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Title:
SMART APPARATUS FOR MANUAL MOBILITY ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/097619
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention comprises a novel smart apparatus for monitoring manual mobility assistive devices and their users consisting of an integrated movement monitoring system connected to a mobile app and user portals that can gather metrics pertaining to the device usage and user efficiency. The apparatus will provide feedback to the users in order to improve user efficiency and maintain devices at an optimal condition. Such an integrated system provides a collaborative platform for all the stakeholders involved with provision of assistive mobility devices, services and the end-users.

Inventors:
TELSON JOSHUA (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2019/060957
Publication Date:
May 14, 2020
Filing Date:
November 12, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
LEMON LIFE TECH LLC (US)
International Classes:
A61G5/02; A61G5/10; G01C21/20; G01C22/00
Foreign References:
US20160363449A12016-12-15
US9734693B22017-08-15
US20150337809A12015-11-26
US8826495B22014-09-09
US6938716B12005-09-06
US20070284845A12007-12-13
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SUMPTER, Travis J. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A smart sensing apparatus for a manual mobility device comprising:

one or more power sources;

one or more sensors operatively connected to the one or more power sources configured to sense movement of the mobility device;

a processor operatively connected to the one or more power sources and the one or more sensors; and

a connection device operatively connected to the one or more power sources and the processor;

wherein the processor obtains, from the one or more sensors, movement data associated with the mobility device; and

wherein the processor transmits, using the connection device, the movement data to a remote device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power sources comprise a battery energy source.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power sources comprise a kinetic energy source.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power sources comprise a kinetic energy source and a battery energy source.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power connection port operatively connected to the one or more power sources and configured to provide external power to the one or more power source.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more cases configured to contain at least one of the one or more power sources, the one or more sensors, the processor, and the connection device.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the one or more power sources, the one or more sensors, the processor, and the connection device are contained within the housing.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the housing further comprises a hinge mechanism and a fastening mechanism.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the housing is configured to wrap around an axle of the manual mobility device.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the housing further comprises an inner surface configured to contact the one or more axles of the manual mobility device, wherein the inner surface is constructed of a non-slip material.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pushrim, wherein the one or more power sources, the one or more sensors, the processor, and the connection device are contained within the pushrim.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pushrim further comprises a plurality of attachment points configured to removably attach the pushrim to a wheel of the manual mobility device.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pushrim comprises a conductive surface configured to detect contact by a user.

15. A smart sensing system for a manual mobility device comprising:

an information handling device comprising:

a first processor and a memory device that stores instructions executable by the first processor;

a smart sensing device comprising:

one or more power sources;

one or more sensors operatively connected to the one or more power sources configured to sense movement of the mobility device;

a second processor operatively connected to the one or more power sources and the one or more sensors; and

a connection device operatively connected to the one or more power sources and the second processor;

wherein the second processor obtains, from the one or more sensors, movement data associated with the mobility device; and

wherein the second processor transmits, using the connection device, the movement data to the first processor of the information handling device

Description:
SMART APPARATUS FOR MANUAL MOBILITY ASSISTIVE DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/758,244, filed November 9, 2018 entitled“SMART APPARATUS FOR MANUAL

