Handheld electromechanical walking aid

Abstract

A handheld electromechanical walking aid is operably configured to detect objects or obstacles in the surrounding environment and guide a user away from the detected obstacles. The handheld electromechanical walking aid includes at least one of a handle member, an electric motor assembly, a cantilevered guide arm member, a distance sensor, and a camera, as well as an electronic controller. The handle member is for gripping. The cantilevered guide arm member is operably connected to at least one electric motor and has an arm counterweight and a concentrated counterweight of at least about 0.2 lbs. The distance sensor and camera are operably configured to detect objects spatially displaced from a second free end of the arm member. The electronic controller is operably configured to receive the detection of the object spatially displaced from the second free end and cause the arm member to selectively rotate in a direction away from the detected object to generate an offset angle θ, thereby generating power for the user gripping the handle member through torque generated by the arm counterweight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to walking aids, and more specifically to electromechanical walking aids operable to assist users in moving around their surroundings by walking or other means (which is particularly beneficial for visually impaired or disabled users). Background Technology

[0002] Navigating one's surroundings (i.e., the immediate environment) is significantly more challenging and time-consuming when a person is unfamiliar with their surroundings and / or cannot effectively, accurately, or promptly perceive salient objects or obstacles that may obstruct or hinder their path due to health, medical, environmental, or other reasons. This is particularly true for visually impaired or disabled users, where quickly perceiving and detecting such obstacles and then adjusting their path accordingly without the aid of a walking aid may not be so straightforward. However, existing walking aids typically require the user to continuously swing the aid or cane from side to side to detect objects approximately 3 to 5 feet in front of them. These aids are characterized by significant limitations and difficulties in use. These limitations include limited detection capabilities; that is, these aids typically only detect objects directly in front of the user and may not detect objects to the side, above, or behind. The difficulty in use stems from the user's need to continuously swing the cane from side to side to avoid obstacles, leading to accelerated arm fatigue. Object detection occurs only when the cane is in direct physical contact with a foreign object, especially when the object is another person, pet, or animal. This can result in painful or aggressive touching of the detected object (such as when the user swings the cane at a higher speed).

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the problems of the prior art as described above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a handheld electromechanical walking aid that is primarily designed for visually impaired individuals and overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of such general-type devices and methods known to date. It effectively and efficiently alerts the user to objects and obstacles in the user's surrounding environment and advantageously guides the user along a path away from the detected objects or obstacles.

[0005] In view of the foregoing and other objectives, a handheld electromechanical walking aid is provided according to the present invention, the handheld electromechanical walking aid comprising: a handle member for being gripped by a user and having a first end, a second end, a handle member length spaced between the first end and the second end, a front handle surface, and a rear handle surface opposite to the front handle surface; an electronic motor assembly having at least one electronic motor electrically coupled to a battery power source; a cantilever guide arm member operably connected to at least one electronic motor, the cantilever guide arm member having a first end rotatably coupled to the handle member, a second free end opposite to the first end of the cantilever guide arm member, an arm length spaced between the first end and the second free end of the cantilever guide arm member, and an arm counterweight arranged adjacent to the second free end and having a concentrated counterweight of at least about 0.2 lbs and operably configured to translate along an arm translation path and having an operating position along the arm translation path, wherein the operating position is... In this position, the longitudinal axis of the cantilever guide arm member is arranged at a substantially perpendicular angle to and aligned with the front handle surface; at least one of a distance sensor and a camera, each having an operating surface operably configured to align with the longitudinal axis of the cantilever guide arm member when in the operating position and operably configured to detect an object spatially displaced from the second free end; and an electronic controller electrically coupled to a battery power source and communicatively coupled to at least one electric motor and at least one of the distance sensor and camera, operably configured to receive the detection of an object spatially displaced from the second free end and cause the cantilever guide arm member to selectively rotate in a direction away from the detected object to produce an offset angle θ relative to the operating position along the arm translation path, thereby generating torque through the arm counterweight to power the user's grip on the handle member and guide the user in that direction.

[0006] According to another feature, the operating position includes a cantilevered guide arm component arranged at a perpendicular angle to the front handle surface.

[0007] According to another feature of the invention, one embodiment of the invention includes an arm head housing arranged along the arm length and having an arm counterweight and at least one of a distance sensor and a camera housed therein.

[0008] According to another feature, the head housing defines the second free end of the cantilevered guide arm component.

