Development of Wheelchair Dance Game using Wheel Rotation Speed as Input

Abstract

A wheelchair is often caught as a tool for substitution to walk and to move; however in recent years, another type of wheelchair superior in design to fascinate onlookers appears. Following and pushing forward this tendency, we aim to create a wheelchair that provides an amusing riding experience - not only for moving -- for changing perspectives for disability. To realize this concept, we developed a dance game system using the wheel rotation as input, referencing a game design of music video game. Players can behave as if they are dancing just by moving according to the music (Figure 1). For concept proof, in exhibition "Super Welfare Expo 2016" in Shibuya, Japan, we held the experience meeting of this dance game for both actual wheelchair users and healthy persons and get the feedback.