walking stick

Abstract

A walking stick, comprising a walking stick body, a magnetic element and a locator; wherein the magnetic element and the locator are installed on the walking stick body; the locator is configured to be located through a find my network. In this way, the walking stick can be located through the find my network, the power consumption of the locator is low, and the volume is small; the walking stick is also convenient to be adsorbed on an iron article through the magnetic element, and then is convenient to be placed vertically.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of intelligent medical assistive devices, and in particular to a cane. Background Technology

[0002] Current canes present several problems in practical use. Specifically, on the one hand, canes are not easy to place upright and stably, or they may be accidentally dropped during use, causing them to easily "fall over" to the ground. However, cane users are usually people with mobility impairments (e.g., the elderly, leg patients), so when the cane "falls over," it is difficult for the user to pick it up, and there is a risk of injury during the process.

[0003] On the other hand, current canes do not have a positioning function, or the positioning devices installed on the canes mainly achieve positioning through the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, which has drawbacks such as large size, heavy weight, and high power consumption, making them less user-friendly for users who are not good at using electronic products (such as the elderly).

[0004] Specifically, existing canes that use GPS technology for positioning require the integration of wireless cellular technology for signal transmission. Hardware-wise, they need a wireless communication module with a GPS chip and a SIM card, resulting in a large size and weight. Current canes are primarily powered by rechargeable batteries, and the combination of GPS and wireless cellular technology for positioning and signal transmission requires a large-capacity battery, necessitating frequent charging—typically every 3 to 5 days. Large-capacity batteries are bulky and difficult to fit into confined spaces, especially in a slender structure like a cane. Existing canes also need a charging port for charging. However, elderly people often experience vision problems and shaky hands; the small charging ports on existing canes are inconvenient for them to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One advantage of this application is that it provides a cane that can be located via the find my network.

[0006] Another advantage of this application is that it provides a cane in which the cane is located via a find my network, and the locator has low power consumption and small size.

[0007] Another advantage of this application is that it provides a cane that is easy to place upright.

[0008] To achieve at least one or more of the aforementioned advantages or other advantages and objectives, according to one aspect of this application, a cane is provided, comprising:

[0009] The main body of a walking stick;

[0010] A magnetic element is installed on the cane body; and

[0011] A locator is mounted on the cane body and configured to be located via the find my network.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane body includes an upper mounting carrier and a lower support portion; the upper mounting carrier includes a handle and a connecting portion; the handle is mounted above the connecting portion; the lower support portion is connected below the connecting portion; and the locator is mounted on the connecting portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane body includes an upper mounting carrier and a lower support portion; the upper mounting carrier includes a handle and a connecting portion; the handle is mounted above the connecting portion; the lower support portion is connected below the connecting portion; and the magnetic element is mounted on the connecting portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes a suspension arm; the suspension arm is connected to the cane body and extends outward in the radial direction of the cane body relative to the cane body.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the positioner is mounted on the suspension arm.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the magnetic element is mounted on the suspension arm.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the suspension arm is movably mounted on the cane body to form a clamping space between itself and the cane body during its movement, and the size of the clamping space changes during the movement of the suspension arm; wherein the clamping space has an opening facing downwards.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the suspension arm has an inner side facing the cane body; the inner side has an anti-slip structure.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes a reset element connected between the suspension arm and the cane body, configured to drive the suspension arm to move toward the cane body after the suspension arm moves away from the cane body.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes a buckle element, which is detachably mounted on the cane body, wherein the buckle element has a lanyard hole for attaching a lanyard.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this application, the buckle element has an annular structure, which is sleeved on the cane body and has a notch; wherein at least a portion of the annular structure adjacent to the notch is elastic, so that the size of the notch can be adjusted.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the locator includes a positioning chip, wherein the positioning chip is an ultra-wideband chip; the ultra-wideband chip is compatible with the find my network 2.0 protocol.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the locator is configured to perform hierarchical broadcasting based on the state of the cane; wherein, when the locator determines that the cane is in a first state, the frequency of the broadcast by the locator is a first frequency; when the locator determines that the cane is in a second state, the frequency of the broadcast by the locator is a second frequency; when the locator determines that the cane is in a third state, the frequency of the broadcast positioning signal is a first frequency; when the locator determines that the cane is in a fourth state, the frequency of the broadcast positioning signal is a second frequency; wherein, the second frequency is greater than the first frequency; the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes a suspension arm; the suspension arm is connected to the cane body and extends outward in the radial direction of the cane body relative to the cane body; the cane further includes a sensor fusion unit; the sensor fusion unit is mounted on the cane body and includes a pressure sensor and an attitude sensor; the pressure sensor is indirectly mounted on the cane body by means of mounting it on the suspension arm.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this application, the suspension arm has an inner side facing the cane body; the pressure sensor is adjacent to the inner side of the suspension arm.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes an alarm device; the alarm device is installed on the cane body and is used to emit an alarm signal.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this application, the alarm device includes a buzzer and at least one indicator light.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes an operating element electrically connected to the locator for activating the locator.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this application, the cane body has a battery compartment adapted to hold a disposable battery. Attached Figure Description