[0009] According to another feature, the arm head housing further includes a laser-guided distance sensor and an ultrasonic distance sensor, which are communicatively coupled to an electronic controller and operably configured to detect objects spatially displaced from the second free end.

[0010] According to another feature of a preferred embodiment, the invention further includes a gyroscope housed within a handle member, communicatively coupled to an electronic controller, and operably configured to detect a fundamental orientation of the front handle surface. The electronic controller is operably configured to, upon detecting a deviation angle θ, cause a cantilevered guide arm member to selectively rotate to an operating position aligned with the fundamental orientation of the front handle surface.

[0011] According to another feature, the handheld electromechanical walking aid also includes a memory storage unit housed on the handheld electromechanical walking aid and storing multiple digital geographic locations, each digital geographic location having multiple GPS boundary coordinates; and at least one button operably configured to electronically access the multiple GPS boundary coordinates for the multiple digital geographic locations.

[0012] According to further features, the electronic controller is operably configured to cause the cantilevered guide arm component to selectively rotate to a desired deviation angle θ corresponding to one of a plurality of digital geographic locations and the basic orientation of the front handle surface.

[0013] According to another feature, the cantilever guide arm component is operably configured to rotate in an upward orientation when the cantilever guide arm component is within 50 meters of a preselected digital geographic location.

[0014] According to another feature, multiple digital geographic locations are coupled to the electronic controller via network communication.

[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, at least one of the distance sensor and the camera is each operably configured to detect an object spatially displaced by six feet or less from the second free end.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the cantilever guide arm component must be oriented in the operating position to selectively rotate or translate along the arm translation path.

[0017] According to another feature, the electronic motor assembly further includes: a rocking motor operably configured to rock the camera horizontally from a fixed position; and a pitch motor operably configured to pitch the camera vertically from a fixed position.

[0018] According to further features, the cantilevered guide arm assembly also includes a plurality of arm components that are telescopically coupled to each other and operably configured to selectively adjust the arm length.

[0019] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a handheld electromechanical walking aid, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and protection of the equivalents of the claims. Furthermore, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0020] Other features considered characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and may be implemented in different forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as the basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention differently with virtually any suitably detailed structure. Furthermore, the terminology and phrases used herein are not intended to be restrictive, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. While this specification concludes with claims defining the novel features of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals follow. The figures in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0021] Before disclosing and describing the invention, it should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "a plurality" is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "comprising" and / or "having" are defined as including (i.e., open-ended language). As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection and not necessarily a mechanical connection. The term "providing" is defined herein in its broadest sense, for example, bringing / into a physical presence, making available, and / or providing to a person or thing, either once or over a period of time, in whole or in parts. Similarly, for the purposes of this description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives relate to the invention as oriented as shown in the figures and should not be construed as limiting any feature to a specific orientation, as said orientation can change based on the user's device perspective. Furthermore, it is not intended to be limited by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background art, invention content or the following detailed description.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numerical values, whether explicitly stated or not. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the listed values ​​(i.e., having the same function or result). In many cases, these terms may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean the direction corresponding to the elongated direction of the handheld electromechanical walker. As used herein, the terms “program,” “software application,” etc., are defined as a sequence of instructions designed to be executed on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include subroutines, functions, procedures, object methods, object implementations, executable applications, applets, service programs, source code, object code, shared libraries / dynamically loaded libraries, and / or other sequences of instructions designed to be executed on a computer system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] These accompanying drawings are used to further illustrate different embodiments and explain all the different principles and advantages of the invention, wherein throughout these separate views, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similarly functional elements, and these drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated in and form part of this specification.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective top view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 It is based on the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary handheld electromechanical cane;

[0026] Figure 3 It is based on the present invention Figure 1 Another cross-sectional side view of an exemplary handheld electromechanical cane;

[0027] Figure 4 This is according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Elevation side view of a handheld electromechanical cane;

[0028] Figures 5-7 Depicting an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Elevation and cross-sectional side view of a handheld electromechanical cane;

[0029] Figures 8-9 This is an elevation top view of an exemplary handheld electromechanical cane according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a perspective side view of an exemplary handheld electromechanical cane according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of wireless communication of an exemplary handheld electromechanical cane according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is an exemplary network for realizing wireless communication of a handheld electromechanical cane according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication process of a handheld electromechanical cane according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a front elevation view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a rear elevation view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figures 16-17 A front side view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted;

[0037] Figure 18 This is a top elevation view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 19 This is a top-down elevation view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Figures 20 to 21 A perspective side view of a handheld electromechanical cane according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Specific Implementation