MOBILITY ASSISTIVE DEVICES,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention primarily relates to manual mobility assistive devices for people with disabilities and secondarily to smart devices and personal electronics - defined by their ability to connect to a network, process, share and receive data remotely.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Over seven million individuals with mobility impairments use manual mobility devices like manual wheelchairs for everyday mobility in the United States, with an estimated increase of 1 million per year. While devices like manual wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to users, they predispose users to secondary medical complications like injuries related to shoulders, elbows, wrists, and/or hands due to the repetitive nature of movements like wheelchair propulsion and the use of devices at suboptimal conditions. For example, cross- sectional studies have shown 31-73% of manual wheelchair users develop shoulder injuries within the first 3 years of using the manual wheelchairs. In addition, an estimated 74% of manual wheelchairs need at least one repair every 6 months, which adversely affects users’ independent mobility and limits their overall quality of life. Device use training (like wheelchair skills training) and regular maintenance can lower their risk of injury associated with repeated chronic overuse and optimize users’ physical activity performance. [0004] Two existing tools provide information pertaining to manual mobility kinematics to evaluate the quality of user movements during manual wheelchair usage. First, SmartWheel by Out-Front of Mesa, AZ, provides metrics related to wheelchair propulsion. Smartwheel is designed for healthcare professionals to use in a clinical setting for wheelchair evaluation, equipment justification, and skills training. SmartWheel employs load cells to provide information pertaining to forces. Load cells have also been used in research laboratories to study wheelchair propulsion biomechanics. SmartWheel weighs 9 lbs (about 25% of the total weight of a standard manual wheelchair) and costs about $20,000, making it impractical for manual wheelchair users to use on a daily basis.

[0005] The second tool, SmartHub by the Ohio State Innovation Foundation, is a personal fitness and activity tracking device designed for manual wheelchair users. It is a removable apparatus that includes an accelerometer and an angular position sensor that tracks the acceleration of a wheelchair and the rotation of its wheel. This data can be used to calculate parameters such as average velocity, distance traveled, periods of activity, strokes per day, stroke frequency, and average pushing force. While SmartHub provides broader mobility-related metrics, it does not provide user feedback or actionable suggestions such as how to optimize user performance. In addition, the SmartHub is an experimental tool and is not publicly available for people with disabilities.

[0006] While other tracking devices can track similar metrics for bicycles, such devices have not been adapted for use on manual wheelchairs. Another alternative is the Apple watch by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, CA, which is a small, lightweight, commercially available wrist wearable device that tracks the number of propulsions, similar to step counts for ambulatory population. Although the Apple watch is configurable for use by manual wheelchair users and provides limited feedback on user performance in wheelchair-related activities, it does not provide any information to help manual wheelchair users maintain their wheelchairs at optimal conditions.

[0007] People with mobility impairments who use assistive devices for their everyday mobility and the service delivery industry currently operate in an“open loop” state, lacking feedback data on how devices provided to users are currently being used in the community and their conditions over time. Unlike a typical automobile’s plethora of sensors that keep it operating at peak efficiency and indicate periodic maintenance to optimize lifespan, the maintenance of manual mobility assistance devices provided to or purchased for a user is at the discretion of the user. It is, therefore, desirable for a novel device and method to provide feedback about the device and the user in order to improve the effectiveness of manual mobility assistance and provide a collaborative platform for medical professionals, equipment

manufacturers/distributors, and end users.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications,

generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0009] The present invention overcomes the above-noted shortcomings, as well as others, of the prior art by providing a novel improved system and method related to monitoring and providing feedback about device usage to inform periodic maintenance and repair. Accordingly, an embodiment may provide an apparatus that may sense the movements of a manual mobility assistance device (e.g., a manual or manually driven wheelchair) and its user. Moreover, various further embodiments as discussed herein may relate to a method of sensing one or more movements of a manual mobility assistance device and its user, a movement monitoring system, and a method of monitoring and/or determining the quantity and/or quality of a user’s utilization of the manual mobility assistance device as well as the physical condition of such device. In other embodiments, user feedback, as well as device feedback, may be considered during such sensing and/or monitoring.

