Wearable vibration three-dimensional navigation device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a wearable vibration three-dimensional navigation device and method. The device comprises a prompt module and a wearable neck sleeve. The wearable neck sleeve comprises a transverse surrounding belt and a vertical extending belt which are arranged in a crossed mode. The vertical extending belt comprises an upper vertical extending section and a lower vertical extending section. The prompt module comprises a vibration element. A plurality of vibration elements are sequentially arranged on the transverse surrounding belt at intervals; one vibration element on the transverse surrounding belt is located at the joint of the transverse surrounding belt and the vertical extending belt. The upper vertical extension section and the lower vertical extension section are each provided with one or more vibration elements. Through the vibration elements horizontally arranged on the neck band by a circle and the two vibration elements vertically arranged on the neck band, tactile navigation information in a three-dimensional space can be realized, and compared with traditional two-dimensional plane navigation, the tactile navigation device has remarkable advantages in complex environment perception and interaction efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of wearable devices, and in particular relates to a wearable vibration three-dimensional navigation device and method. Background Art

[0002] Independent travel and spatial perception for the visually impaired have long been a research focus in the field of assistive technology. Currently, mainstream navigation solutions rely primarily on hearing as a means of information transmission. While voice prompts can provide directional guidance in auditory navigation, they present the following issues: 1. They are susceptible to interference from ambient noise. In noisy environments (such as busy roads and shopping malls), voice prompts may be masked, preventing users from accurately receiving navigation information. 2. Continuous voice output may mask critical environmental sounds, such as vehicle horns and pedestrian footsteps, increasing safety risks. 3. Prolonged voice prompts can easily cause auditory fatigue, reducing users' sensitivity to navigation information.

[0003] Existing tactile navigation solutions mostly use wristbands or handheld devices to provide two-dimensional plane navigation (such as forward, backward, left, and right turn prompts) through vibration patterns, but they still have the following shortcomings: It can only provide planar navigation and cannot transmit height information (such as stairs, ramps, overpasses, etc.), which makes users easily lost or fall in complex three-dimensional spatial environments; 2. The layout of vibration elements is limited (such as only arranged horizontally), and the spatial orientation cannot be naturally mapped through tactile position. Users need to additionally memorize the correspondence between vibration patterns and instructions, and the learning cost is high; 2. The tactile feedback is single, and most systems only provide fixed-intensity vibrations, which makes it difficult to distinguish different distances or obstacle types, resulting in inaccurate information transmission.

[0004] Furthermore, existing navigation systems typically utilize a single sensory channel (purely auditory or tactile), failing to fully exploit the advantages of multimodal interaction, leading to information overload or perceptual redundancy. For example, tactile navigation alone can compromise navigation efficiency in complex environments due to insufficient information, while voice-only navigation can be ineffective due to interference from ambient noise. In summary, existing navigation technologies still have significant shortcomings in three-dimensional spatial perception, intuitive interaction, and environmental adaptability. A more efficient navigation solution that better aligns with the human body's natural perceptual habits is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a wearable vibration three-dimensional navigation device and method.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device comprising a prompt module and a wearable neckband. The prompt module is mounted on the wearable neckband. The wearable neckband comprises a crisscrossing transverse wrapping band and a vertically extending band. The vertically extending band comprises an upper vertically extending section and a lower vertically extending section. The inner ends of the upper and lower vertically extending sections are connected to the middle of the two side edges of the transverse wrapping band, respectively.

[0007] The prompt module includes a vibration element. Multiple vibration elements are arranged in sequence along the transversely surrounding band. One of the vibration elements on the transversely surrounding band is located at the junction of the transversely surrounding band and the vertically extending band. One or more vibration elements are each provided on the upper and lower vertically extending sections.

[0008] Preferably, when the wearable neck collar is worn on the user's neck, the transverse wraparound belt is wrapped around the user's neck and fixed together at the front of the user's neck; the vertically extending belt is vertically attached to the back of the user's neck.