[0030] These and / or other aspects and advantages of this application will become clearer and more readily understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of this application taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a state diagram of the cane according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 2 This is another state diagram of the cane according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a partial disassembly diagram of the cane according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a partial disassembly diagram of the cane according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the cane according to the third embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of the cane according to the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of the sensor fusion device for the cane according to the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of the cane according to the fifth embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of the cane according to the sixth embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative work are within the protection scope of this application.

[0041] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "owning," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0042] While terms such as “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” may be used in describing various exemplary features and elements herein, these terms are used for convenience, for example, based on the example orientations shown in the figures and / or orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0043] It should be noted that when one element is fixed to another element, it includes fixing the element directly to the other element, or fixing the element to the other element through at least one intermediate other element. When one element is connected to another element, it includes connecting the element directly to the other element, or connecting the element to the other element through at least one intermediate other element.

[0044] As shown in the attached figures of this application specification. Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this application provides a walking stick suitable for people with mobility impairments, especially the elderly. The walking stick includes a walking stick body 10, a magnetic element 20, and a locator 30. The magnetic element 20 and the locator 30 are mounted on the walking stick body 10.

[0045] The cane can be attached to objects with a metal structure, such as household appliances, cars, outdoor railings, and park benches, via the magnetic element 20. This allows the cane to be placed upright, enabling users to place and retrieve it without bending over or kneeling, thus preventing falls due to instability. Especially for the elderly and other people with mobility impairments, attaching the cane to objects with a metal structure via the magnetic element 20 significantly improves the convenience of placing and retrieving the cane, thereby preventing injuries from bending over or kneeling.

[0046] The cane can be located via the locator 30, allowing the user to share their location with others (e.g., friends, family), thus enabling the user and / or the cane to be located. For example, when an elderly person uses the cane, their children can locate the cane's location via the Find My app on an Apple device (e.g., an iPhone or iPad), and thus locate the elderly person's location. Furthermore, this application primarily uses the Find My network for location tracking, resulting in low power consumption. It can be powered by a disposable battery, i.e., a non-rechargeable battery, which has low battery cost and small size, overcoming the drawback of frequent charging required by traditional GPS positioning devices. In one example of this application, a CR2032 lithium manganese battery can power the cane for more than 300 days, for example, 365 days; in another example, a 120mAh battery can power the cane for 400 to 500 days. Thus, the cane only needs its battery replaced once a year or once and a half to meet its power requirements.

[0047] The Find My app has the following functions: sharing the location of a locator 30-enabled locator with others (e.g., friends, family); displaying locator 30 on a map; making a specific locator play a sound; formatting a specific locator; adding new locator 30-enabled devices, etc. During the information transmission between the locator 30 and Apple devices via the Find My network, Bluetooth is used as the primary transmission technology for interaction with Apple devices.

