Description:DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and how it is to be performed.
Technical Field of the Invention:
[001] The technical field of the invention for an AI-driven smart electric wheelchair is primarily related to Assistive Technologies, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. These types of wheelchairs typically use various advanced technologies.
[002] Motor Control Systems: To manage the movement and speed of the wheels.
[003] Battery Management Systems: To ensure safe charging and discharging of the battery.
[004] Sensors: Such as ultrasonic or infrared sensors that detect nearby objects for collision prevention.
[005] Machine Learning Algorithms: That can learn from past experiences and improve the performance over time.
[006] User Interface Design: Allows users to interact with the chair easily and intuitively.
[007] Computer Vision Techniques: For more complex environments where the chair needs to recognize specific landmarks or navigate through narrow spaces.
[008] Connectivity Features: Like Bluetooth or WiFi, which enables remote monitoring and control by caregivers or healthcare professionals.
[009] The development of an AI-driven smart electric wheelchair involves interdisciplinary knowledge spanning across several fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, ergonomics, and human factors.

Background of the invention:
[0010] The background of the invention of an AI-driven smart electric wheelchair relates to the advancements made in assisted living technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology. Over recent years, these technological areas have rapidly evolved, making it possible to create innovative solutions aimed at improving mobility and independence for people with physical impairments.
[0011] Traditional manual and electric wheelchairs are useful tools for those who need assistance moving around, but they still require some level of input from the user or a caregiver to operate effectively.
[0012] An AI-driven smart electric wheelchair aims to overcome this limitation by incorporating intelligent automation into its operation, allowing it to navigate safely and independently in indoor and outdoor environments.
[0013] Several research projects and commercial products already exist in this space, demonstrating the potential benefits of combining AI and robotic technologies with wheelchairs. Some examples include:
[0014] Whill Inc.: A Japanese company specializing in personal electric vehicles designed for individuals with reduced mobility. Their latest product, Model Ci2, has integrated automatic obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities using ultrasonic sensors.
[0015] Panasonic Corporation: Developed an AI-powered self-driving wheelchair called "Robocas" that uses cameras and LiDAR sensors to map out its environment and move around without colliding with any obstacles.
[0016] Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA: Has developed a prototype named "Cyberchair," equipped with multiple sensors and powered by an onboard computer system capable of recognizing different surfaces and adjusting driving behaviour accordingly.
[0017] University of Pittsburgh: Researchers created an AI-enhanced power wheelchair capable of learning from users’ behaviours and adapting to their individual preferences and abilities.
[0018] These examples showcase how advances in AI and robotics technologies have enabled the creation of smarter, safer, and more independent mobility devices that aim to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals requiring assisted living. However, despite significant progress, there remains room for improvement when it comes to developing a truly intuitive and reliable AI-driven smart electric wheelchair.

Summary of the invention:
[0019] An AI-driven smart electric wheelchair represents an innovation in the field of assistive technology, leveraging advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology. It offers enhanced mobility and autonomy for individuals with reduced mobility compared to traditional manual and electric wheelchairs. Key components of this invention generally include:
[0020] Autonomous Navigation System: Utilizes advanced sensory data processing, mapping, localization, and path planning algorithms to help the wheelchair navigate efficiently while avoiding obstructions in both indoor and outdoor settings.
[0021] Intelligent Obstacle Detection & Avoidance: Employs various sensors like ultrasonic, infrared, or LIDAR to identify obstacles in real-time and make necessary course corrections to prevent accidents.
[0022] Adaptable Mobility Profiles: Offers customizable profiles based on user requirements and terrain conditions for optimal maneuverability and safety.
[0023] User-friendly Interfaces: Provides easy-to-use controls, voice recognition, and haptic feedback mechanisms enabling seamless interaction between the user and the wheelchair.
[0024] Remote Monitoring & Control Capabilities: Enables authorized personnel or caregivers to remotely monitor the wheelchair's status, location, and provide support if needed.
[0025] Power Efficiency Optimizations: Integrates efficient energy consumption strategies and advanced battery management systems ensuring long operational hours per charge cycle.
[0026] Safety Measures: Includes emergency stop functions, fall detection alerts, and geofencing options to minimize risks associated with unsupervised usage.
[0027] Continuous Improvement via Machine Learning: Harnesses AI capabilities to continually adapt to user habits, preferences, and environmental changes, thereby enhancing overall functionality and usability.
[0028] An AI-driven smart electric wheelchair combines cutting-edge robotics and AI innovations to deliver a highly versatile, secure, and empowering mobility solution catering to individuals facing challenges due to reduced mobility. By integrating sophisticated hardware, software, and communication systems, this new generation of wheelchairs promises improved accessibility, comfort, and independence—ultimately leading to better quality of life for end-users.

