USING THE XBOX KINECT TO DETECT FEATURES OF THE FLOOR SURFACE

This thesis examines the effectiveness of the Xbox Kinect as a sensor to identify features of the navigation surface in front of a smart wheelchair robot. Recent advances in mobile robotics have brought about the development of smart wheelchairs to assist disabled people, allowing them to be more independent. Because these robots have a human occupant, safety is the highest priority, and the robot must be able to detect hazards like holes, stairs, or obstacles. Furthermore, to ensure safe navigation, wheelchairs often need to locate and navigate on ramps. The results demonstrate how data from the Kinect can be processed to effectively identify these features, increasing occupant safety and allowing for a smoother ride.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Sciences (Engineering)

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

EECS - Electrical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Cockrell, Stephanie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lee, Greg

• Electrical Engineering
• Robotics
• Kinect
• obstacle detection
• drivable surfaces
• ramps
• smart wheelchairs
• mobile robots

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1355349305

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:case1355349305