[0048] The Find My network is formed among Apple devices. Specifically, when a user carries a device equipped with a Find My locator 30 that supports the Find My protocol, the surrounding Apple devices in the environment where the Find My locator 30 is located form a Find My network. Even if the device equipped with the Find My locator 30 cannot be located via GPS, the Apple devices forming the Find My network can provide their own GPS data. The device equipped with the Find My locator 30 is associated with an Apple device through its Apple ID, and the Apple device can upload its location data to Apple's servers. Apple devices in the Find My network with scan broadcast capabilities are called finders. The more finders there are, the more accurate the location of the device equipped with the Find My locator 30. It's important to note that Apple devices with Apple IDs that do not match the Apple ID of the device equipped with the Find My locator 30 can also connect to the locator 30 and have functions such as sending an alert to the Find My locator 30.

[0049] The locator 30 achieves positioning via the Find My network as follows: After the user communicates with the cane equipped with the locator 30 through the Find My app on an Apple device; the Find My app and the cane equipped with the locator 30 negotiate a key pair, where the Find My app stores the private key and public key, and the cane equipped with the locator 30 stores the public key; the cane equipped with the locator 30 acts as a Bluetooth beacon (BLE beacon), continuously broadcasting a changing key derived from the public key; Apple devices around the cane equipped with the locator 30 detect this broadcast and package the key derived from the public key and positioning data, uploading them to the Apple server; the Find My app retrieves the packaged key derived from the public key and positioning data from the Apple server, and then parses the positioning-related data to achieve positioning of the cane equipped with the locator 30. The positioning-related data is encrypted and decrypted end-to-end, and the Apple server cannot know it. The location data is encrypted using a public key by Apple devices surrounding the cane equipped with the locator 30, and then decrypted using a private key by the Find My app. Apple servers are only responsible for storing and transmitting the encrypted location-related data. The private key is only stored on Apple devices equipped with the Find My app. In terms of hardware, Apple devices equipped with the Find My app can ensure the security of location data through an AES-128 encryption chip.

[0050] In general, the owner of the cane equipped with the locator 30 sets the cane equipped with the locator 30 as their owner device through the Find My network. The cane equipped with the locator 30 uploads its approximate location to Apple Server via the Find My network and its location function. The owner of the cane equipped with the locator 30 can see their cane equipped with the locator 30 from anywhere in the world through the Find My app.

[0051] In this embodiment, the cane body 10 includes an upper mounting carrier 11 and a lower support portion 12. The upper mounting carrier 11 is used to mount functional components, including a handle 111 and a connecting portion 112. The handle 111 is mounted above the connecting portion 112; the lower support portion 12 is connected below the connecting portion 112. The connecting portion 112 and the lower support portion 12 form a support body 120, wherein the support body 120 is generally elongated.

[0052] It is worth mentioning that the connecting portion 112 is the part of the support body 120 closest to the handle 111; the connecting portion 112 and / or the handle 111 are mainly used to provide mounting positions for functional components; the lower support portion 12 is mainly used to provide sufficient support for the user. To ensure that the cane has sufficient support, the lower support portion 12 needs to be of sufficient length, and the space occupied by the connecting portion 112 should be minimized. Accordingly, in one example of this application, the length of the connecting portion 112 is less than or equal to one-third of the length of the support body 120.

[0053] In this application, optionally, the length of the lower support portion 12 is fixed or the length of the lower support portion 12 is adjustable. When the length of the lower support portion 12 is adjustable, the length of the support body 120 refers to the longest length of the support body 120.

