Power Chair Driver’s Ed:

On Four Wheels with SecondLife

Driving Simulator Learning to drive a power wheelchair can be

complicated. In this project you will design (and build) a prototype driving simulator/game for individuals learning to drive.

Mentor: Julia Klag

Proposed Problem

Stredney (1995) exploring the integration of new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and stereoscopic polarized lenses to view the virtual world.

Hasdai (1998) compared novice and experienced children in a 2D maze with a joystick interface.

Archambault (2011) compared operating a virtual power wheelchair with a physical chair. (healthy adults)

The Literature

Adelola (2002) created a solution that received input from any wheelchair's wheels (AutoCAD and power-chair required).

Desbonnet (1998) used a functioning control arm from a power-chair, AutoCAD, suggested tilt platform.

Rossol (2011) open source rendering software and a real power chair.

Herrlich (2010) Unreal 3 engine and unmodified joystick.

The Literature – cont.

Easily configurable◦ both physically and virtually

Within the $100 budget

Measured chairs and joysticks

Design Requirements

Basic physics Interface friendly for joysticks Social Interaction (Stewart 2010) Private areas

SecondLife MarketPlace◦ (Pause to look at SLM)

SecondLife

PVC Pipe Velcro tape Pipe Clamps

Prototype

Josh Dutterer3D Modeler Extraordinaire

dutter1@umbc.edu

Excellent configurability◦ both physically and digitally

$45, not including computer

Better physics Vibration feedback from collision

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