Problem Definition

Problem Definition

As people increase with age, it is a common problem that their mobility decreases. It has been noted from anecdotal evidence that this can often lead to frustration at the loss of mobility that these previously active people suffer. Whilst still being as mentally active as they were in previous years, the lack of mobility can often lead to large periods of being stationary. This can have a variety of impacts varying from decreased sociability, decreased participation in hobbies and activities to more serious problems such as serious difficulty in reaching shops or getting help in the case of emergencies. Thus the problem has been defined as;

To design a system that will offer older people who are starting to face varying degrees of mobility impairment, a wheelchair that enables them to increase their mobility whilst still maintaining their independence. The wheelchair would operate in two main environments, in the user’s own home and outside the home in the street.

The problem has the following main components;

To offer increased mobility;
Some users will require help getting round the home. Thus the system will need to address the following problems;
The wheel chair may not be in the same room as the user when it is required.
The user may have trouble manoeuvring round their own home.
The user may have trouble reaching light fixtures of heating controls.
The user may require the system to help them with stairs.
The user may have trouble with doors/windows.

The system will also need to address the following problems the user may face when out and about;
The user may not know where they are going or how they get back home from where they are.
The user may not want to be totally dependant upon a wheelchair.

To enable ease of communication.
If confined to the wheelchair for great periods in the home the user may require some form of communication in the form of phone or email.

To enable monitoring of any medical conditions.

To enable the user greater ease of control over appliances in the home.