Navigational assistance for wheelchair users

Previous low cost systems of navigational assistance for disabled wheelchair users have provided simple obstacle and collision avoidance, or have followed a pre-defined fixed route defined by a white line or a buried wire. Other research has used complex high cost multi-sensor mode systems resembling industrial, military or space exploration applications. Such systems have required modification of the operating environment and have provided little overall control by the user. Whilst proving the technical feasibility their cost and complexity has not resulted in practical and affordable solutions for the wheelchair user. The purpose of the present study was to bridge the gap between these two previous areas of research and to provide navigational assistance at an affordable cost.