[0040] The invention described herein provides a handheld electromechanical cane that overcomes the known disadvantages of those known devices and methods of this general type, and effectively, efficiently, and safely facilitates the provision of perceptible visual, audio, and (importantly) physical cues or sensations to the user holding the cane. While the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a handheld electromechanical cane, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as various modifications and structural changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0041] This invention provides a novel and effective apparatus and method operablely configured to detect objects and obstacles in a user's surrounding environment that may obstruct the user's path as the user walks (e.g., directly in front of, to the side of, above, or possibly even behind the user), and to alert the user to the presence and location of the detected objects by generating a torque that provides a readily perceptible or detectable tactile sensation on the user's wrist or forearm. Embodiments of the invention provide a cantilevered guide arm member having an arm counterweight arranged adjacent to its second free end, wherein the length of the cantilevered guide arm member and the weight of the arm counterweight contribute to generating greater torque and advantageously guiding the user away from the detected objects or obstacles. Specifically, the cantilevered guide arm member is operablely configured to selectively rotate away from the detected objects or obstacles, effectively guiding the user away from said objects and enabling the user to continue smoothly along the user's path. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may also be operable to provide the user with audio or visual cues, such as where the user should walk to avoid the detected objects.

[0042] See now Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view. Figure 1 (Together with other figures herein) several advantageous features of the invention are shown; however, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in combinations of shapes, sizes, features, and components, as well as different numbers and functions of the components. As in Figure 1 and Figure 2The first example of a handheld electromechanical cane 100 (hereinafter referred to as "device 100" for ease of reference), best illustrated herein, includes a handle member 102 for gripping by a user and having a first end 104, a second end 106, a handle member length spaced between the first end 104 and the second end 106, a front handle surface 120, and a rear handle surface 208 opposite to the front handle surface 120. The handle member 102 may be made of a substantially rigid but lightweight material (e.g., PVC or polypropylene) to increase user comfort during repetitive, continuous, and / or frequent use. The handle member 102 may also have a padded or deformable elastic material disposed thereon for increased user comfort, and may advantageously include a ring or strip disposed at or adjacent to the first end 104 (wherein "adjacent" is defined as being at or near, i.e., within 40% of the length of the handle member), whereby the ring or strip may include a charging port for charging a battery power source 200 (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) located on the device 100. Advantageously, the front handle surface 120 may include a plurality of ridges, recesses, or other defined corrugated surfaces for receiving the user's fingers. In other words, the user's palm will be placed on the rear handle surface 208 and the user's fingers will wrap around the front handle surface 120. The plurality of ridges, recesses, or other defined corrugated surfaces advantageously improve the user's sustained grip around the handle member 102. The handle component 102 may consist of two or more shell components that may be selectively coupled together to define a handle cavity, which is shaped and sized to receive and accommodate the electronic and mechanical components discussed and described herein.

[0043] As in Figure 2As best seen in the present invention, the device also includes an electric motor assembly 202 having at least one electric motor 204 electrically coupled to a battery power source 200. In one embodiment, the motor assembly 202 includes two motors operatively coupled to a gear assembly configured to provide selective, motor-based (e.g., servo-controlled) rotation of the cantilever guide arm member 108 relative to the user of the gripping device 100 (i.e., the handle member 102) on either the x-axis or the y-axis, which is vertically oriented relative to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the motors may be used to control rotation or movement on the z-axis and / or to have omnidirectional rotation or movement. In other words, the motors are operatively configured to cause the cantilever guide arm member 108 to rotate up and down or left and right relative to the user of the gripping device 100. However, the handle member 102 will remain relatively stationary, resulting in a force or power physically felt by the user, acting as a cue for the direction of the user's movement (thus avoiding objects detected by the device—as discussed further herein). In other embodiments of the invention, a single motor is configured to provide selective rotation of the cantilever guide arm member 108, multiple motors can be used independently for individual rotation on any desired axis, and / or the cantilever guide arm member 108 is operably configured to move relative to the user of the gripping device 100 on other axes (e.g., the diagonal z-axis). To simplify construction, the cantilever guide arm member 108 can rotate only on two axes (e.g., on...). Figure 1 (Best depicted in the image) and can rotate approximately 180°–360° on the x-axis or horizontally and approximately 90°–270° on the y-axis or vertically. The device 100 may advantageously have a charging station or wall-mounted device configured to plug into an electrical outlet or otherwise electrically coupled to an electrical outlet. The charging station may include an electronic port adapted to mate with a charging port located on a ring or strip of the device.

