displayed. People with upper
extremity impairments often have better control in a direction
other than the orientation of the joystick axis. Limited ability to
accommodate individual bias may be provided by using specialized
mounting hardware and an iterative process to determine the most
appropriate angle at which to position joystick 100. Joystick 100
may automatically calculate the bias axes and adjust the force
outputs in software.
[0089] An additional advantage of the joystick 100 is that the x
and y axes do not need to be orthogonal as with current joysticks,
hence, individual bias axes may be calculated for the forward and
turning axes of wheelchair 110. Therefore, for step three, the bias
axes may be calculated using the following equations, and
thereafter adjusted:
[0090] Straight Test (forward and reverse):
{circumflex over
(f)}.sub.y(k.DELTA.T)=m.sub.straightf.sub.x(k.DELTA.T)
Equation-6
[0091] Turning Test (left and right):
{circumflex over (f)}.sub.x(k.DELTA.T)=m.sub.turnf.sub.y(k.DELTA.T)
Equation-7
[0092] Test to measure if axes are orthogonal: 2 C = f ^ ( k T ) ;
f ^ y ( k T ) r; f ^ x ( k T ) f ^ x ( k T ) r; Equation - 8
[0093] The variables definitions for Equations 6-8 are listed in
Table-3.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, in the above-identified method of
calculating the bias axes, the constant C is the dot product of the
unit vectors along the direction of the forward-reverse and
left-right bias axes. If the bias axis analysis provides viable
solutions, software may transform the forward and turning axes for
the wheelchair to be aligned with the bias axes. The bias axes may
be calculated from the force data obtained when subjects are asked
to exert forces fore, aft, left and right at low, moderate, and
high levels.
[0095] For present isometric joysticks, subjects have reported
experiencing fatigue after driving for several minutes with an
isometric joystick, due to the individual pushing much harder than
is required to attain maximum speed or rate of turning. This
problem is most prevalent among people who are fully capable of
operating a position-sensing joystick. Therefore, gains may be set
by using the mean of the force values in the x and y direction,
respectively, during the middle minute (30 seconds to 90 seconds)
of the aforementioned two minute session of applying a force at a
comfortable level. Gains may be calculated using the following
equations:
[0096] Initiating the x and y gains: 3 Gain y = Range y
controller_input f y comfort - f y dead - zone Equation - 9 Gain y
= Range x controller_input f x comfort - f x dead - zone Equation -
10
[0097] The variables definitions for Equations 9 and 10 are listed
in Table-3.
[0098] In order to initiate the x and y gains, a linear gain may be
used from the joystick forces, along the bias axes, to the
wheelchair controller input signals. Alternatively, a non-linear
gain function may be used. The gains may be initiated using
Equations 9 and 10 above. The software used to tune joystick 100
may permit adjusting the limits for forward and reverse speed, and
left and right rate turning by using a sliding bar with a range of
10% to 150% of the initial value.
[0099] For step four, software Templates are typically stamped or
machined pieces of metal placed over joystick housing 102 to
restrict the motion of shaft 104. Essentially, shaft 104 hits the
wall of the template and is restricted from moving further.
Templates may be used to control bias, decrease the throw of shaft
104, or reduce the degrees of freedom of movement thereof. Software
templates may be incorporated into joystick 100, and may be based
on the mathematics of super quadratics.
[0100] Super quadratics use mathematical equations to describe
complex shapes. The math behind super quadratics has its origin in
computer graphics and data compression. The benefit of super
quadratics is that a sliding bar (i.e. adjusting a single
parameter) can be used to adjust the software template shape from a
square, circle, cross, ellipse or diamond. Hence, complex templates
can be generated for each user of joystick 100 in a simple
understandable manner. For the exemplary templates illustrated in
FIG. 7, as the position of the sliding bar changes, the shape of
the template may be displayed on a computer screen. A clinician may
be allowed to rotate the axes of the template via a sliding bar to
improve the user's performance. After the desired template has been
selected, it may be downloaded into the memory of joystick 100. In
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, square, cross, circular and
oval templates 118, 120, 122 and 124, respectively, may be
used.