[0010] For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded assembly view of an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded assembly view of another illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a standalone isometric view of an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device assembly according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4A depicts a standalone front view of another illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device assembly according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4B depicts a standalone isometric view of another illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device assembly according to an embodiment. [0017] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded global perspective view of an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a typical as-mounted or installed view of an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a section view at the charging port of an illustrative manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a section view at the charging port of another illustrative manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 depicts a section view at the touch interfacing screw terminal an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11 depicts a transparent view of the pushrim with internal electrical wire connections of an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 depicts a transparent view of the housing of an illustrative smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 depicts the digital system architecture of an example smart manual mobility assistance device according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 depicts an electronic device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present description and claims may make use of the terms“a,”“at least one of,” and“one or more of,” with regard to particular features and elements of the illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated that these terms and phrases are intended to state that there is at least one of the particular feature or element present in the particular illustrative embodiment, but that more than one can also be present. That is, these terms/phrases are not intended to limit the description or claims to a single feature/element being present or require that a plurality of such features/elements be present. To the contrary, these terms/phrases only require at least a single feature/element with the possibility of a plurality of such

features/elements being within the scope of the description and claims.

[0028] In addition, it should be appreciated that the following description uses a plurality of examples for various elements of the illustrative embodiments to further illustrate example implementations of the illustrative embodiments and to aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. These examples are intended to be non-limiting and are not exhaustive of the various possibilities for implementing the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present description that there are many other alternative implementations for these various elements that may be utilized in addition to, or in replacement of, the example provided herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The terminology and explanation used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and the present disclosure will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0030] The present invention provides an apparatus to sense the movement of the manual mobility assistance device including a sensor to sense the movement of the manual mobility assistance device (e.g., movement speed of a wheelchair, number of wheel rotations, orientation, etc.); a signal processing circuit with which the sensor connects; a transmitter connected to the signal processing circuit; and a power supply connected to the sensor to provide electricity for the operation of the sensor, the signal processing circuit, and the transmitter. Moreover, in some embodiments, the sensor may be detachable.

[0031] The present invention provides an apparatus to sense the movement of a user of a manual mobility assistance device, including: a sensor to sense the upper limb movement of the user of the manual mobility assistance device (e.g., the acceleration of the upper limb, the number of propulsion, etc.); the signal processing circuit to which the sensor connects; a transmitter connected to a signal processing circuit; and a power supply connected to the sensor to provide electricity for the operation of sensor, the signal processing circuit, and the

transmitter.

[0032] The present invention also provides a method of sensing movement of a manual mobility assistance device including: disposing on a wheel of the manual mobility assistive device, by embedding in the push hand rim, or by attaching to the spokes or the hub of the wheel, an apparatus to sense the movement of the manual mobility assistance device, the apparatus including a sensor, the signal processing circuit, a transmitter, and a power supply, sensing the movement with the sensor, and transmitting a wireless link signal from the transmitter in response to the sensed condition. Transmitting can be performed continuously or periodically. [0033] The present invention provides a method of sensing a movement of a user of a manual mobility assistance device including: disposing, on a upper limb of the user, an apparatus to sense the movement of the user of the manual mobility assistance device, the apparatus including a sensor, a signal processing circuit, a transmitter, and a power supply. The apparatus may be disposed on the user, for example, by attachment on the wrist or upper arm with a band or strap, adhering to the skin of an upper extremity, or embedding into one or more pieces of clothing. The apparatus may be energized using a battery to sense movement with the sensor, and transmit a wireless signal from the transmitter in response to the sensed condition. The transmission may be performed continuously or periodically.

[0034] The present invention further provides a movement monitoring system, comprising: a sensing apparatus including sensors, transmitters responsive to the sensors, and a power supply; and a smartphone application or computer software configured to receive signals transmitted to the transmitter such that the sensing apparatus and the smartphone application and/or computer software are in wireless communication.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system may monitor a quantity and a quality of movement of a user of a manual mobility assistive device (e.g., distance traveled, number of propulsions, propulsion efficiency, propulsion patterns, number of transfers, number of weight shifts, number of pressure relieves, time spent at different intensity levels, energy expenditure, etc.) and a physical condition of such a device (e.g., tire pressure, vibration exposure, inclination of the device, wheel alignment, etc.).