[0044] The cantilever guide arm component 108 is operatively coupled to one or more electric motors (e.g., motor 204), wherein a first end 109 is rotatably coupled to a handle component 102 (e.g., using a ball joint or bracket), a second free end 110 is opposite to the first end 109 of the cantilever guide arm component 108, and the arm length spacees the first end and the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm component 108. The cantilever guide arm component 108 (like the handle component 102) may also be made of a substantially rigid but lightweight material for easy and comfortable extension or reuse. The cantilever guide arm component 108 further includes an arm counterweight 124 arranged adjacent to the second free end 110 (i.e., at or near the second free end 110) (within 30% of the total length of the cantilever guide arm component 108) and having a concentrated counterweight of at least about 0.2 lbs, wherein “concentrated counterweight” is defined as a weight distribution less than 50% of the longitudinal length of the cantilever guide arm component 108. In other words, the concentrated counterweight and the arm counterweight 124 can be independent and can be selectively removed relative to the cantilever guide arm component 108. To increase or improve the user’s tactile perception and detection of movement of the cantilever guide arm component 108, the arm counterweight 124 should preferably be arranged adjacent to the second free end 110 rather than spread over the arm length. Examples of the concentrated counterweight may include a weighted object or structure arranged adjacent to the second free end 110, wherein the weight around the structure adjacent to it or along the length of the cantilever guide arm component 108 does not exceed the weighted object or structure.

[0045] The cantilever guide arm member 108 is operably configured to translate along an arm translation path (e.g., one or both of the paths indicated by arrow 122) and have an operating position (also referred to as the “original” position) along the arm translation path in which the longitudinal axis 118 of the cantilever guide arm member 108 is arranged at a substantially perpendicular angle to and aligned with the front handle surface 120.

[0046] The device 100 further includes at least one of a distance sensor 216 and a camera 112 (i.e., distance sensor 216, camera 112, or both), each having an operating surface operatively configured, when in an operating position, to align with (i.e., partially or completely aligned with) the longitudinal axis 118 of the cantilever guide arm member 108, and the operating surface is operatively configured to detect an object spatially displaced from the second free end 110. In various embodiments, the operating surface may be a camera lens or a screen. One or more cameras 112 may be arranged adjacent to the second free end 110 (or at other locations along the length of the cantilever guide arm member 108), i.e., at or near the second free end 110 (within 20%-40% of the total length of the cantilever guide arm member 108 at the second free end 110). In alternative embodiments, in addition to or instead of cameras 112 arranged on the cantilever guide arm member 108, one or more cameras 112 may be arranged on the handle member 102 itself. Camera 112 is operatively configured to capture images (video or still images) within two to six feet of the second free end 110. In one embodiment, a single camera is utilized and can be operatively configured to receive and detect objects within a visual range of at least 180°. In other embodiments, multiple cameras 112 are utilized and arranged on the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm member 108 such that the cameras 112 are oriented away from each opposite side of the camera mount and away from the front of the camera mount, thereby enabling the detection of objects at different positions relative to the second free end of the cantilever guide arm member 108. The cantilever guide arm member 108 is operatively coupled to the electric motor assembly 202, thereby enabling rotation along a vertical or horizontal axis. While device 100 is advantageously operable to allow a user to experience the force (i.e., exhibiting easily perceptible or detectable tactile force) caused by the rotation of an object detected by the cantilevered guide arm member 108 in a location away from the user's surroundings (e.g., 2 ft–10 ft), device 100 may also be operable to provide the user with audio (e.g., using a speaker) or visual (e.g., using a light source) cues regarding where the user should walk to avoid the detected object. Accordingly, distance sensor 216 may be a laser-based, ultrasonic, infrared, or other similar distance sensor operable to alert the user. In one embodiment, laser-guided distance sensor 212 and ultrasonic distance sensor 214 (e.g., Figure 11 The depicted sensor is communicatively coupled to the electronic controller 210 and operably configured to detect an object spatially displaced from the second free end 110. In combination, the use of both the laser-guided distance sensor 212 and the ultrasonic distance sensor 214 is operably configured to increase the accuracy and speed of object detection. The camera sensor 218 (e.g.) Figure 2 (As shown) or a distance sensor can also be arranged on the front handle surface 120. Sensors 212, 214 can be electrically and communicatively coupled to the head PCB board 222.

