Variable keyed power distribution and control system for motorized

Abstract

A motorized personal transport vehicle (PTV) with a removable, programmable memory which contains both a key code to enable only an authorized user to operate the PTV and contains constants for use in an algorithm which operates the PTV in accordance with a prescription for that particular user's needs. Control signals from an input, such as a joystick, are modified by the algorithm in accordance with the prescription for a particular user. This prescription is stored in the programmable memory and loaded into the computer when the memory is inserted. The key code in the memory can allow various levels of access, with access for a particular user, a particular group, physician access and technician access. In a preferred embodiment, an electrically erasable programamble read only memory (EEPROM) is used as the memory key. Two processors are used, a first control processor for operating the algorithm and controlling the PTV motors and a second command processor for controlling a display panel, receiving the inputs and modifying the inputs in accordance with a prescription. The modifications performed in the command processor are the filtering of the input signals and the control of acceleration and deceleration. A display has an icon in the shape of a wheelchair. The status of the PTV for its operating modes is indicated by different elements of the icon which light up to indicate a particular status. For instance, a pair of downward directed eyes indicate that the ultrasonic drop off sensors are active.