[0036] Accordingly, in some embodiments, a movement sensing apparatus may be connected to the manual mobility assistance device and/or its user in order to collect and transmit data from the sensing apparatus (e.g., when the sensing apparatus senses the movement of the manual mobility assistance device and/or its user). An embodiment may then use the collected data to generate a manual mobility assistance device care protocol for the user. The tracking data from the sensing apparatus may then be transmitted to a movement monitoring system, which may detect in-range and out-of-range transmission conditions relative to the sensing apparatus. Another embodiment may send, in response to the collected data, a prompt for a user to provide feedback on the quantity and quality of the human movement, the mobility assistance device movement, and the physical condition of the mobility assistance device through the smartphone application and/or computer software.

[0037] In some embodiments, a failure (e.g., damage or wear on the wheelchair) can cause an increase in wheelchair vibrations. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the system may determine the condition of the wheelchair, thereby predicting potential failures. For example, a vibration of a castor may be used to measure the overall vibration level and vibration severity. In a further embodiment, a the failure of a particular wheelchair may correspond to a specific natural frequency that can be identified.

[0038] In one embodiment, the system may monitor propulsion efficiency measured by the distance traveled with a single propulsion. By way of non-limiting example, both wheelchair movement data (e.g., wheel rotation) and user movement data (e.g., number of propulsions) may be gathered via one or more sensors. These metrics can be used as indicators of user performance and/or device wear. Other user movement data (e.g., joint angles, shoulder location, elbow location, grip point, release point, etc.) calculated from the sensor data can inform the propulsion pattern of a user which allow the system to provide feedback and potentially offer a user options to improve their propulsion technique. [0039] Various embodiments related to the fabrication, installation, and daily usage of a smart apparatus for mobility assistive devices and a smart wheelchair pushrim device are explained herein. Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments and as depicted, a smart wheelchair pushrim device 100 may comprise one or more components. In some embodiments, the main pushrim body 105, may be created from a hollow tube profile that is in the form of a hoop. The hollow hoop body may have a comfortably graspable cross-section size and a smooth surface finish for repeated propulsion. In some embodiments, the hoop may be formed from straight extruded aluminum and seamlessly welding the ends together.

[0040] In another embodiment, the main body may have a cavity milled from the interior face, allowing access to the internal surface of the hollow hoop. A blind weld nut inside of these hollow cavities may serve as a hidden mounting feature. The conductive nature of the metal pushrim body 105 is utilized by an integrated Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 103 for detecting capacitive touch changes. Keeping the typical main structure of the pushrim as the basis for this invention allows for the device to be interchangeable with existing wheelchair architecture.

[0041] In an additional embodiment, the main pushrim body 105 may also be fabricated from an impact-resistant injection-molded plastic, such as glass-filled nylon, constructed from a multi-part clamshell or a blow-molded uni-body. In this embodiment, the capacitive material may be an additional feature, such as a strip of metal, assembled as an over-mold and/or inserted post- mold. This feature may also act as the housing for critical components of the design (e.g., cases 102 and 107 as shown in FIG. 1). In a further embodiment, the use of impact resistant injection-molded plastic may present benefits related to scaling, weight, and automation.

[0042] In another embodiment, the case 102 is a structure to which the PCB 103 may be mounted and/or housed. In a similar embodiment, case 107 may support and/or house a battery and/or kinetic charging device (“energy device”), such as cylinder 106 in FIG. 1. The case profile may fit in the negative space of the pushrim body 105 and may backfill the empty cavity to create a smooth exterior surface.

