Web-based Customization and Motion Simulation of the Omni-directional Wheelchair

A wheelchair with omni-directional wheel is introduced in this article. Two kinds of omni-directional wheel, Mecanum wheel and Trans wheel, are illustrated and their motion principles were analyzed. Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is adopted to implement the real-time customization and motion simulation. In the realtime customization process, the color of some parts of the wheelchair can be altered, and the shape of components can also be replaced via the customization panel. By using this methods, the omni-directional movements such as longitudinal, lateral and rotary motion can be emulated via the simulation panel. In this way, clients can participate in the design and get a wheelchair according to their individual requirements, which will give them a deeper and more impressive feeling about the wheelchair’s special motion functions.