FAQ

Which version is right for me? WheelSim Home or WheelSim Pro?

WheelSim Home is intended for private individual users at home. Institutions such as schools and therapy centers that want to use WheelSim with several different people and are interested in evaluating the rides should use WheelSim Pro.

Which input devices are suitable for controlling WheelSim? And where can I get a suitable input device?

The virtual wheelchair can be used with a keyboard (arrow keys), mouse and gaming controllers. The optimal input device depends primarily on the needs of the user and should be very similar to an actual power wheelchair control. In most cases an analog joystick is used. Analog here means that the speed is determined by the degree of deflection of the stick. The positioning of the input device is also very important. Advice centers for assistive technologies will be happy to help you here.

I already have a power wheelchair. Can I use my electric wheelchair controller with WheelSim?

Some power wheelchair controls allow use as a mouse device on the computer. If your power wheelchair control offers this function, you can also control WheelSim with it.

Which VR headsets do work with WheelSim?

We recommend Oculus VR headsets for use: Oculus Rift S, Oculus Quest 1 and especially the
Oculus Quest 2.

Which hardware requirements are necessary in order to be able to use WheelSim?

In combination with a monitor (2D), WheelSim VR does not place particularly high demands on your computer. In addition, the graphics settings can be adapted to older computers in the settings. The following specifications serve as reference values for the minimum requirements that allow a smooth display:
Operating system: Win10 or higher
CPU: Intel Core i5 750, 4 cores, 2.67 GHz
CPU RAM: 8 GB
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GT 1030, 1468 MHz
GPU-RAM: 2 GB (GDDR 5)

The use of VR makes higher demands on the hardware, your computer should be designed for it, i.e. VR-Ready.
Operating system: Win10 or higher
CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or better
CPU RAM: 8 GB+
GPU: GeForce Nvidia 9 series or better
USB 3.0
A computer retailer will be happy to help you here.

What exactly do I have to do to use WheelSim with VR headsets?

You need to connect Oculus VR headsets to the computer using a cable. The Oculus Rift S is already equipped with a cable. For the Oculus Quest 1 and 2, the optional Oculus Link cable must be used and Oculus Link must be activated in the quick settings of the VR headset.

No picture is displayed in the VR headset. What can I do?

Check whether a VR headset symbol is displayed on the start page of the WheelSim app at the bottom left.
Check whether the VR headset is switched on.
Check whether the VR headset is connected to the computer via a USB 3.0 port using the cable. You can usually recognize USB 3.0 ports by the fact that they are colored blue on the inside.
Check in the Oculus app whether the VR headset is recognized and whether the use of content from unknown sources is activated.
Check in the quick settings of the VR headset (only Quest 1 and 2) whether the Oculus Link is activated.

When using VR headsets, my position in the virtual wheelchair is not correct. How can I change this?

Make sure the VR headset is properly calibrated. With a correct calibration, your position is exactly in the virtual wheelchair and your head is at the right height, so that the impression is created that you are really sitting in the power wheelchair. You may have to perform a new calibration using the Oculus controller in the headset.

It is best to do this calibration before you actually start driving.

To perform a calibration while driving, please follow the procedure below:

Press the Oculus button on the right Oculus controller.
A window appears in the VR headset. Select Reset viewing direction here.
After the user is in a good position facing forward, press any button on the Oculus controller.

It may be necessary for the supporting person to put on the VR headset for the first two steps. Before step 3, however, the person performing the training rides should wear the VR headset again. Once the position is correct, the supporting person can press any button on the Oculus controller to complete the calibration.

What special instructions are there to follow when using WheelSim with VR headset?

In the virtual world, spatial perception and the sense of balance can change. Therefore, we recommend using WheelSim in VR only in a seated position. For persons with a lack of core stability, it is also important to ensure that they cannot fall out of the chair or wheelchair. If you notice any discomfort, the VR headset should be removed immediately.

For optimal image perception, the individual pupil distance must be set in the hardware (ocular distance).

The duration of use should be kept short. Many manufacturers recommend a maximum continuous use between 30 and 50 minutes.

I feel dizzy and nauseous when using the VR headset. What can I do?

Some people experience dizziness and nausea when they use VR headsets. Some people seem relatively immune to it. The unpleasant feelings arise because the different sensory impressions (seeing the movement with simultaneous physical rest) do not match. Unfortunately, this fundamental problem and the physical reaction to it cannot be solved. Make sure that the VR headset is properly adjusted (image sharpness) and check the distance between the two oculars in the headset so that they correspond to your eye relief. If the dizziness persists, you should take a break and continue practicing on the monitor without VR headset.

Do you have more questions?

Please contact DI Michael Gstöttenbauer, LIFEtool Senior Researcher: michael.gstoettenbauer@lifetool.at