[0043] In an additional embodiment, instead of, or in addition to, the pushrim 105 being used to house the system components, a smaller centralized unit may be used. Referring to FIG. 2, a housing 205 is configured to sit around an axle 210 of a mobility device. As shown, a PCB 203 and a power source (e.g., a battery or a kinetic energy device) 206 may be housed within the device housing 205. As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, it should be understood, that the PCB 203 and the power source 206 may be housed in an enclosed and/or sealed container to prevent damage from environmental concerns. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more cases, not shown, having one or more seals, not shown, may be implemented to secure the PCB 203 and the power source 206. Moreover, it should be understood, that any of the various materials and/or manufacturing processes discussed herein, with relation to alternative embodiments may be applied to any alternative embodiment.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3, an assembled interior perspective is shown. In some embodiments, and as shown, both cases (102 and 107 of FIG. 1) are housed and/or mounted to the pushrim 105. In some embodiments, the cases 302 and 307 may be made from an injection molded plastic, which can easily take on the curvature of the pushrim 105 surface and is resistant to impact, moisture, and UV rays. Mounting of the cases 302 and 307 from the interior face of the pushrim 105 body makes the smart pushrim device more discrete than exiting hub-mounted wheelchair enclosures, a feature that is critical to users who already face stigmas related to their assistive technology. [0045] In one or more additional or alternative embodiments, such as that shown in FIG.

4, both the PCB 403 and the power source 406 may be housed and/or mounted to the housing 405. Although the PCB 403 and power source 406 are depicted as being flat and rectangular in nature, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the PCB and power source (or the respective cases), may be made from a material that can easily take on the curvature or shape of the housing 405 and is resistant to impact, moisture, and UV rays. Moreover, referring back to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, an O-ring 104 may be used to seal the PCB 103 or energy device 106 within the housing. This may prevent environmental hazards, such as water or debris, from causing damaging to the PCB 103 or power source 106. In a further embodiment, the cases 102 and 107, and/or the PCB 103 and the power source 106 may be secured to the pushrim body 105 and/or the housing 205 with screws 101.

[0046] In another embodiment, the PCB 103/203 may be a printed circuit board with components critical to the function of the smart device. The shape or design of the PCB 103/203, as shown, may take on the same curvature of the pushrim body 105 or the housing 205 to be minimally intrusive. In a further embodiment, the PCB 103 may have a microcontroller (MCU) that processes data collected from a plurality of peripherals. These peripherals may include, but are not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, an RF antenna (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, Light Emitting Diode (LED)s, an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), an I2C Bus, a USB, and a memory.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the smart wheelchair pushrim device 505 may connect to a wheelchair via welded tabs 508, which are perpendicular and axial to the pushrim device 505. In some embodiments, the tabs are captured by screws 501 passing through the center of the wheel rim 511 that are tightened before the tire is wrapped. The smart pushrim may use, for example, electrically insulating rubber washers 509 that keep the device’s electronic signals separate from the metal structure of the wheelchair rim 511 or frame 612 found in FIG. 6.

[0048] Referring briefly to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, PCB 703 may also have terminals for the battery and/or kinetic charger where the wires 701 connecting both would be located within the hollow pushrim body 705. In some embodiments, the smart device may include a power generation, storage, and supply system, such as, for example, a lightweight Li- Po battery or a coin-cell type, as shown in FIG. 1 at 106. Energy source 106 could also be a sub- assembly including of a kinetic energy generator, such as a cylindrical permanent magnet sliding through a coil of wire or a brushless motor with an offset mass that rotates with gravity (not shown)

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 8, the housing 805 may be located central to the axle 810 of FIG. 8 of the mobility device.

Referring briefly to FIG. 9, a cross sectional view of an example embodiment is shown. As shown, the housing 905 may have a hinged mechanism 920. The hinged mechanism 920 may allow the housing to be opened and/or closed (e.g., around the axle 810 of the mobility device).

In a further embodiment, the housing may have a securing mechanism 921 that secures the two free ends of the housing together. In some embodiments, and as shown, the securing mechanism 921 may comprise a screwing mechanism that is used to secure the two free ends of the housing 905.