[0054] The adjustable length of the lower support portion 12 is not limited to this application. In one embodiment of this application, the lower support portion 12 includes an outer support housing 121, at least one inner support body 122, and at least one movable protrusion 123. The outer support housing 121 has a plurality of limiting holes 1211 arranged along the height direction H1 of the outer support housing 121; the inner support body 122 is movably installed inside the outer support housing 121; and the movable protrusion 123 is movably installed on the inner support body 122. When the movable protrusion 123 is in its natural state, i.e., when it is not pressed by an external force, it protrudes from the outer surface of the inner support 122; when the movable protrusion 123 is pressed toward the inner support 122, it retracts toward the inner support 122, thereby reducing the degree to which it protrudes from the outer surface of the inner support 122, or even making its surface flush with the outer surface of the inner support 122, or making its surface concave relative to the outer surface of the inner support 122. When the inner support 122 moves to the point where the movable protrusion 123 corresponds to the limiting hole 1211, the movable protrusion 123 engages with the limiting hole 1211, and the inner support 122 is held in a position on the outer support housing 121; the length of the support body 120 is maintained at a certain length; when the movable protrusion 123 is pressed against the inner support 122 by an external force, the movable protrusion 123 retracts towards the inner support 122 and is released from the limiting hole 1211, thus allowing the inner support 122 to move. The support body 122 is movable relative to the outer support housing 121; when the inner support body 122 moves to the point where the movable protrusion 123 corresponds to another limiting hole 1211, the movable protrusion 123 engages with the other limiting hole 1211, and the inner support body 122 is held in another position on the outer housing; the length of the support body 120 remains at another length value; thus, the length of the support body 120 can be adjusted through the cooperation of the movable protrusion 123 and the limiting hole 1211. It should be understood that the length adjustment of the support body 120 can also be achieved in other ways.

[0055] Theoretically, the magnetic element 20 and the locator 30 can be installed on the handle 111 or on the connecting part 112. However, considering the following factors, this application preferably places the magnetic element 20 and the locator 30 on the connecting part 112: On the one hand, the handle 111 is held by the user when the cane is used and bears a lot of pressure, so its structural integrity should be ensured and space should be avoided from being occupied by other parts as much as possible, and the parts placed on it should also be avoided from being deformed or damaged due to pressure; on the other hand, in order to make the user more comfortable to hold, the surface of the handle 111 is usually designed as a curved surface according to ergonomic design, which may result in unstable fit when it is attached to other metal products; furthermore, the handle 111 is small in size, and the space available for arranging other parts is limited while ensuring its own structural stability.

[0056] It is worth mentioning that, in order to ensure that the cane fits more closely to other metal products when it is attracted to them by the magnetic element 20, this application can design the outer surface of the part where the magnetic element 20 is set to be flat.

[0057] It is also worth mentioning that the magnetic element 20 and / or the positioner 30 can be directly installed on the connecting part 112 or indirectly installed on the connecting part 112.

[0058] Accordingly, in one embodiment of this application, as Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic element 20 and / or the positioner 30 are directly mounted on the connecting portion 112. Preferably, at least a portion of the outer surface of the connecting portion 112 is planar; the magnetic element 20 corresponds in the radial direction R1 of the connecting portion 112 to the portion of the outer surface of the connecting portion 112 that is planar. It should be understood that the outer surface of the portion of the connecting portion 112 where the magnetic element 20 is disposed may also not be planar.

[0059] In another embodiment of this application, the magnetic element 20 and / or the positioner 30 are indirectly mounted on the connecting portion 112. Specifically, as shown... Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cane also includes a suspension arm 40. The suspension arm 40 is connected to the cane body 10 and extends outward in the radial direction R0 relative to the cane body 10. More specifically, the suspension arm 40 is connected to the connecting portion 112. The magnetic element 20 and / or the locator 30 are indirectly mounted to the connecting portion 112 by means of mounting to the suspension arm 40. Preferably, at least a portion of the outer surface of the suspension arm 40 is planar. The magnetic element 20 corresponds in the radial direction R2 of the suspension arm 40 to the planar portion of the outer surface of the suspension arm 40. It should be understood that the outer surface of the portion of the suspension arm 40 where the magnetic element 20 is located may also not be planar.