[0101] Thus for step four, as shown in FIG. 9, a computer monitor
116 may be moved in front of the user and positioned for optimum
viewing. The user may be instructed to track a
pseudo-randomly-moving 10 mm square object. The computer may record
the user's hand forces/movements and convert them into motor
performance graphs. By comparing these graphs, algorithm changes
may be selected by the therapist, transformed into the appropriate
micro code, and flashed onto the embedded processor's EEPROM
memory. The calibration cycle may be repeated up to four times
during a during a period of 90 minutes.
[0102] Additionally, for step four, the user may perform virtual
driving with two different joysticks, each joystick being presented
on a separate visit. Joysticks may be selected from a standard
movement sensing joystick, a force sensing joystick with a standard
algorithm known as Variable Gain Algorithm, variable compliance
joystick 100 with the movement sensing personally fitted algorithm
and the movement-sensing joystick with the movement sensing
personally fitted algorithm. One of the four joystick-algorithm
combinations may be randomly selected and mounted. The virtual
driving program on the computer may be started, with an
investigator presenting selected onscreen driving tasks to the user
using a balanced randomization scheme. The computer may track the
edge of the virtual electric powered wheelchair silhouette and beep
if the user attempts to exceed the boundary. The exemplary tasks
may be chosen from the ones illustrated in FIG. 14. The correct
procedure for executing each task may be explained, and the user
may be allowed to drive each maneuver with the joystick three times
at a relaxed pace for familiarization. The user may be instructed
to perform each maneuver as fast as practical without letting the
onscreen chair stray over the gray boundary, with the investigator
advising the user that driving accuracy is more important than
completion speed. The intended path for the onscreen chair may be
marked with a dotted line. Using automated data collection
software, the computer may record the virtual chair's position and
the forces or motions applied by the user to the joysticks may be
recorded. Additionally, time required to complete each maneuver in
milliseconds and the number of boundary violations may be recorded.
Users may perform forty eight trials, for example, for data
collection in a session lasting about seventy minutes (i.e. one
joystick, times six driving maneuvers, times eight presentations of
each maneuver).
1TABLE 5 Gain Scheduling Control Algorithm 4 K = { K 1 = K max - (
K max - K min ) e - T F > F dead - zone K 2 = K min - ( K 1 - K
min ) e - T F F dead - zone Variables Description F.sub.dead-zone
The time-varying force sensed by the joystick F Largest force
within the dead-zone F > F.sub.dead-zone Joystick is being used
actively (use eq. K.sub.1) F < F.sub.dead-zone Joystick is
inactive (use eq. K.sub.2) .alpha. Fatigue rate tuned for
individual user, the rate of increase when the joystick is active
.beta. Recovery rate tuned for individual user K.sub.max Maximum
gain set for individual user K.sub.min Baseline gain; no fatigue
compensation. T Recovery time, duration while joystick is
inactive.
[0103] Thereafter, for step five, some diseases and disorders
result in substantial changes in motor strength and control during
the course of a day. Thus, another advantage of a micro controller
managed joystick, is that in addition to employing corrective
algorithms to compensate for movement disorders, a change in
sensitivity may be programmed to take place over time. To determine
the changes brought on by fatigue, users may be asked to repeat the
virtual driving testing protocol at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00
pm, for three sessions in a virtual laboratory.
[0104] As users perform the virtual tasks for Phase Two above,
those prone to fatigue would be expected to exhibit progressively
"flatter" motor graphs in the later task iterations. The joystick's
microcontroller may be used to log cumulative force-time activity
(a cumulative integral) as a user performs successive trials. All
forces may be logged as absolute values. For each user, parameters
alpha and beta for the fatigue-scheduling algorithm depicted in
Table-5 may be established.
[0105] This would constitute the gain intervention, which may be
superimposed on the user's other algorithm compensation. As the
amount of uninterrupted joystick usage accumulates, the gain may be
increased until a point of diminishing returns occurs (K.sub.max).
If the gain is raised too high, tremor or other unintentional
movement may be amplified to the point of becoming the limiting
factor. A fatigue recovery algorithm may also be included based on
the assumption that if the user stops driving and receives a rest
break, the gain can be backed off. After a specified period, i.e.
eight hours of inactivity, the fatigue gain compensation may be
reset and only the customized algorithms used. By logging the
accumulated force-time integral and including a recovery algorithm,
individuals may be able to drive in the community in the future
with an optimum gain setting throughout the day.
