Method and apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair

Abstract

Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair comprises:a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory programmed with a plurality of programs executable by the controller to operate the wheelchair, the non-volatile memory disposed at the wheelchair and coupled to the wheelchair controller; a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram the non-volatile memory while disposed at the wheelchair, the programmed computer for storing main programs for use in reprogramming the non-volatile memory, the programmed computer being coupleable to the wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and wherein the wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with the programmed computer to reprogram the non-volatile memory with the main programs while the non-volatile memory is disposed at the wheelchair. Methods for reprogramming the non-volatile memory are also disclosed.

1 . Method of reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair, said method comprising the steps of: 
 partitioning a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory into at least two sections;    programming one section of said non-volatile memory with a boot program executable by the wheelchair controller;    programming another section of said non-volatile memory with main programs executable by said wheelchair controller to operate said wheelchair;    executing said boot program by said wheelchair controller to determine if said main programs of the non-volatile memory are to be reprogrammed;    coupling a programming device to said wheelchair controller based on the result of said determination; and    interacting with said programming device to control a reprogramming of the main programs of said non-volatile memory through said wheelchair controller.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  including the step of programming a plurality of coded words into predetermined locations of the another section of the non-volatile memory; and wherein the step of executing includes executing the boot program by the wheelchair controller to determine if the main programs are acceptable for execution by the wheelchair controller based on said coded words programmed into said predetermined locations.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  including the step of waiting for reprogramming data from the programming device when the main programs are determined to be unacceptable for execution by the wheelchair controller.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  including the step of diverting program execution by the wheelchair controller from the boot program to the main programs when the main program are determined to be acceptable for execution by the wheelchair controller.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  including the steps of executing the main programs by the wheelchair controller; and during said main program execution, determining if the programming device is coupled to the wheelchair controller.