[0060] It is worth mentioning that the magnetic attraction element 20 can be built into the suspension arm 40 (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown), or built into the connecting part 112, or externally mounted on the suspension arm 40 (as shown). Figure 4 (as shown), or externally placed in the connecting part 112.

[0061] Optionally, the suspension arm 40 is fixedly connected to the cane body 10, or it is movably mounted to the cane body 10. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a clamping space 101 is formed between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10; wherein, the clamping space 101 has an opening 1011, the opening 1011 facing downward, so that the cane can be suspended or clamped to other objects through the suspension arm 40, such as sofas, wheelchairs, handbags, kitchen furniture, bedside tables, desks, dining tables, etc., so that the cane can be placed upright and stably, in a controllable posture, that is, in a posture that is easy to place and pick up.

[0062] When the suspension arm 40 is movably mounted on the cane body 10, the suspension arm 40 forms a clamping space 101 between itself and the cane body 10 during its movement. The angle between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10, and the size of the clamping space 101, change during the movement of the suspension arm 40, allowing the cane to be suspended or clamped onto objects of different sizes. The angle between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10 is greater than or equal to 0 degrees. In one example of this application, the angle between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10 can reach 90 degrees, allowing the cane to be suspended from the edge of a table. The cane can be clamped onto an object approximately 4 millimeters thick, such as the back of a wheelchair. In one example of this application, the angle between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10 can reach 105 degrees. In one example of this application, the angle between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10 can reach 105 degrees + 5 degrees; the diameter of the cane body 10 is 18 mm to 20 mm.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, the suspension arm 40 is rotatably disposed on the connecting portion 112, such that the suspension arm 40 can be folded relative to the cane body 10 to avoid occupying lateral space. The suspension arm 40 can be directly and rotatably connected to the connecting portion 112, or indirectly and rotatably connected to the connecting portion 112.

[0064] Accordingly, in one example of this application, the cane further includes a connecting shaft 50. The suspension arm 40 has at least one first shaft hole 401; the connecting portion 112 has at least one second shaft hole; the connecting shaft 50 passes through the first shaft hole 401 and the second shaft hole, forming a rotation axis L1 located between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10, such that the suspension arm 40 can rotate relative to the cane body 10 about the connecting shaft 50. The extending direction of the rotation axis L1 between the connecting portion 112 and the suspension arm 40 forms an angle with the cane body 10.

[0065] In another example of this application, the cane further includes a snap-fit ​​element 60 and a connecting shaft 50. The snap-fit ​​element 60 is detachably or fixedly mounted to the connecting portion 112. The suspension arm 40 has at least one first shaft hole 401; the snap-fit ​​element 60 has at least one connecting hole 601; the connecting shaft 50 passes through the first shaft hole 401 and the connecting hole 601, forming a rotation axis L1 located between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10, such that the suspension arm 40 can rotate relative to the cane body 10 about the connecting shaft 50.

[0066] The manner in which the snap-fit ​​element 60 is detachably mounted to the connecting portion 112 is not limited to this application. In one embodiment of this application, the snap-fit ​​element 60 includes an annular structure 61. The annular structure 61 is sleeved on the connecting portion 112 and has a notch 611; in other words, the annular structure 61 is a non-closed annular structure. At least a portion of the annular structure 61 adjacent to the notch 611 is elastic, allowing the size of the notch 611 to be adjustable. When the snap-fit ​​element 60 is pulled away from the notch 611, the snap-fit ​​element 60 disengages from the connecting portion 112; the connecting portion 112 disengages from the notch 611; when the snap-fit ​​element 60 is pressed toward the connecting portion 112, the connecting portion 112 engages with the snap-fit ​​element 60 through the notch 611.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this application, as Figure 3 As shown, the buckle element 60 has a lanyard hole 612. The lanyard hole 612 is used to install a lanyard so that the cane can be suspended by the lanyard, for example, by hanging it on a hook, chair post, finger, wrist, etc.