[0106] Lastly, for Phase Three, a user may drive his/her personal
electric powered wheelchair in an indoor and outdoor driving course
known as The Wheelchair Driving Activities Laboratory (WDAL). The
WDAL has been used in several previous studies performed herein to
effectively evaluate new assistive technologies, especially
wheelchairs and wheelchair controls, prior to evaluation in the
"real-world". The WDAL includes indoor driving skills for driving
in environments including as tile flooring, carpeting, a door
threshold, a doorway, a hallway, model bathroom, and model kitchen.
The WDAL outdoor driving tasks include an ADA ramp, bus docking
area, curb-cut, sidewalk, and decking material. Users may be tested
on all of these activities. Each user may be given the opportunity
to practice each of the driving tasks, but not to practice the test
course. After a maximum of one-half hour of practice in the WDAL,
users may undergo the testing protocol. A study clinician may be
given the option to tune the algorithms during the respective
practice sessions using the same procedure as in Phase Two. At the
completion of a practice session, a study therapist or
rehabilitation engineer may rate each user as being either safe or
unsafe in performing each driving task. If a user performs all of
the driving tasks safely, than they would progress to the testing
phase. Users who are judged unsafe may have a maximum of two,
one-hour remedial training sessions prior to testing, otherwise
they may be discontinued.
[0107] The hardware for implementing the aforementioned method of
systematically determining the optimal settings for variable
compliance joystick 100 will next be described in detail.
Specifically, the setup for algorithm optimization for joystick 100
may include a computer monitor 116, for displaying virtual driving
tasks on a wheelchair dynamometer. The driving tasks may be
presented on monitor 116, and users may receive real-time feedback
of their driving by viewing the sprite on the monitor screen. The
motion of the sprite may be proportional to the actual rotation of
the wheelchair wheels on the dynamometer.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, the sprite may flash and change color
when it contacts a wall, and a running total of wall hits may be
displayed on the screen of monitor 116. The driving tasks may be
performed while driving forwards and then repeated while driving
backwards for a total of eight driving trials (i.e. 4 tasks.times.2
orientations). The driving tasks may be presented in the following
order: (1) straight hallway, (2) left turn, (3) right turn, and (4)
docking. Based upon previous studies, these tasks are preferred
since they have been demonstrated to elicit differences in the
driving performance of a wheelchair. The driving task order may be
selected to allow user to learn with simple tasks and progress to
more complex tasks.
[0109] Joystick 100 may start with the software in the default
setting (all speed and directional setting at their minimum, and
the virtual template set as a cross aligned with the x and y axes).
While users are performing the driving tasks with joystick 100, a
study investigator may tune joystick 100 parameters (i.e. speed
limits, turning limits, and the shape and orientation of the
software template) to optimize each user's performance. A licensed
therapist specializing in Assistive Technology or a rehabilitation
engineer may observe each user while driving in the virtual
environment. At the completion of each task, a study therapist may
rate each user as either being safe or unsafe in performing the
task. Users may move into the performance analysis process once
they are able to perform all of the virtual driving tasks safely.
If a user is unable to perform all of the virtual driving tasks
with a safe rating within a predetermined time period (i.e. 30
minutes), the optimization process may be suspended. In order to
determine the safety of joystick 100, the joystick may be tested
for compliance ISO 7176-14, a regulation for specifying the
operation of control devices for use on electric powered
wheelchairs. Both normal operation and foreseeable misuse may be
tested in ISO 7176-14. This standard includes bench tests (i.e. low
voltage operation, over voltage protection, connector quality) and
driving performance tests (i.e., braking, acceleration).
[0110] In order to compare the virtual driving to driving in a
controlled environment, a computerized tracking system may be used
to evaluate the use of devices for control of electric powered
wheelchair 110. In a clinical study conducted herein, joystick 100
including compensation algorithms was compared to a conventional
position-sensing joystick. The manual performance of each joystick
was measured for five inexperienced electric powered wheelchair
users and five experienced electric powered wheelchair users who
have tetraplegia. The users with tetraplegia, aged 32 to 50, had
spinal cord injuries or dysfunctions at level C4-C6. Each used an
electric powered wheelchair 110 as their primary means of mobility,
using a position sensing joystick by hand. Each joystick had a
similar housing and handle, and each joystick was mounted in a
position preferred by the user. A computer (not shown) recorded the
speed of each wheel, computed the virtual position and orientation,
and displayed this information on the screen in real-time. All
users used conventional handles except for one user with
tetraplegia, who used a T-shaped handle since he was unable to use
the knot handle. The users used an electric powered wheelchair
while stationary on a wheelchair dynamometer to simulate inertial
effects. Operating the electric powered wheelchair with each
joystick, the users followed two-dimensional driving tasks
displayed on a computer monitor. A moving sprite displayed virtual
motions of the electric powered wheelchair. The root mean square
error (rmse) was computed as users followed a series of driving
tasks while following a pre-defined desired path. A paired t-test
(p<0.05) showed no significant differences in the root mean
square error between the two joysticks. Each user demonstrated
acceptable, comparable tracking performance using each joystick.