[0047] Device 100 also includes an electronic controller 210, which is electrically coupled to the battery power supply 200 and communicatively coupled to a ground (wherein, "communicatively coupled to a ground" means...). Figure 4 (In the flowchart depicted in the diagram, indicated by arrows) to at least one of an electric motor 204 and at least one of a distance sensor 216 and a camera 112, the electronic controller 210 is operably configured to receive detection of an object spatially displaced from the second free end 110 and cause selective rotation of the cantilever guide arm member 108 in a direction away from the detected object to produce an offset angle θ relative to the operating position along the arm translation path (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown), this generates torque through the arm counterweight 124, causing the user to grip the handle member 102 and guiding the user in that direction. In other words, the electronic controller 210 is operably configured to receive and detect digital representations of objects around the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm member 108. For this purpose, the electronic controller 210 may include resident software programs or instructions operably configured to receive and detect (i.e., decrypt) digital representations within the surrounding environment. For this purpose, other known devices have used similar object detection software, such as U.S. Patent No. 5,973,618 to Ellis and U.S. Patent No. 8,467,674 to Ratner et al., wherein the references are incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] However, unlike known devices, the electronic controller 210 is operably configured to cause selective rotation of the cantilever guide arm member 108 relative to the handle member 102 (e.g., by transmitting wired or wireless signals to a motor). Due to the concentrated counterweight of the arm counterweight 124, the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm member 108 is weighted or has an increased weight relative to the remainder of the cantilever guide arm member 108 (e.g., 0.25 lb to 1 lb), thereby causing or generating a force on the cantilever guide arm member 108 (i.e., exhibiting a force that is easily perceived or detectable by touch) that guides the user in the direction that is experienced by the user holding the handle member 102, in the direction away from the object detected by the camera 112 and the software of the electronic controller 210, and around the second free end 110 (i.e., directly around the second free end 110). In one embodiment, for example, if an object approximately 2 feet wide is detected within 3 feet in front of the user, and there are no obstructions to the left or right of the object, the motor will cause the second free end 110 to rotate (at approximately 5 rpm to 40 rpm), thereby generating a torque of approximately 1.75 lb fin to 10 lb fin experienced by the user. In one embodiment, the weight of the second free end 110 is specifically or additionally generated by the weight of the camera 112, the high-density object, and / or the battery power supply 200.

[0049] In one embodiment, the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm member 108 automatically returns to the operating position or "original" position upon passing a detected object. In one embodiment, the operating position may be a generally perpendicular configuration and orientation of the cantilever guide arm member 108 relative to the front handle surface 120 of the handle member 102. In other words, the operating position includes the cantilever guide arm member 108 being arranged at a perpendicular angle (90°) relative to the front handle surface 120. In other embodiments, the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm member 108 requires user invention (e.g., by pressing a return button programmed to return the cantilever guide arm member 108 to its operating position) to place the second free end 110 and / or the cantilever guide arm member 108 into the operating position. The device 100, namely the second free end 110 of the cantilever guide arm member 108, may also include a sensor operably configured to detect movement of the device in the surrounding environment, which is used during programming to cause movement of the second free end 110 and / or the cantilever guide arm member 108 (to its operating or guided position).

[0050] As in Figure 1As best depicted, the device 100 may further include an arm head housing 114 arranged along the arm length, and at least one of the distance sensor 216 and camera 112, as well as the arm counterweight 124, are housed within the arm head housing 124. Advantageously, the arm head housing 114 structurally protects at least one of the distance sensor 216 and camera 112, as well as the arm counterweight 124, housed therein, from damage caused by factors such as rain, wind, snow, etc., especially when the device 100 is designed and configured for outdoor (and indoor) use. In a preferred embodiment, the arm head housing 114 defines or is arranged on the second free end 110 of the cantilevered guide arm member 108 to advantageously detect movement over a greater distance before the user's position and to provide the user with more time to deviate from their trajectory and avoid direct physical contact with the detected object. In an alternative embodiment, the arm weight 124 may be selectively and removably disposed on the outer surface of the arm head housing 114 rather than within the arm head housing 114, thereby allowing the user to add (or remove) the arm weight 124 as needed to improve the tactile or dynamic feel that is easily detected or perceived when an object is detected. Figures 2-10 A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device 100 is further depicted.

