Fig. 1 illustrates the set ofmultifunctional beds, including one
main bed and one nursing bed, which is studied in this paper.
The main bed can generate designated bed motions mainly for
posture changing tasks, and the nursing bed can be transformed
from a flat bed into a wheelchair mainly for transportation.
Compared with similar devices in the literature, the proposed
bed system has the following features. First, commercial devicescan only perform either posture changing or body transferring
functionality. The proposed multifunctional beds can perform
both posture changing and body transferring functionality. Second,
the multifunctional beds can steadily transfer one person
from the main bed to the nursing bed, and the nursing bed can be
transformed into a wheelchair. Third, the multiple functionalities
of the bed system are completely organized by the proposed
mechatronic control system and detailed graphical user interface
software. The integrated hardware and software system can be
easily used by mechatronic engineers and healthcare personnel
for evaluating potential healthcare activities benefiting the
bedridden people.