Ten unimpaired users and ten users with tetraplegia, who used
position sensing joystick controlled electric powered wheelchairs
for their mobility, participated in a clinical study to compare the
use of a conventional position-sensing joystick and variable
compliance joystick 100. Using each joystick, tracking errors were
measured while users perform computerized tracking and actual
driving. Results indicated that joystick 100 and the conventional
position-sensing joystick provide statistically comparable electric
powered wheelchair control for both groups during both virtual
driving and driving activities laboratory tasks.
[0111] Prior to developing the compensation algorithms, joystick
100 with Compensation Algorithms was tested against existing
wheelchair standards, and compared to a commercial position sensing
joystick. When averaged across all users (both controls and
impaired users), the root mean square tracking error and time to
complete the driving course constructed on a level asphalt parking
lot were not significantly different (i.e. p<0.05) for the two
joysticks. Results within a user, however, did show significance.
Across all users, nevertheless, joystick 100 was superior to the
conventional position sensing joystick for two tasks: driving
straight and driving in a circle.
[0112] In another study performed herein, Fitts' Law for target
acquisition was extended to a continuously updated target. The
extended Fitts' Law was used to examine electric powered wheelchair
driving with a conventional position sensing joystick and variable
compliance joystick 100. The test results showed significant
differences (p<0.05) among the two types of joysticks for
selected measures of information processing capacity, movement
time, root mean square error, and average velocity while performing
turning maneuvers. The mean values indicated that variable
compliance joystick 100 provides superior turning and close quarter
(i.e. indoor) performance.
[0113] In summarizing variable compliance joystick 100 described
above may be mechanically configurable and include variable
compliance to full isometric to be adapted for best use by a user,
and/or include dampening to reduce effects of unwanted motion.
Joystick 100 may incorporate compensation algorithms, including a
dead-zone for determining an elliptical area where joystick 100
ignores input, and filtering to reduce effects of tremors and other
spurious motions. Moreover, the axes of motion need not be
orthogonal, thus enabling the finding of the best directions for
forward, reverse, left and right directions. Joystick 100 may also
include software templates of various shapes generated with a
single parameter. Joystick 100 may be used with the wheelchair
simulator discussed above for facilitating the matching of joystick
mechanical and software parameters to individual users.
[0114] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in view of
this disclosure that the wheelchair simulator disclosed herein may
have application to other vehicles, such as cars, scooters,
remotely controlled vehicles and for robotics.
[0115] The second embodiment of variable compliance joystick 200
will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15-18. It
should be noted that the features and methods discussed above with
reference to FIGS. 4-14 for joystick 100 are likewise applicable to
joystick 200, as would be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art.
[0116] Turning now to FIGS. 15-18, joystick 200 may include a
housing (not shown) similar to housing 102, and shaft 204 having a
handle 206 at an upper end thereof. An open center gimbal 208 may
be provided for further stabilizing the bending of flexible
extension 250 (similar to flexible extension 136 of the first
embodiment). Gimbal 208 may include hollow gimbal ring 210,
including pivotally mounted yoke legs 212 at pivot pins 276; the
yoke legs being further affixed to circular yoke column 214. As
shown in FIG. 18, yoke legs 212 may be disposed in suitable
apertures 274 in ring 210. Gimbal ring 210 may be further pivotally
mounted on bushings 272 whose journals 270 may be permanently
attached to the walls of enclosure 260. As also illustrated in FIG.
18, journals 270 may be crescent shaped. Consequently, gimbal ring
210 pivots about bushings 272 and yoke legs 212 pivot on pins 276,
thus creating a universal joint arrangement for pivotal movement of
joystick shaft 204. An index bushing 216 may be rotatably affixed
to handle 206 for adjusting the compliance of joystick 200, as will
be discussed in greater detail below.