[0051] The device 100 may further include a gyroscope 1102 housed within the handle member 102, communicatively coupled to an electronic controller 210, and operably configured to detect the fundamental orientation (i.e., north, south, east, west) of the front handle surface 120. The electronic controller 210 is operably configured to, upon detecting a deviation angle θ, cause the cantilevered guide arm member 108 to selectively rotate to an operating position, partially or completely aligned with the fundamental orientation of the front handle surface 120. The gyroscope 1102 is a conventional gyroscope device or instrument for measuring or maintaining rotational motion. In some embodiments, the gyroscope 1102 may be or include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope for measuring angular velocity. The gyroscope 1102 may be a single-axis, dual-axis, or tri-axis gyroscope to measure rotation about any of the following axes (x, y, and z).

[0052] In one embodiment, the device may include: a memory storage unit 1100 housed on the device 100 and storing a plurality of digital geographic locations, each having a plurality of GPS boundary coordinates; and at least one button 220a-220n operably configured to electronically access the plurality of GPS boundary coordinates of the plurality of digital geographic locations. In other words, the device includes resident memory configured to store a user's GPS coordinates or location and a history of detected objects located at said GPS coordinates or location, wherein said history and location can be selectively and easily recalled by the user (e.g., activated by using at least one button or voice). This feature advantageously allows the user to easily access, recall, and select GPS coordinates or locations that have been frequently visited by the user previously, such as the user's home, office, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the device 100 may also be operably configured to digitally map all detected objects to any given GPS coordinates or location, and to store on the memory storage unit 1100 a digital map compiled and associated with each individual, specific, or designated GPS coordinate or location. Device 100 may have the capability to automatically detect its own current GPS coordinates or location (selectively or continuously), and, if a digital map associated with those specific GPS coordinates or locations exists (i.e., if the location was previously mapped by device 100), recall the digital map associated with those specific GPS coordinates or locations. In turn, device 100 will guide the user based on the previously mapped digital map, while continuously explaining and alerting the user to any new or previously undetected objects or obstacles. This feature can advantageously improve accuracy, conserve battery power, and reduce the time required for device 100 to detect any object. Device 100 may operate independently of GPS or in conjunction with GPS to provide multiple ways for the device to locate and track the user's geographic location. Therefore, electronic controller 210 may be operably configured to cause the cantilevered guide arm member 108 to selectively rotate to a desired deviation angle θ, the desired deviation angle θ corresponding to one of a plurality of digital geographic locations and the basic orientation of the front handle surface 120. Figure 2 As shown, the device 100 may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) 222.

[0053] The cantilever guide arm component 108 can be operably configured to rotate in an upward orientation when the cantilever guide arm component 108 is within 50 meters of a pre-selected digital geographic location, thereby timely and accurately alerting the user to the remaining distance between the user and the pre-selected digital geographic location (i.e., GPS coordinates or location), allowing the user to adjust their gait speed accordingly. For example, in Figures 11-13As best viewed in the diagram, multiple digital geographic locations can be communicatively coupled to the electronic controller 210 via network 1200 to communicate electronic notifications of multiple digital geographic locations and / or all detected objects to remote electronic communication devices 1202a-1202n. In other words, the electronic controller 210 can communicate via network 1200 using a short-range communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth), which can also operate as a receiver, transmitter, and / or transceiver. A PAN interface can allow the electronic controller 210 to be wirelessly connected to another electronic computing device (e.g., a software application) via a peer-to-peer connection or other communicatively coupled configuration. The network interface may also include a local area network (LAN) interface. The LAN interface can be, for example, an interface to a wireless LAN such as a Wi-Fi network. In one embodiment, a wireless LAN exists that provides the electronic controller 210 with access to the Internet for receiving input / messages and sending input / messages to, for example, an administrator server 1208 or other electronic devices via the Internet. The range of the LAN interface can typically exceed the range available via the PAN interface. Typically, the connection between two electronic devices 1202a-1202b via a LAN interface may involve communication through a network router or other intermediary device. Figure 12 Arrows 1206a-1206n depict exemplary connections between devices 1202a-1202n on network 1200. In one embodiment, the electronic controller 210 and the electronic computing device (e.g., a mobile phone) can be paired or establish a communication link before, during, or after a user intends to use device 100. Pairing can be performed via an RFID device.

[0054] In addition, the network interface may include the ability to connect to a wide area network (WAN) via a WAN interface. The WAN interface may allow connection to a cellular mobile communication network. The WAN interface may include communication circuitry, such as an antenna coupled to a radio circuit, the radio circuit having transceivers for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the antenna. The radio circuitry may be configured to operate in a mobile communication network, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), etc.