[0050] However, it should be understood, the securing mechanism 921, as shown, is merely for explanatory purposes, and that the securing mechanism 921 may be formed of various other fastening methods. By way of non-limiting example, the securing mechanism 921 may be a latching system, a magnetic system, a laced or threaded system, etc.). In a further embodiment, the housing may comprise an inner surface 922. In some embodiments, the inner surface 922 may contact the axle, 805 at FIG. 8 when properly attached to the mobility device. In some embodiments, the inner surface 922 may be constructed of, or have overlaid upon it a non-stick or adhesive surface. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the inner surface 922 may have a surface material comprised of: silicone, plastic, metal, metal alloy, carbon fiber, etc.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in some embodiments, the PCB 1003 may have a conductive pad 1122 that is rigidly connected to the main body 1105 via a screw and makes electrical (e.g., metal-to-metal) contact therewith. In some embodiments, the conductive pad 1122 may be connected to one or more inputs of a capacitive touch sensor (not shown) and its value may vary depending on its interaction with human touch. Thus, as shown in the cross- sectional view of FIG. 11 a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, pin, etc.) 1123 and the PCB conductive pad 1122 are contacting, which makes an electronic connection to the pushrim body 1105.

[0052] Moreover, in some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 12, a power port 1223 may be present on the housing 1205. As discussed herein, the power source 106/206 may be a battery or kinetic power device. Accordingly, wherein the device is a battery and/or when the kinetic device is unable to maintain proper charge, a user may connect an external power supply (e.g., AC or DC current) to recharge the power source 106/206. In a further embodiment, the port may allow for data transmission as well. Thus, although various embodiments disclosed herein rely on, and make use of, wireless data transmission, it may still be necessary to physically connect to the system to transfer or receive data. [0053] In some embodiments, the manual mobility assistive device may also have LEDs. As discussed herein, the LEDs may be used for aesthetics, device feedback detection (e.g., device status, rotational speed, etc.), and pathway illumination. Some radially pointing LEDs can be used in conjunction with the accelerometer, controller, and battery to provide some customizable animations or accent colors. Moreover, the LEDs can provide status updates (e.g., battery life, charging status, etc.). In another embodiment, directional lighting may be used, such as downward pointing or flashing headlights/taillights. In a further embodiment, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) may be used to calculate when to power on/off one or more lights based on a detected rotating orientation.

[0054] In general, the firmware of the sensing apparatus can include one or more sensors of any type for sensing any movement that is related to the manual mobile assistive device and/or its user. The sensing apparatus can include two individual sensor packages that sense the movement of the manual mobile assistive device (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) and the user (e.g., accelerometer, inertial measurement unit, etc.) independently. The firmware of the sensing apparatus can also function as a storage repository to store sensor data temporarily when the sensing apparatus is out-of-range of the monitoring system. The firmware sends collected data to the movement monitoring system when the sensing apparatus is in-range. The data collected by the sensors is then sent to the monitoring system and can be used collectively to calculate metrics specific to the manual mobility assistive device such as distance traveled and propulsion efficiency.

[0055] Referring to the diagram on FIG. 13, some embodiments may comprise one or more sensors (e.g., wireless sensors) 1351, which capture sensor data about various events. The event data is passed to a software application (e.g., a mobile application) 1352, which communicates directly with an administrator portal (e.g., web portal) 1353. A storage device (e.g., local storage device, remote storage device, etc.) 1354 may store information received from the software application 1352 and/or the administrator portal 1353. In some embodiments, the storage device 1354 may then pass data to a user portal application (e.g., web-based user portal) 1355 to display the collected and analyzed data to the user.

[0056] The monitoring system may include backend software that processes the collected data from the sensing apparatus, provides real-time feedback relat4eing to the performance of the manual mobility assistive device user based on the processed data, and generates a mobility device care protocol for users.

[0057] Computer-readable program instructions for carrying out operations described herein may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, object code, or source code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the“C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user’s device, partly on the user’s device, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s device and partly on a remote device, or entirely on the remote device or server. In the latter scenario, the remote device may be connected to the user’s device through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external device (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) using any known communication method (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, WiMax, ultra-wide-band, etc.). [0058] The methods, systems, and computer program products are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0059] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0060] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. [0061] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0062] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example data processing system 1400 in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments are implemented. Data processing system 1400 is an example of a computer, such as a server or client, in which computer usable code or instructions implementing the process for illustrative embodiments of the present invention are located. In some embodiments, FIG. 14 may represent a server computing device.

