extra gyroscopes add redundancy, to make the vehicle safer and more reliable. In addition, the
Segway has two tilt sensors filled with electrolyte fluid. Like your inner ear, these sensors
determine their position relative to the ground based on the angle at which the surface of the
fluid tilts.
All of the leaning, steering, and tilt information is passed along to the Segway’s computer
"brain": two electronic controller circuit boards made up of a total of 10 microprocessors. The
microprocessors run advanced software that monitors the position sensors at about 100 times per
second – faster than a human brain can think. The software can differentiate between position
shifts due to the rider’s steering
versus
to changes in terrain, so that the vehicle can respond
appropriately. The two circuit boards are identical, and they work in concert under normal
circumstances. If there is a problem with one, however, the other will take over all functions so
that the system can notify the rider of a failure and shut down gracefully and safely.
The control boards operate together with the associated batteries and motor windings to drive the
wheels, each of which can be turned independently and at variable speeds. Constant, extremely
precise adjustments made to multiple electric motors keep the Segway from falling over. When
the machine leans forward, motors drive both wheels forward. When the machine leans
backward, the motors drive both wheels backward. When the rider moves the LeanSteer frame
to turn left or right, the wheels are driven at two different speeds or, if traveling slowly enough,
in opposite directions (causing the Segway to rotate in place).
USING THE KEY:
The InfoKey Controller can be used remotely as long as you are within 15 feet (5 m) of the
Segway. However, you should dock the controller when preparing to ride the Segway, so that
you do not a) misplace it, or b) get distracted looking for it in some other place while riding
(thereby, risking injuring yourself). When holding or preparing to dock the key, remember that
the red symbol should be facing up (at the 12:00 position).
There are 4 different buttons on the InfoKey Controller, but you will most likely need to use only
one (the Power button).
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