[0055] As in Figure 13As best seen in the flowchart, the communication may include an initial step and a second step. The first step provides a first user electronic computing device and a second user electronic computing device, the first user electronic computing device having software applications residing thereon. The second step is to execute the software applications on the first user electronic computing device. After device 100 collects information about the user, GPS boundary coordinates or location, and / or any detected objects or obstacles, the method includes the next step: receiving user identification information, GPS boundary coordinates or location information, and detected object information from device 100 (i.e., the second user) via the first user. In this way, the method advantageously allows a third party (e.g., the user's family or friends) to receive alerts and easily ascertain the user's geographic location, including but not limited to whether obstacles or objects prevent the user from entering / leaving a specific location (e.g., the user's home). A further method includes the first user receiving detected object information stored on device 100 and otherwise received by the device after the user selects a location on the device (e.g., using one of buttons 220a-220n, where the number 220 indicates a button interface or switch / circuit receiver that contacts one or more buttons 220a-220n). For example, pressing button 220a allows the user to select a location category, such as a bus stop, train station, hospital, or a pre-recorded and / or stored route taken by the user or someone else. Each location category can then be communicated to the user via a speaker, and the selection is received via a microphone. Alternatively, another button 220n would allow the user to select a specific location from the user's desired category. The device would then receive the desired GPS coordinates and direction, and, along with the user's or device's current location / GPS location, guide the user to their desired and selected location. Figure 15 As seen in the preferred embodiment, there are four buttons 220a-220d (e.g., GPS, up, down, and input buttons, all of which can be used when the speaker / microphone configuration is impractical or infeasible (e.g., in public places or outdoors where external noise may make it difficult for the user to hear cues from the speaker).

[0056] In one embodiment, at least one of the distance sensor and camera 112 is each operably configured to detect an object spatially displaced by six feet or less from the second free end 110. This feature advantageously alerts the user to objects or obstacles in the surrounding environment (i.e., the user's immediate surroundings), thus giving the user sufficient time and opportunity to avoid the detected objects or obstacles.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the cantilever guide arm member 108 must be oriented in an operating position to selectively rotate or translate along an arm translation path. The operating position includes the cantilever guide arm member 108 arranged at a vertical angle (90°) relative to the front handle surface 120. In other words, the cantilever guide arm member 108 can be selectively configured in a compact position, such as in… Figure 3 The cantilever guide arm component 108 is best depicted for ease of storage and transport. To allow the cantilever guide arm component 108 to selectively rotate or translate along the arm translation path, the cantilever guide arm component 108 must be oriented in the operating position.

[0058] The cantilever guide arm member 108 may also include a plurality of arm members 116a-116n, where "n" is any number greater than 1, the plurality of arm members 116a-116n being telescopically coupled to each other and operably configured to selectively adjust the arm length. This can advantageously provide the user with a greater "torque" or "torque" on the user's wrist or forearm, as the length increases, where "torque" is defined as the torsion of an object about a particular axis, i.e., the force applied perpendicular to the rod multiplied by its distance from the fulcrum of the rod (the length of the rod arm). In the context of the invention, the torque will be greater with a longer cantilever guide arm member 108 and smaller with a shorter cantilever guide arm member 108. Therefore, the user can selectively change the length of the cantilever guide arm member 108 to adjust the torque generated when an object is detected. For the user, this will be expressed in the form of a tactile sensation that is easily perceived or detected, and the user can physically feel it by gripping the handle member 102. Arm members 116a-116n can be locked in a specific length to provide a stable length for device 100 unless and until the length is adjusted by the user. The length of device 100 (i.e., the combined length of handle member 102 and cantilevered guide arm member 108) is approximately 40 cm to 60 cm, although this can be substantially increased when multiple arm members 116a-n are selectively adjusted.

[0059] The electronic motor assembly 202 may further include a rocking motor 204 operably configured to horizontally rock the camera 112 from a fixed position; and a pitch motor 206 operably configured to vertically pitch the camera 112 from a fixed position. In a preferred embodiment, both the rocking motor 204 and the pitch motor 206 are included in the electronic motor assembly 202, wherein the rocking motor 204 is operably configured to horizontally (i.e., left and right) rotate the camera 112 up to 355°, and the pitch motor 206 is operably configured to vertically tilt the camera 112 up to 60° upward and down to 60° downward (i.e., up and down). Wide-angle detection in both the vertical and horizontal directions increases the surrounding area that can be scanned for possible detection of objects or obstacles. In other words, when using both the rocking motor 204 and the pitch motor 206, the device 100 is advantageously able to detect obstacles directly in front of, beside, above, and potentially behind the user. Figures 14-21 Several perspective and elevation views of alternative embodiments of the present invention are depicted.