[0063] In the depicted example, data processing system 1400 can employ a hub architecture including a north bridge and memory controller hub (NB/MCH) 1401 and south bridge and input/output (I/O) controller hub (SB/ICH) 1402. Processing unit 1403, main memory 1404, and graphics processor 1405 can be connected to the NB/MCH 1401. Graphics processor 1405 can be connected to the NB/MCH 1401 through, for example, an accelerated graphics port (AGP).

[0064] In the depicted example, a network adapter 1406 connects to the SB/ICH 1402.

An audio adapter 1407, keyboard and mouse adapter 1409, modem 1409, read only memory (ROM) 1410, hard disk drive (HDD) 1411, optical drive (e.g., CD or DVD) 1412, universal serial bus (USB) ports and other communication ports 1413, and PCI/PCIe devices 1414 may connect to the SB/ICH 1402 through bus system 1416. PCI/PCIe devices 1414 may include Ethernet adapters, add-in cards, and PC cards for notebook computers. ROM 1410 may be, for example, a flash basic input/output system (BIOS). The HDD 1411 and optical drive 1412 can use an integrated drive electronics (IDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface. A super I/O (SIO) device 1415 can be connected to the SB/ICH 1402.

[0065] An operating system can run on processing unit 1403. The operating system can coordinate and provide control of various components within the data processing system 1400. As a client, the operating system can be a commercially available operating system. An object- oriented programming system (e.g., Java™ programming system), may run in conjunction with the operating system and provide calls to the operating system from the object-oriented programs or applications executing on the data processing system 1400. As a server, the data processing system 1400 may be running various operating on various operating systems including, a Windows® based operating system, the Advanced Interactive Executive operating system, a Linux based operating system, or the like. The data processing system 1400 can be a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system that can include a plurality of processors in the processing unit 1403. Alternatively, a single processor system may be employed. [0066] Instructions for the operating system, the object-oriented programming system, and applications or programs are located on storage devices, such as the HDD 1411, and are loaded into the main memory 1404 for execution by the processing unit 1403. The processes for embodiments described herein can be performed by the processing unit 1403 using computer usable program code, which can be located in a memory such as, for example, main memory 1404, ROM 1410, or in one or more peripheral devices.

[0067] A bus system 1416 can be comprised of one or more busses. The bus system 1416 can be implemented using any type of communication fabric or architecture that can provide for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the fabric or architecture. A communication unit such as the modem 1409 or the network adapter 1406 can include one or more devices that can be used to transmit and receive data.

[0068] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware depicted in FIG. 14 may vary depending on the implementation. Other internal hardware or peripheral devices, such as flash memory, equivalent non-volatile memory, or disk drives may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted. Moreover, the data processing system 1400 can take the form of any of a number of different data processing systems, including but not limited to, client computing devices, server computing devices, tablet computers, laptop computers, smartphones, personal digital assistants, other communication devices, and the like. Essentially, data processing system 1400 can be any known or later developed data processing system without architectural limitation.

[0069] The system and processes of the figures are not exclusive. Other systems, processes, and menus may be derived in accordance with the principles of embodiments described herein to accomplish the same objectives. It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As described herein, the various systems, subsystems, agents, managers, and processes can be implemented using hardware components, software components, and/or combinations thereof. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase“means for.”

[0070] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the disclosure. Those changes and modification may include but are not limited to the preferred materials for elements, which have been described herein (e.g., wood, plastics, rubber, foam, metal alloys, aluminum, and other materials my comprise some or all of the elements of the smart manual mobility device in various embodiments of the present invention). It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0071] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.