[0117] A locking spring plunger 218 may be biased into the engaged
configuration illustrated in FIG. 16 by means of spring 220 to lock
rotatable index bushing 216 with yoke cap 222, and thus prevent
joystick compliance adjustment. As illustrated in FIG. 16, plunger
218 may include a pin 224 disposable within a complementary hole
(not shown) in index bushing 216 to operatively connect yoke cap
222 with index bushing 216 and thereby prevent rotation of index
bushing 216.
[0118] Handle 206 may include a bore having internal threads 226
for mounting onto externally threaded stud 228, which includes
complementary threads 230 for engagement with threads 226 and is
fixedly mounted to index bushing 216. Handle 206 may thus rotate
index bushing 216 via the fixed mounting thereof to stud 228.
[0119] Index bushing 216 may include a bottom index adjustment
section 232 including an externally threaded section 234 and
internally threaded section 236. Threads 238 of externally threaded
section 234 may be disposed in engagement with complementary
threads 240 of cylindrical chamber column 242, which may axially
translate relative to yoke column 214. Threads 244 of internally
threaded section 236 may be disposed in engagement with
complementary threads 246 of drive stud 248. Threads 238 and 244
may be configured such that rotation of handle 206 in a clock-wise
direction (when viewed from the top of the joystick) allows for
upwards axial translation of stud 248 and downwards translation of
chamber column 242, and vice-versa for opposite rotation of handle
206. As shown in FIG. 17A, axially extending splines 249 may be
provided on the internal wall of column 242 for engagement with
complementary axial grooves (not shown) in the outer wall of
retainer 252 for preventing either column 242 or the retainer 252
from rotating relative to each other, while allowing relative axial
translation of column 242 and retainer 252.
[0120] In the particular embodiment illustrated, index bushing 216
may include male threads 238 in the form of 1/2".times.20 left hand
threads for mating with complementary female threads 240 of column
242. Further, index bushing 216 may include female threads 244 in
the form of 1/4".times.20 right hand threads for mating with
complementary male threads 246 of drive stud 248.
[0121] Stud 248 may be fixedly affixed to flexible extension 250
disposed at a lower end of the shaft. Extension 250 may be made of
an elastimeric or polyurethane material. As illustrated in FIG. 16,
extension 250 may be mounted at a first end thereof to stud 248 by
means of retainer 252 and held within bushing 254 for controlling
the bending thereof. Extension 250 may be bonded, or otherwise
fixedly attached, at its second opposite end to sleeve 256. Sleeve
256 may be dimensioned to closely fit but slide freely over
isometric post 258.
[0122] The entire assembly including gimbal assembly 208, yoke
column 214, extension 250 and isometric post 258, including the
various sub-components operable therewith, may be substantially
enclosed within enclosure 260, which includes internally tapered
stop ring 262 at an upper end thereof and further includes an
enclosure base 264 at a lower end thereof. Stop ring 262
essentially limits the extent of pivotal movement of the joystick
shaft 204 by virtue of its engagement with the outer surface of
yoke column 214. Isometric post 258 may be utilized for controlling
joystick 200 in a similar manner as joystick 100.
[0123] In operation, referring to FIGS. 16-17, as briefly discussed
above, compliance of joystick 200 may be adjusted by first
disengaging locking spring plunger 218 from index bushing 216 by
pulling plunger 218 to retract pin 224 from the hole in bushing
216. Handle 206 may now be rotated to vary the compliance of
joystick 200.
[0124] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17A, joystick 200 is
illustrated in a maximum compliance configuration, as opposed to
medium compliance for FIG. 17B and minimum compliance for FIG. 17C.
In the maximum compliance configuration of FIG. 17A, handle 206 may
be rotated counter-clockwise (when viewed from the top of the
joystick) to its maximum counter-clockwise rotatable position to
provide maximum downwards axial translation of stud 248 and maximum
upwards translation of chamber column 242. Concurrently with the
translation of stud 248 and column 242, sleeve 256 may likewise
travel relative to isometric post 258, and in the particular
embodiment illustrated, extension 250 may be disposed in contiguous
engagement with post 258. Further, in the particular embodiment
illustrated, the position of FIG. 17A provides an exposed extension
length L1 of approximately 1.0". Thus as extension 250 is disposed
outside of the chamber defined by column 242, the maximum amount of
extension 250 is available for bending. In the position of FIG.