A detailed description of the invention:
[0029] An AI-driven smart electric wheelchair refers to an innovative mobile platform specifically engineered for individuals experiencing restricted mobility issues. Combining state-of-the-art robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies, this next-generation wheelchair provides unprecedented levels of autonomy, convenience, and security to maximize its users' freedom and quality of life.
[0030] Hardware Platform: At its core, the AI-driven smart electric wheelchair comprises a robust yet lightweight chassis, powerful motors, high-capacity batteries, and precise steering mechanics supported by rugged suspension elements suitable for diverse terrains. Ergonomically optimized seating arrangements offer utmost comfort during prolonged usage.
[0031] Autonomous Navigation System: Implementing advanced mapping, localization, and path planning algorithms, the wheelchair intelligently navigates its surroundings free from external intervention. Real-time sensory data fusion ensures smooth motion, obstacle detection, and circumvention while maintaining maximum efficiency and stability throughout journeys.
[0032] Intelligent Obstacle Detection & Avoidance: Multiple sensory inputs, including ultrasonic, infrared, or LIDAR sensors strategically placed along the frame continuously scan the immediate vicinity for potential hazards. Based on predefined rules and learned patterns, the wheelchair calculates appropriate responses and takes evasive action if required.
[0033] Adaptable Mobility Profiles: Users can choose among tailored presets depending upon unique circumstances, terrain characteristics, or preferred travel styles. Custom parameters governing acceleration, deceleration, turning radius, climb angle, clearance height, etc., guarantee optimal maneuverability under varying scenarios.
[0034] User-Friendly Interfaces: Voice command integration, touchscreen displays, joysticks, gesture recognition, or haptic feedback facilitate effortless interactions between the user and the wheelchair. Designed with inclusivity in mind, multi-modal interfaces accommodate various degrees of cognitive and fine motor skills limitations.
[0035] Remote Monitoring & Control Capabilities: Authorized personnel or caretakers can track the wheelchair's position, route history, and health metrics remotely via dedicated applications connected through cellular networks or Wi-Fi hotspots. Emergency override functionalities permit direct intervention if necessary.
[0036] Power Efficiency Optimizations: Energy conservation strategies coupled with advanced battery management systems extend operational hours per charge cycle. Predictive maintenance scheduling minimizes unexpected downtime and maintains peak performance consistently.
[0037] Safety Measures: Comprehensive risk mitigation protocols encompass emergency stop buttons, fall detection alarms, predictive analytics for component failure, theft deterrents, and configurable geographic boundaries (geofencing) to restrict unauthorized excursions beyond designated zones.
[0038] Continuous Improvement via Machine Learning: Leveraging AI capabilities, the wheelchair acquires insights about user habits, environmental nuances, and personal preference trends. Through iterative refinement processes, the wheelchair dynamically modifies its internal models, further enhancing responsiveness, reliability, and overall satisfaction.

Brief description of drawings:
[0039] Fig.1 is a schematic diagram of an AI-Powered Smart Electric Wheelchair
[0040] Fig.2 is a schematic diagram of the Smart Electric Wheelchair App
, Claims:Claim 1: An AI-driven smart electric wheelchair comprising a robust hardware platform with powerful motors, high-capacity batteries, and precise steering mechanics; said wheelchair employs advanced mapping, localization, and path-planning algorithms for autonomous navigation.
Claim 2: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to claim 1, is further characterized by utilizing multiple sensory inputs, including ultrasonic, infrared, or LIDAR sensors, providing real-time obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities.
Claim 3: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to either preceding claim, wherein users can select from tailored mobility profiles adapted to diverse terrains and travel styles.
Claim 4: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, features user-friendly multimodal interfaces facilitating effortless interactions between the user and the wheelchair.
Claim 5: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to claim 4, further comprises remote monitoring and control capabilities through dedicated applications and wireless connectivity.
Claim 6: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, implements energy conservation strategies and advanced battery management systems to extend operational hours per charge cycle.
Claim 7: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, having comprehensive safety measures encompassing emergency stops, fall detection alarms, predictive analytics for component failures, theft deterrence, and geofencing functionalities.
Claim 8: The AI-driven smart electric wheelchair according to claim 7, further leverages AI capabilities to acquire insights about user habits, environmental nuances, and personal preference trends, thereby continuously refining its internal models for superior responsiveness and reliability.