Preview Distance Index for the Analysis of Powered Wheelchair Driving

• Published in: Ingénierie et recherche biomédicale Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 194 - 205
• Main Authors: Zatla, H., Morère, Y., Hadj-Abdelkader, A., Bourhis, G., Demet, K., Guilmois, G., Bigaut, N., Cosnuau, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.06.2018; Elsevier Masson
• Subjects: Automatic; Driving simulator; Engineering Sciences; Eye-tracking; OPCM model; Powered wheelchair; Driving simulator; Eye-tracking; OPCM model; Powered wheelchair
• ISSN: 1959-0318
• DOI: 10.1016/j.irbm.2018.03.001

Background  This article deals with powered wheelchair (PW) simulators. In any application of simulation (learning, medical prescription, experimentation of new features, etc.) it is necessary to define driving performance criteria. The aim of this work is to validate a new performance index for PW driving analysis. Methods  The validation was carried out in two stages. First, we modelled the human-machine system consisting of the pilot and the PW with the OPCM model (Optimal Preview Control Model) and we deduced the importance of the preview time Tp or its equivalent, the preview distance Dp. Experiments on a panel of 15 healthy subjects were carried out on the 3D simulator ViEW (Virtual Electrical Wheelchair) associated with an eye-tracker system and allowed to validate this modelling. In the second stage, the healthy panel was separated into two skill-level groups (accustomed/novice). Results  The experimental results showed that the parameter Dp is representative of the driving quality: accustomed drivers get greater values of Dp than the novice users during the driving. To illustrate this assertion, we conclude by a case study conducted on five subjects with motor disabilities. Conclusion  This work showed that Dp allows to differentiate accustomed users from the novice ones using a test on healthy subjects. A second test on subjects with disabilities showed that this indicator can be used for analysing their abilities to drive the PW. •Analysis of the behaviour of the Pilot–Wheelchair system by optimal preview model.•Preview distance Dp estimated using an eye tracking system.•Distance Dp for healthy subjects can be used as driving indicator.•Distance Dp for people with disabilities can be used as performance indicator.