Light intensity-based obstacle detection system for manual wheelchair users

As the population of individuals with physical disabilities in Japan rises, wheelchairs remain crucial support tools. However, wheelchair users face significant injury risks, highlighting the need for effective fall prevention strategies. While research has mainly focused on electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs also play a vital role, offering benefits in reducing muscle atrophy. Thus, developing a fall prevention system that enhances safety and supports physical activity among manual wheelchair users is essential. Therefore, in this research, we propose an algorithm capable of measuring both distance and height, independent of the actual size or distance of the obstacle. This algorithm ascertains distance and height by specifying the range irradiated to the obstacle, using the light intensity data obtained from the emitted line laser. In order to validate the algorithm’s efficacy, we conducted distance measurements to an actual obstacle, adhering to the standard height of 20 mm. As a result, it was confirmed that this algorithm can generally measure distance and height regardless of the color of the obstacle.