[0009] Preferably, the number of the vibrating elements on the transverse surrounding band is eight, and the center distance between two adjacent vibrating elements is one eighth of the standard neck circumference, which is 30 cm to 45 cm.

[0010] Preferably, the wearable collar is further provided with a detection control module, which includes a controller and a Bluetooth module, and the controller wirelessly communicates with an external navigation host computer via the Bluetooth module.

[0011] Preferably, the detection control module further comprises a microphone, which is arranged on a transverse surrounding band and matches the position of the user's mouth.

[0012] Preferably, navigation information is provided to the user by adjusting the position, vibration intensity and vibration frequency of the vibration element on the transverse surrounding belt.

[0013] Preferably, the detection control module further includes an environmental sensor for detecting obstacles ahead. The environmental sensor is disposed on a transverse wraparound belt, aligned with the front neck position of the user. The controller adjusts navigation information provided to the user based on obstacle information detected by the environmental sensor, enabling the user to avoid obstacles.

[0014] Preferably, the prompt module further comprises a speaker, which is arranged on a transverse surround band and matches the position of the user's right ear.

[0015] Preferably, both ends of the transverse surrounding belt are provided with mutually matching detachable connection structures.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vibration three-dimensional navigation method, which uses the aforementioned wearable vibration three-dimensional navigation device. The vibration three-dimensional navigation method includes: The user puts the wearable neck collar on his or her neck.

[0017] Part of the vibrating elements on the transverse surrounding belt vibrates according to the target forward direction in the navigation information. The orientation of the vibrating elements relative to the user's neck matches the target forward direction.

[0018] The vibration elements on the upper vertical extension section and the lower vertical extension section vibrate according to longitudinal road condition information in the navigation information. The longitudinal road condition information includes an increase in the height of the road ahead and a decrease in the height of the road ahead.

[0019] If the road ahead is elevated, the vibrating element of the upper vertical extension section vibrates. If the road ahead is lowered, the vibrating element of the lower vertical extension section vibrates.

[0020] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention utilizes a horizontally arranged circle of vibrating elements on the neckband, along with two vertically arranged elements, to provide tactile navigation information in three-dimensional space. Compared to traditional two-dimensional navigation, this device offers significant advantages in complex environment perception and interaction efficiency. By integrating three-dimensional vector information for horizontal direction (front, back, left, and right), vertical height (ascent / descent), and path topology (slope / obstacles), it overcomes the limitations of two-dimensional navigation, which only provides "flat arrows." This enables precise navigation of three-dimensional paths, avoiding accidents caused by missing height information.

[0021] 2. The present invention uses tactile channels to transmit information, which has the advantages of non-invasiveness, concealment, low interference and universality. At the same time, it can effectively reduce the cognitive load of vision and hearing, and can meet the navigation needs of special groups (visually impaired people, firefighters, etc.).

[0022] 3. This invention uses an intuitive coding design that maps vibration intensity to distance and the position of the vibration module to spatial orientation, thereby converting three-dimensional information into a tactile language that conforms to intuitive perception habits. This reduces the user's learning cost and cognitive load during use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device provided in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device provided in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3Schematic diagram of the positions of eight vibration elements when the transverse surrounding belt is connected end to end to form a ring in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Description of the drawings: 1. First vibration element; 2. Second vibration element; 3. Third vibration element; 4. Fourth vibration element; 5. Fifth vibration element; 6. Sixth vibration element; 7. Seventh vibration element; 8. Eighth vibration element; 9. Ninth vibration element; 10. Tenth vibration element; 11. Horizontal surround band; 12. Vertical extension band; 13. Controller; 14. Microphone; 15. Bluetooth module; 16. Battery; 17. Environmental detector; 18. Speaker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention will be further described below.

[0028] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, a wearable vibratory 3D navigation device includes a wearable neckband, a detection and control module, a prompt module, and a power supply module. The detection and control module and the prompt module are both mounted on the wearable neckband. The power supply module is used to power the detection and control module and the prompt module. The detection and control module is used to generate and provide navigation and obstacle avoidance instructions to the user through the prompt module. The prompt module is used to provide the user with vibrotactile navigation prompts and voice prompts.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the wearable neck cover includes a transverse wrapping band 11 and a vertical extension band 12 arranged in a cross-like manner. The transverse wrapping band 11 and the vertical extension band 12 are both linear. The middle portion of the transverse wrapping band 11 and the middle portion of the vertical extension band 12 are an integrated structure. The two ends of the transverse wrapping band 11 are provided with mutually matching detachable connection structures. In this embodiment, the detachable connection structure adopts Velcro. In some other embodiments, the detachable connection structure may also adopt buttons, snaps or other connection structures. When the two ends of the transverse wrapping band 11 are connected together by the detachable connection structure, a ring-shaped neck cover body is formed.

[0030] The vertically extending band 12 comprises an upper vertically extending section and a lower vertically extending section. The inner ends of the upper and lower vertically extending sections are connected to the middle of the two side edges of the transversely surrounding band 11, respectively. When the wearable neck collar is worn, the transversely surrounding band 11 is wrapped around the user's neck, and the vertically extending band 12 fits vertically against the back of the user's neck. The upper vertically extending section is able to maintain a stiff state, thereby preventing the upper vertically extending section located above the transversely surrounding band 11 from sagging naturally.

[0031] The prompt module includes a vibration element and a speaker 18. There are ten vibration elements in total, namely the first vibration element 1, the second vibration element 2, the third vibration element 3, the fourth vibration element 4, the fifth vibration element 5, the sixth vibration element 6, the seventh vibration element 7, the eighth vibration element 8, the ninth vibration element 9, and the tenth vibration element 10. Among them, the first vibration element 1 and the second vibration element 2 are fixed on the upper vertical extension section and the lower vertical extension section respectively. The remaining eight vibration elements are all fixed on the transverse surrounding belt 11 and are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the transverse surrounding belt 11. The seventh vibration element 7 is located at the intersection of the transverse surrounding belt 11 and the vertical extension belt 12. The vibration element is used to provide vibration tactile navigation prompts to the user by vibrating itself. In some embodiments, the vibration element can provide vibrations of different intensities and modes, thereby providing rich tactile information interaction. In this embodiment, the vibration element adopts a vibration motor.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the wearable neckband is worn on the user's neck, adjacent vibrating elements on the transverse wraparound band 11 are spaced 45° apart, providing precise navigation for the user. Three vibrating elements are positioned at the back of the user's neck, arranged in a top, middle, and bottom arrangement. The vibrating elements located in the upper and lower vertical extensions are used to convey information beyond horizontal orientation to the user, such as the presence of ascending or descending stairs ahead.

[0033] The speaker 18 is fixed to the transverse surrounding band 11 and is positioned to match the user's right ear. The speaker 18 is used to provide auditory voice navigation prompts to the user under the control of the controller 13. In some embodiments, the speaker 18 can provide voices of different loudness.

[0034] The detection and control module includes a controller 13, a microphone 14, and a Bluetooth module 15. The controller 13 is connected to the Bluetooth module 15, the vibration motor, the speaker 18, and the microphone 14 to receive signals or control various components. The controller 13 wirelessly communicates with an external navigation host computer via the Bluetooth module 15. The navigation host computer is an external electronic device that generates navigation information. The navigation host computer can be a mobile phone or other electronic device designed for the blind. The controller 13 transmits destination and real-time traffic information to the navigation host computer via the Bluetooth module 15 and receives direction indication signals from the navigation host computer.

[0035] The microphone 14 is fixed to one end of the transverse surrounding band 11 , and its position matches the position of the user's mouth.

[0036] The microphone 14 is used to collect sound signals emitted by the user and send them to the controller 13. The controller 13 reads the user's voice instructions based on the sound signals collected by the microphone 14. In some embodiments, the voice instructions include entering a destination, inquiring about the time required for the current route, and other navigation-related instructions. The controller 13 generates route planning results or voice answer information based on the voice instructions. The controller 13 controls the vibration elements at different positions to vibrate, thereby conveying navigation information to the user. The controller 13 controls the speaker 18 to convey the voice answer information to the user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the detection and control module further includes an environmental detector 17. The environmental detector 17 is powered by the power supply module and connected to the controller 13, transmitting detected environmental signals to the controller 13. The environmental detector 17 is used to detect information about the user's current environment, such as static and moving obstacles in the current environment. The environmental detector transmits the monitored environmental information to the controller 13, which generates corresponding instructions based on the detected road conditions. The environmental detector can be an image sensor, a detection sensor, or the like.

[0038] In some further embodiments, the environment detector 17 is a millimeter wave radar or a laser radar. The environment detector 17 is fixed to the end of the transverse surrounding belt 11 where the microphone 14 is not provided.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller 13 may include a processor and a memory. The processor processes the data signal, and the memory stores the instructions and data executed by the processor. The controller 13 may be a dedicated logic controller 13.

[0040] The power supply module includes a battery 16. The battery 16 is electrically connected to the controller 13, the Bluetooth module 15, the vibration motor, the speaker 18 and the microphone 14 to provide power.

[0041] During operation, the controller 13 receives direction indication signals from an external navigation host computer and converts the direction indication signals into vibration tactile prompt signals and voice prompt signals. The controller 13 can also receive user voice information and, based on the voice information, send vibration prompt signals and voice prompt signals. The controller 13 is connected to the speaker 18 and the microphone 14 to enable voice interaction with the user. In some embodiments, the controller 13 can also receive information from the environment detector 17 and send corresponding vibration prompt signals and voice prompt signals based on road condition information.

[0042] Example 2 A vibration three-dimensional navigation method using the wearable vibration three-dimensional navigation device provided in Example 1.

[0043] The vibration three-dimensional navigation method provides direction guidance to the user through vibration, helping the user to achieve efficient and accurate navigation, and includes the following steps: Step 1: The user puts the wearable collar on their neck. The microphone 14 collects the user's voice information of the navigation destination. The destination information is sent to the external navigation host computer via Bluetooth, and a direction indication signal is generated and transmitted back to the controller 13 via the Bluetooth module 15.

[0044] If a user utters the words "I want to go to place A," microphone 14 transmits the collected speech to controller 13. Controller 13 recognizes the destination as "place A" and sends the destination information to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. The mobile phone generates a corresponding direction indication signal based on the destination being "place A," and transmits the signal to device controller 13 via Bluetooth in real time.

[0045] Step 2: The controller 13 converts the direction indication signal into a vibration tactile prompt signal and a voice prompt signal to give the user a navigation prompt.

[0046] The controller 13 converts information such as "turn left" and "turn right" into vibratory tactile prompt signals, supplemented by voice prompt information. When the direction indication signal is to turn left, the fifth vibrating element 5 located on the left side of the user's neck vibrates; when the direction indication signal is to the left front, the fourth vibrating element 4 located on the left front of the user's neck vibrates; when the direction indication signal is to go straight, the third vibrating element 3 located directly in front of the user's neck vibrates; when the direction indication signal is to the right front, the tenth vibrating element 10 located on the right front of the user's neck vibrates; when the direction indication signal is to turn right, the ninth vibrating element 9 located on the right side of the user's neck vibrates; when the direction indication signal is to the right rear, the vibrating element 8 located on the right rear of the user's neck vibrates. When the direction indicator is reverse, the vibrating element 7 located directly behind the user's neck vibrates. When the direction indicator is left and rear, the vibrating element 6 located between the back and left sides of the user's neck vibrates. The vibration pattern of the vibrating element during direction indication is regular. Following the vibration, a voice prompt informs the user of the required distance and time, such as "Please go straight. Your current location is 600 meters from your destination. The estimated travel time is 10 minutes."

[0047] When the navigation indicates that the user needs to go up stairs, an escalator, or go uphill, the vibration element 1 located above the back of the user's neck vibrates. When the navigation indicates that the user needs to go down stairs, an escalator, or go downhill, the vibration element 2 located below the back of the user's neck vibrates. After the vibration element vibrates, a voice prompt informs the user of the route type, distance, and time required, such as "There is an overpass ahead. You need to go up stairs. The estimated walking time is 5 minutes."

[0048] During the navigation process, the environmental detector 17 detects the road condition information in real time, and the controller 13 sends a corresponding vibration prompt signal and voice prompt signal based on the road condition information. If the environmental detector 17 detects that there is an obstacle 2m ahead, the vibration element 3 located directly in front of the user vibrates to remind the user that there is an obstacle ahead. After the vibration element 3 vibrates, the vibration element 9 located on the right side of the user vibrates to remind the user that he needs to move to the right. The vibration pattern of the vibration element when avoiding obstacles is a short vibration with a faster rhythm, which is different from the vibration pattern indicating the direction. After the vibration element vibrates, it is supplemented by a voice prompt information to inform the user that he needs to avoid the obstacle, such as "There is an obstacle 2m ahead, please move to the right."

[0049] During walking, the distance is divided into three sections, with vibration prompts at the starting point, one-third of the distance, and two-thirds of the distance. The vibration prompt intensity corresponds to strong, medium, and weak, and the distance is mapped to the vibration intensity to prompt the user the distance from the destination.

Claims

1. A wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device, comprising a prompt module; characterized in that: The device also includes a wearable neckband; the prompt module is mounted on the wearable neckband; the wearable neckband includes a cross-arranged transverse surrounding belt and a vertical extension belt; the vertical extension belt includes an upper vertical extension section and a lower vertical extension section; the inner ends of the upper vertical extension section and the lower vertical extension section are respectively connected to the middle of the two side edges of the transverse surrounding belt; The prompt module includes a vibration element; the transverse surrounding belt is arranged with multiple vibration elements in sequence at intervals; one of the vibration elements on the transverse surrounding belt is located at the connection between the transverse surrounding belt and the vertical extension belt; and one or more vibration elements are each provided on the upper vertical extension section and the lower vertical extension section.

2. A wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the wearable neck collar is worn on the neck of a user, the transverse surrounding belt is wrapped around the neck of the user and fixed together at the front of the neck of the user; the vertically extending belt is vertically attached to the back of the neck of the user.

3. A wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the vibration elements on the transverse surrounding belt is eight; the center distance between two adjacent vibration elements is one eighth of the standard neck circumference.

4. The wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wearable neck collar is further provided with a detection control module; the detection control module includes a controller and a Bluetooth module; the controller wirelessly communicates with an external navigation host computer via the Bluetooth module.

5. The wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The detection control module further includes a microphone; the microphone is arranged on a transverse surrounding belt and matches the position of the user's mouth.

6. The wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Navigation information is provided to the user by adjusting the position, vibration intensity and vibration frequency of the vibration element on the transverse surrounding belt.

7. The wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The detection control module also includes an environmental detector for detecting obstacles ahead; the environmental detector is arranged on a transverse wraparound belt to match the front neck position of the user; the controller adjusts the navigation information provided to the user based on the obstacle information measured by the environmental detector.

8. The wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prompt module further includes a speaker; the speaker is arranged on the transverse surrounding band and matches the position of the user's right ear.

9. The wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the transverse surrounding belt are provided with mutually matching detachable connection structures.

10. A vibration three-dimensional navigation method, characterized in that: Using a wearable vibrating three-dimensional navigation device as claimed in claim 1; The vibration three-dimensional navigation method comprises: The user puts the wearable neck collar on his or her neck; Some of the vibrating elements on the transverse surrounding belt vibrate according to the target forward direction in the navigation information; the orientation of the vibrating elements relative to the user's neck matches the target forward direction; The vibration elements on the upper vertical extension section and the lower vertical extension section vibrate according to the longitudinal road condition information in the navigation information; the longitudinal road condition information includes an increase in the height of the road ahead and a decrease in the height of the road ahead.

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