[0068] It is worth mentioning that, thanks to the fact that the buckle element 60 can detach from the cane body 10 when pulled, the cane can prevent the user from being dragged along with a moving object when the hanging rope gets caught on it. Specifically, when users, especially the elderly or other people with mobility impairments, are riding in a car, subway, or elevator, they may have already entered the car, subway, or elevator, but the hanging rope of the cane gets caught on the car, subway, or elevator door. If the user does not react in time after the car, subway, or elevator starts moving and does not release the cane or the hanging rope, the user may be dragged, causing danger. In the embodiments of this application, since the hanging rope is disposed on the buckle element 60, and the buckle element 60 can detach from the cane body 10 when pulled, if the hanging rope is caught on a car door, subway door, or elevator door, or after the car, subway, or elevator starts, when the cane body 10 or the hanging rope is pulled, the buckle element 60 and the hanging rope separate from the cane body 10, thus preventing the user from being dragged by the moving car, subway, or elevator.

[0069] It should be understood that the suspension arm 40 can also be movably mounted on the cane body 10 in other ways.

[0070] It is worth mentioning that, in one embodiment of this application, as Figure 2As shown, the cane is also provided with an anti-slip structure 41 to prevent it from slipping off when hung on other objects. Specifically, the suspension arm 40 has an inner side 401; the inner side 401 faces the cane body 10; the inner side 401 has an anti-slip structure 41 to increase the friction between the inner side 401 and other objects. The specific implementation of the anti-slip structure 41 is not limited to this application. For example, in one example of this application, the anti-slip structure 41 includes an anti-slip silicone layer; as another example of this application, the anti-slip structure 41 includes a gel.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the cane also includes a reset element 70 for automatically resetting the suspension arm 40. Specifically, the reset element 70 is connected between the suspension arm 40 and the cane body 10, and is configured to drive the suspension arm 40 to move towards the cane body 10 after the suspension arm 40 moves away from the cane body 10.

[0072] In one embodiment of this application, the reset element 70 is implemented as a torsion spring and is sleeved on the connecting shaft 50. The torsion spring has a spring stiffness coefficient of 8-12 N / mm and supports more than 100,000 opening and closing cycles.

[0073] It is worth mentioning that, in order to avoid the magnetic attraction element 20 interfering with the locator 30, such as signal transmission interference or positioning interference, in this embodiment of the application, when the magnetic attraction element 20 and the locator 30 are directly disposed on the connecting part 112, the magnetic attraction element 20 and the locator 30 are offset from each other in the height direction H0 of the cane body 10; when the magnetic attraction element 20 and the locator 30 are disposed on the suspension arm 40, the magnetic attraction element 20 and the locator 30 are offset from each other in the height direction H2 of the suspension arm 40.

[0074] In one embodiment of this application, the locator 30 includes a positioning chip 31, which is implemented as an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) chip, such as the U2 UWB chip, compatible with the find mynetwork 2.0 protocol; it supports centimeter-level near-field positioning accuracy and direction guidance; it has a dual-mode communication architecture, for example, using Bluetooth (BLE) 5.3 for multi-channel transmission, which can improve data transmission efficiency and stability. BLE 5.3 uses a relatively secure encryption algorithm to ensure data transmission security; and BLE 5.3 is designed with a broadcast extension function, capable of sending more broadcast information, increasing the probability of the cane being detected; BLE 5.3 has low power consumption, resulting in a longer battery life for the cane. The positioning chip 31 uses anonymous identifier rotation technology to prevent malicious tracking. Anonymous identifier rotation refers to periodically and automatically changing the identifier carried by the broadcast Bluetooth signal to ensure that these identifiers are not associated with a specific device or user for a long time. In one example of this application, the positioning chip 31 changes the identifier every 15 minutes.