17A, it can be seen that enclosure 260 having gimbal assembly 208
disposed therein limits pivotal movement of joystick shaft 204,
thus providing an additional means for controlling bending of
extension 250.
[0125] In order to reduce the compliance of joystick 200, referring
to FIG. 17B, handle 206 may be rotated clockwise (when viewed from
the top of the joystick) to an intermediate rotatable position to
allow upwards axial translation of stud 248 and downwards
translation of chamber column 242. Concurrently with the
translation of stud 248 and column 242, sleeve 256 may likewise
travel upwards relative to isometric post 258, such that extension
250 is no longer in contiguous engagement with post 258. In the
particular embodiment illustrated, the position of FIG. 17B
provides an exposed extension length L2 of approximately 0.650". As
extension 250 is now disposed within the chamber defined by column
242, a smaller amount of the exposed extension is available for
bending.
[0126] Lastly, in order to further reduce the compliance of
joystick 200, referring to FIG. 17C, handle 206 may be rotated
clockwise (when viewed from the top of the joystick) to a maximum
clockwise rotatable position to provide maximum upwards axial
translation of stud 248 and maximum downwards translation of
chamber column 242. In this arrangement, the top surface of
retainer 252 is disposed in contact with the inwardly facing
section of column 242, as shown in FIG. 17C. Concurrently with the
translation of stud 248 and column 242, sleeve 256 may likewise
travel upwards relative to isometric post 258. In the particular
embodiment illustrated, the position of FIG. 17C provides an
exposed extension length L3 of approximately 0.40". As the maximum
length of extension 250 is now disposed within the chamber defined
by column 242, the smallest amount of the exposed extension is
available for bending, while still providing compliance for
joystick 200.
[0127] For the embodiments of FIGS. 14-17, compared to joystick 100
of the first embodiment, joystick 200 allows extension 250 to
generally remain centered about the pivot axis X of gimbal 208
through the entire compliance adjustment thereof, as well as during
subsequent use. Further, yoke cap 222, which includes internal
threads 266 engaged with complementary threads 268 of yoke column
214, can be simply screwn onto column 214 for assembly and further
unscrewn from column 214 for replacement of the entire assembly for
extension 250 with a polyurethane rod of different durometer. This
replacement feature extends the potential range of compliance
options for joystick 200.
[0128] In summarizing, variable compliance joystick 200 described
above may be mechanically configurable and include variable
compliance to full isometric to be adapted for best use by a user,
and/or include dampening to reduce effects of unwanted motion. As
discussed above for joystick 100, joystick 200 may incorporate
compensation algorithms, including a dead-zone for determining an
elliptical area where joystick 200 ignores input, and filtering to
reduce effects of tremors and other spurious motions. Moreover, the
axes of motion need not be orthogonal, thus enabling the finding of
the best directions for forward, reverse, left and right
directions. Joystick 200 may also include software templates of
various shapes generated with a single parameter. Joystick 200 may
be used with the wheelchair simulator discussed above for
facilitating the matching of joystick mechanical and software
parameters to individual users.
[0129] Joystick 200 is further beneficial in that virtually all
bending takes place at the center of flexible extension 250, and
the center of extension 250 is consistently maintained at the
mechanical center (i.e. the intersection) of the gimbal axis X. It
should be noted that while an index bushing 216 including
internal/external threads is illustrated in operative engagement
with threaded stud 248 and column 242, any mechanism may be
employed so as to change the length of flexible extension 250 while
simultaneously longitudinally displacing extension 250 so that the
center of the altered extension length remains centered with the
intersection of the gimbal axis X. Such mechanisms may include a
variety of gear/worm arrangements, or other automatic means for
displacing extension 250 and column 242. The present invention thus
provides a mechanical means of adjusting extension 250 with
concurrent realignment to provide a continuous range of elastic
compliance while maintaining a balanced buckling extension.
[0130] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in view of
this disclosure that the wheelchair simulator disclosed herein may
have application to other vehicles, such as cars, scooters,
remotely controlled vehicles and for robotics. As evident for
joystick 100, joystick 200 may likewise be used for wheelchair
control, as discussed above, or for control of other applications
such as for computer pointing application (mouse).
[0131] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and
modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *