button, the system also stops the wheelchair under unexpected conditions, such as a disconnection between system compo- nents, like the ADT and eye-gaze device, or the eye-tracker and the app. In such cases, or whenever communication is lost be- tween the user’s eyes and the powered wheelchair, a stop com- mand is sent within a second, ensuring the chair comes to a safe stop as quickly as possible. In addition to the built-in safety controller in Ability Drive®, a "buddy button" or stop switch is recommended to power off the wheelchair, adding an extra layer of safety and allowing a care- giver or family member to stop the wheelchair manually in the event of an emergency. Together, these features provide a com- prehensive, fail-safe system that prioritizes user safety, giving in- dividuals the freedom to regain mobility without compromising their security. With over one million driving sessions completed, Ability Drive® systems have proven reliable, providing users with peace of mind and control while navigating with their eyes. Alternative profile programming on the power wheelchair also plays a role in safety, particularly in how the chair deceler- ates. ATPs should tailor drive profiles to match the user’s envi- ronment, familiarity with their chair, and level of experience with eye-gaze navigation. This is especially important when semi- latched mode is enabled, as it allows continuous movement be- tween commands and may require additional user training or clinician oversight. To ensure the reliability and safety of Ability Drive®, each app version undergoes rigorous testing through an iterative process. This meticulous approach identifies and resolves potential is- sues, ensuring a stable and dependable user experience. Rec- ognizing the diversity of assistive technology setups, extensive testing is also conducted across all compatible eye-gaze devic- es and their native software. This thorough evaluation ensures compatibility and optimal performance across different hard- ware configurations, reinforcing Tolt Technologies’ commitment to user safety. SEATING: RESTORING AUTONOMY IN DAILY POSITIONING While hands-free driving is the hallmark feature of Ability Drive®, its support for independent seating adjustment is equal- ly essential and frequently praised by users. With a simple ac- tivation of the mode button in the app, users can switch from drive mode to seating mode. This transition is confirmed on the power wheelchair’s OMNI2 or Enhanced Display, which visually highlights the section of the chair available for adjustment. Us- ers can scroll through seating options using the left and right arrows, then modify the selected section by gazing at the up or down arrows. Once the desired position is set, reactivating the mode button returns the system to drive mode. This functional- ity requires the mode button to be enabled, which can be done once the OMNI2 or Enhanced Display is properly mounted near the eye-gaze device and within the user’s line of sight.
App drive screen with semi-transparent button overlay.
by an ATP, these components allow users to navigate their envi- ronment safely and confidently using only their eyes While the Ability Drive® system includes several essential hardware components, the primary point of interaction for users is the software, the Ability Drive® app. Designed with a simple and intuitive interface, the app features two screens: the drive screen and the settings menu. On the drive screen, directional arrows activate instantly when looked at, enabling instinctive control of the powered wheelchair. Additional buttons—pause, settings, and mode switch—support essential non-driving func- tions. For users who demonstrate proficiency with eye-gaze navigation and a high level of driving skill, ATPs can choose to enable a semi-latched feature within the app. Semi-latched al- lows the chair to continue in the last selected direction as the user’s gaze moves between drive arrows until a new command is given, offering smoother, more fluid navigation. The settings menu allows users and clinicians to tailor the in- terface to individual needs and preferences, including options to toggle between forward or rear-facing camera views, adjust dwell-to-click timing for non-drive buttons, and customize but- ton appearance through contrast levels, sizes, layout configu- rations, and gaze dot visibility for tracking feedback. The mode button, which enables access to power seating adjustments, can also be turned on or off depending on user needs. These fea- tures deliver a personalized, responsive experience while pre- serving a simple, easy-to-use interface. SAFETY FIRST: A PRIMARY DESIGN PRINCIPLE Safety is at the forefront of Ability Drive®'s design, ensuring users can confidently operate their powered wheelchair with minimal risk. The system incorporates an advanced, patented safety mechanism (U.S. Patent No. 12,204,687) that quickly halts the wheelchair when certain conditions are met, preventing unintended movement. While users have the ability to stop the wheelchair by closing their eyes, looking off-screen, gazing in the margins between the drive buttons, or activating the pause
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