[0075] It is worth mentioning that, in this embodiment of the application, the locator 30 is configured to perform hierarchical broadcasting based on the state of the cane. Specifically, when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a first state, the frequency of the broadcast by the locator 30 is a first frequency; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a second state, the frequency of the broadcast by the locator 30 is a second frequency; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a third state, the frequency of the broadcast positioning signal is a first frequency; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a fourth state, the frequency of the broadcast positioning signal is a second frequency; wherein, the second frequency is greater than the first frequency; the second frequency is greater than the first frequency; in other words, when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a first state, the locator 30 broadcasts the positioning signal at a low frequency; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a second state, the locator 30 broadcasts the positioning signal at a high frequency; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a third state, it emits a high-frequency positioning signal; and when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in a fourth state, it emits a low-frequency positioning signal. In one example of this application, the first frequency is 2 times / second; the second frequency is greater than 2 times / second; the first frequency is 0.2Hz; the second frequency is 10Hz; that is, when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in the first state, the locator 30 broadcasts a positioning signal twice per second; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in the second state, the locator 30 broadcasts a positioning signal more than twice per second; when the locator 30 determines that the cane is in the third state, the frequency of each broadcast positioning signal is 0.2Hz, and the frequency of each broadcast positioning signal is 10Hz.

[0076] In one embodiment of this application, the first state is a stationary state; the second state is a moving state; the third state is a normal low-power state; and the fourth state is an abnormal state, such as a falling state.

[0077] Furthermore, to more accurately determine the state of the locator 30, this application uses multimodal sensor fusion to ensure the sensing accuracy of the cane. Accordingly, as... Figure 6 As shown, the cane also includes a sensor fusion unit 80. The sensor fusion unit 80 is mounted on the cane body 10. In one embodiment of this application, the sensor fusion unit 80 is integrated into the positioning chip 31.

[0078] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 7As shown, the sensor fusion unit 80 includes a pressure sensor 81 and an attitude sensor 82. The pressure sensor 81 is indirectly mounted to the cane body 10 by means of mounting it to the suspension arm 40; the attitude sensor 82 is directly mounted to the cane body 10, or indirectly mounted to the cane body 10 by means of mounting it to the suspension arm 40. The attitude sensor 82 includes a three-axis accelerometer and / or a six-axis sensor.

[0079] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 81 is used to detect the pressure value of the pressure on the suspension arm 40 to determine whether the pressure sensor 81 is in a suspended state. The posture sensor 82 is used to detect the acceleration value of the cane to determine whether the cane is in a stationary state or a fallen state.

[0080] When the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 81 is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, the cane is determined to be in a suspended state; when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 81 is less than the preset pressure threshold, the cane is determined to be in a non-suspended state. When the acceleration value detected by the attitude sensor 82 in each direction is less than or equal to a preset acceleration threshold, the cane is determined to be in a stationary state; when the acceleration value detected by the attitude sensor 82 in any direction is greater than the preset acceleration threshold, the cane is determined to be in a moving state.

[0081] The method by which the posture sensor 82 determines whether the cane is in a fallen state is not limited to this application. In one example of this application, when the posture sensor 82 detects that the cane successively undergoes free fall and impact within a continuous preset time period, and the posture changes significantly within the continuous preset time period, it determines that the cane is in a fallen state; otherwise, it is in a non-fallen state.

[0082] Further, the continuous preset time periods sequentially include a first continuous time period, a second continuous time period, and a third continuous time period, wherein the second and third continuous time periods are respectively shorter than the first continuous time period. When the total acceleration value of the cane is lower than a first preset total acceleration threshold (e.g., gravitational acceleration) within the first continuous time period, it is determined that the cane has undergone free fall motion within the first continuous time period; otherwise, it is determined that the cane has not undergone free fall motion within the first continuous time period. When the total acceleration value of the cane exceeds a second preset total acceleration threshold (e.g., 3 times gravitational acceleration) within the second continuous time period, it is determined that the cane has experienced an impact within the second continuous time period; otherwise, it is determined that the cane has not experienced an impact within the second continuous time period. When the change in the cane's posture within the third continuous time period relative to its posture at the initial moment of the first continuous time period exceeds a preset posture change threshold (e.g., 45 degrees), it is determined that the cane's posture has changed significantly within the continuous preset time period; otherwise, it is determined that the cane's posture has not changed significantly within the continuous preset time period.

