A Cost-Effective Virtual Environment for Simulating and Training Powered Wheelchairs Manoeuvres

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Electronic versions

  • Christopher Headleand
    University of Lincoln
  • Thomas Day
    University of Chester
  • Serban Pop
    University of Chester
  • Panagiotis D. Ritsos
  • Nigel John
    University of Chester
Control of a powered wheelchair is often not intuitive, making training of new users a challenging and sometimes hazardous task. Collisions, due to a lack of experience can result in injury for the user and other individuals. By conducting training activities in virtual reality (VR), we can potentially improve driving skills whilst avoiding the risks inherent to the real world. However, until recently VR technology has been expensive and limited the commercial feasibility of a general training solution. We describe Wheelchair-Rift, a cost effective prototype simulator that makes use of the Oculus Rift head mounted display and the Leap Motion hand tracking device. It has been assessed for face validity by a panel of experts from a local Posture and Mobility Service. Initial results augur well for our cost-effective training solution.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedicine meets virtual reality 22
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of NextMed/MMVR22
PublisherIOS Press
Pages134-141
ISBN (print) 978-1-61499-624-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2016

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
PublisherIOS Press
Volume220
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (electronic)1879-8365
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