[0060] Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above relate to specific features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments with different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the features described above.

[0061] Although the specific order of the execution process steps has been described and depicted in the accompanying drawings, the order of the execution steps may vary relative to the order shown in some embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, two or more steps described or shown as occurring consecutively may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. For brevity, certain steps may also be omitted. In some embodiments, some or all of the processing steps may be combined into a single process.

Claims

1. A handheld electromechanical walking aid, comprising: A handle component for being gripped by a user and having a first end, a second end, a handle component length that spaced the first end and the second end of the handle component, a front handle surface, and a rear handle surface opposite to the front handle surface. An electronic motor assembly having at least one electronic motor electrically coupled to a battery power source; A cantilever guide arm component operably coupled to the at least one electric motor, the cantilever guide arm component having a first end rotatably coupled to the handle component, a second free end opposite to the first end of the cantilever guide arm component, an arm length spaced between the first end and the second free end of the cantilever guide arm component, an arm counterweight arranged adjacent to the second free end and having a concentrated counterweight of at least 0.2 lbs, and the cantilever guide arm component operably configured to translate along an arm translation path and having an operating position along the arm translation path, in which the longitudinal axis of the cantilever guide arm component is arranged at a substantially perpendicular angle to the front handle surface and aligned with the front handle surface; At least one of a distance sensor and a camera, each of the distance sensor and the camera having an operating surface, the operating surface being operably configured, when in the operating position, to align with the longitudinal axis of the cantilever guide arm member and to operably configure to detect an object spatially displaced from the second free end; as well as An electronic controller, electrically coupled to the battery power source and communicatively coupled to at least one of the at least one electronic motor, and at least one of the distance sensor and camera, is operably configured to receive detection of an object spatially displaced from the second free end and cause the cantilevered guide arm member to selectively rotate in a direction away from the detected object to produce an offset angle θ relative to the operating position along the arm translation path, thereby generating torque through the arm counterweight to power the user to grip the handle member and guide the user in that direction.

2. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, wherein: The operating position includes the cantilevered guide arm component arranged at a perpendicular angle to the surface of the front handle.

3. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, further comprising: An arm head housing, the arm head housing being arranged along the length of the arm and having the arm counterweight and at least one of a distance sensor and a camera housed within the arm head housing.

4. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 3, wherein: The head housing defines the second free end of the cantilevered guide arm component.

5. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 3, wherein, The arm head housing further includes: A laser-guided distance sensor and an ultrasonic distance sensor are communicatively coupled to the electronic controller and operably configured to detect an object spatially displaced from the second free end.

6. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, further comprising: A gyroscope, housed within the handle assembly, communicatively coupled to the electronic controller, and operably configured to detect the fundamental orientation of the front handle surface, wherein the electronic controller is operably configured to, upon detecting the deviation angle θ, cause the cantilevered guide arm assembly to selectively rotate to the operating position aligned with the fundamental orientation of the front handle surface.

7. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 6, further comprising: A memory storage unit is housed in the handheld electromechanical walking aid and stores multiple digital geographic locations, each having multiple GPS boundary coordinates; as well as At least one button, which is operably configured to electronically access the plurality of GPS boundary coordinates for the plurality of digital geographic locations.

8. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 7, wherein: The electronic controller is operably configured to cause the cantilevered guide arm component to selectively rotate to a desired deviation angle θ, the desired deviation angle θ corresponding to one of the plurality of digital geographic locations and the basic orientation of the front handle surface.

9. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 6, wherein: The cantilever guide arm component is operably configured to rotate in an upward orientation when the cantilever guide arm component is within 50 meters of a preselected digital geographic location.

10. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 7, wherein: The multiple digital geographic locations are coupled to the electronic controller via network communication.

11. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the distance sensor and the camera is each operably configured to detect an object that has been spatially displaced by six feet or less from the second free end.

12. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, wherein: The cantilevered guide arm component must be oriented in the operating position to selectively rotate or translate along the arm translation path.

13. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The electric motor assembly also includes: A swing motor, operably configured to swing the camera horizontally from a fixed position; and A pitch motor, which is operably configured to vertically pitch the camera from a fixed position.

14. The handheld electromechanical walking aid according to claim 1, wherein, The cantilever guide arm component further includes: Multiple arm components, which are telescopically coupled to each other and operably configured to selectively adjust the arm length.

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