• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2005

Electromyogram (EMG) signal generated by voluntary contraction of muscles is often used in rehabilitation devices because of its distinct output characteristics compared to other bio-signals. This paper proposes a novel EMG-based human-computer interface for electric-powered wheelchair users with motor disabilities by C4 or C5 spine cord injury. User's commands to control the electric-powered wheelchair are represented by shoulder elevation motions, which are recognized by comparing EMG signals acquired from the levator scapulae muscles with a preset double threshold value. The interface commands for controlling the electric-powered wheelchair consist of combinations of left-, right- and both-shoulders elevation motions. To achieve a real-time interface, we implement an EMG processing hardware composed of analog amplifiers, filters, a mean absolute value circuit and a high-speed microprocessor. The experimental results using an implemented real-time hardware and an electric-powered wheelchair showed that the EMG-based human-computer interface is feasible for the users with severe motor disabilities.

• 재활복지
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.421-437
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• 2012

The goal of this study is to provide the basic information for improvement of domestic standards on the powered scooter and the electric wheelchair considering using environments in the nation. The international standards and domestic standards have been analyzed and compared, in order to propose improved domestic standards. Based on the research, the items and standards for general and functional recommendations, electric features, and other suggestions have been reexamined so that the improvements on test item and standards have been identified, corrected, and summarized including max. speed, brake system, lights and so on. We have been preparing the reference data for the improvement of standards on the powered scooter and the electric wheelchair through the comparison & analysis on the international and domestic standards.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2011.06a
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• pp.927-928
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• 2011

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.97-103
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• 2021

In this paper, an omni wheel-based electric wheelchair is proposed that can achieve safe and convenient movement and can improve the convenience of living for mobility-impaired people who cannot move on their own. Generally, mobility-impaired people are afflicted with physical health issues such as pain and secondary body deformities because they often remain seated in wheelchairs for long periods of time. Hence, an electric wheelchair is required whose posture can be changed and whose size can be adjusted according to the user's body type. Such a wheelchair should also facilitate easy change of direction (even in a narrow space) for convenient movement. In this paper, an electric wheelchair featuring omni wheels is proposed that allows posture transformation and facilitates movement in a narrow space. It is believed that the proposed wheelchair can aid in enhancing the convenience of living for mobility-impaired people.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1994 no.05
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• pp.92-95
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• 1994

We developed electric wheelchair INMEL-VI which is motorized wheelchair for practical use. The field test results of long time show some problems to disabled in daily use. INMEL-VII is designed to solve the problems of INMEL-VI and to adjust condition by the Korean Industrial Standards about the motorized wheelchair. Especially, it is improved to have durability, driving safety, and convenience of manipulating. In the driving field test in indoors and outdoors, it has been estimated to have a high practical use for powered walking aids to disable's daily life.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.1110-1118
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• 2011

The recent power add-on drive wheelchairs (PADWs) provide greater physical activity and easier transportability and may be an excellent alternative for the typical manual and powered wheelchairs. The driving system consists of a motor and a motor driver is the most important component of the PADW In this paper, design, implementation, and testing of a driving system for a PADW are presented. To design the output power and torque for the driving system, the equation of motion has been investigated. The motor and driver were fabricated with precise machining and assembled to implement our prototype driving system. The dynamometer test has been carried out using the prototype in order to examine the torque of the system. The experimental results demonstrates that the designed driving system can provide enough output power and efficiency for utilization in a PADW.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.992-999
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• 2011

The recent power add-on drive wheelchairs (PADWs) provide greater physical activity, are easier to transport, and may be an excellent alternative for the typical manual or electric wheelchairs. The development of in-wheel motor for a PADW is the principal issues. In this paper, design, implementation, and testing of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for a PADW are presented. To design output power and torque of the motor, the equation of motion has been investigated. The design parameters were calculated and the dimension and shape of the motor which was limited by the In-wheel mechanism of the PADW were done by applying FEM and optimal design technique. The prototype of the motor mentioned above was fabricated with precise machining and assembling. Then the motor tested on dynamometer and the measured results of the motor were verified by comparing the design results. The fabricated motor was 80 mm in length with a diameter of 110 mm and small enough to be attached the driving unit of the PADW.

• Proceedings of the KIPE Conference
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• 2013.07a
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• pp.212-213
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• 2013

This paper proposes the algorithm of torque distribution in the electric wheel-chair using 2D joystick for drive safety. For the accurate driving performance, the specific and precise torque distribution is required in both wheels depending on signals of X-Y axis that is generated from 2D joystick. The signals of X-Y axis from joystick are transformed into the propulsion force and the torque reference. And the torque reference can be generated through the dynamic model of wheel-chair. The optimal dynamic characteristics of the electric powered wheelchair can be obtained, by adjusting the sensitivity coefficients of propulsion force and torque reference, In addition, the system takes smooth and stable control characteristics due to continuous torque output at all directions of joystick. The several simulations verify the usefulness of the proposed algorithm about torque distribution.

• 재활복지
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.191-216
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• 2017

Recently, according to demands for a mobility right of people with disabilities, the use of powered mobility device has been rapidly increased and recharging facilities have been set up in many places of country. But the standards for the installation and management of the facilities are not clear and many problems are brought up in operating the facilities. Therefore, regulations and realities of recharging facilities were investigated and the user survey was progressed. On the basis of the research results, a rational and efficient installation and management plan was drawn up. The plan suggests that the recharging facilities should be installed in a building managed by government and many kinds of public building like library, theater, sports facilities, department store, museum, etc. Further, the recharging facilities should secure independent place which have specified area for protecting of privacy and provide some amenities for people with disabilities to enhance the conveniences.

• Journal of Platform Technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.10-19
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• 2022

Moving assistant devices for people who are difficult to move are becoming electric-powered and automated. These moving assistant devices are not suitable for moving stairs at which the height between floor surfaces is different because these devices are designed and manufactured for flatland moving. An electric-powered and automated moving assistant device should change direction or stop when it approaches stairs in a movement direction. If the user or automatic control system does not change direction or stop in time, a moving assistant device can roll over or collide with stairs. In this paper, we propose a stairs detection method by using oblique distance measured by one sensor tilted to flatland. The method proposed in this paper can detect upward or downward stairs by using a difference between a predicted and measured oblique distance in considering a tilted angle of a sensor for measuring an oblique distance and installation height of the sensor on a moving object. Before the device enters a stairs region, if our proposed method provides information about detected stairs to a device's controller, the controller can do adequate action to avoid the accident.