[0083] Accordingly, when the total acceleration value of the cane is lower than the first preset total acceleration threshold during the first continuous time period, and the total acceleration value of the cane exceeds the second preset total acceleration threshold during the second continuous time period, and the change in the cane's posture during the third continuous time period relative to its posture at the beginning of the first continuous time period exceeds the preset posture change threshold, the cane is determined to have fallen; otherwise, the cane is determined to be in a non-falling state.

[0084] In one embodiment of this application, when the acceleration value detected by the attitude sensor 82 is less than or equal to a preset acceleration threshold, the cane is determined to be in the first state; when the acceleration value detected by the attitude sensor 82 is greater than the preset acceleration threshold, the cane is determined to be in the second state; when the attitude sensor 82 determines that the cane is in a fallen state and the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 81 is less than a preset pressure threshold, the cane is determined to be in the fourth state; when the attitude sensor 82 determines that the cane is not in a fallen state and the acceleration value detected by the attitude sensor 82 is less than or equal to the preset acceleration threshold, the cane is determined to be in the third state. It should be understood that the state of the cane can also be determined by other means.

[0085] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cane also includes a tactile sensor 90. The tactile sensor 90 is disposed on the handle 111 and is used to sense and provide feedback on whether the handle 111 is being touched.

[0086] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cane body 10 has a storage compartment 106. The storage compartment can be used to store medication. The storage compartment 106 can be a vacuum-sealed compartment with a volume of approximately 15 ml, and is located on the suspension arm 40. It should be understood that the suspension arm 40 can be located in other positions.

[0087] In one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes a temperature and humidity sensor 107. The temperature and humidity sensor 107 can be installed inside the storage compartment 106 to detect the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment.

[0088] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cane also includes an alarm device 102. The alarm device 102 is installed on the cane body 10 and is used to emit an alarm signal. The specific implementation and alarm mechanism of the alarm device 102 are not limited to this application.

[0089] In one example of this application, the alarm device 102 includes a buzzer 1021 and at least one indicator light 1022. The indicator light 1022 can be an RGB light or other types of lights. The alarm mechanism is as follows: when the posture sensor 82 detects that the cane is moving freely or that the cane has fallen, the following functions are automatically activated: the locator 30 sends an SOS message with coordinates to a preset emergency contact and triggers the buzzer 1021 to sound an alarm; the indicator light 1022 is triggered to light up according to a preset pattern, for example, flashing at a preset frequency.

[0090] In one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes an electronic fence system for electronic anti-theft alarm.

[0091] In one embodiment of this application, after the locator 30 detects that the cane has left the preset area, it triggers the alarm device 102 to issue an alarm signal.

[0092] In one embodiment of this application, the cane further includes at least one operating element 103. The operating element 103 is used to activate the locator 30, thereby enabling the locator 30 to communicatively connect with an Apple device. The operating element 103 is electrically connected to the locator 30. The specific structure of the operating element 103 is not limited to this application; for example, the operating element 103 may be a button, a touchscreen, a toggle switch, etc.

[0093] The cane also includes a battery compartment 104 and a compartment cover 105. The battery compartment 104 is adapted to hold a disposable battery. The battery compartment 104 is formed in the cane body 10; the compartment cover 105 is detachably mounted to the cane body 10 and located at the battery compartment 104 for battery replacement.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings and described above are merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0095] In summary, the objectives of this invention have been fully and effectively achieved. Embodiments have been shown and described to illustrate the functional and structural principles of this invention, and changes may be made without departing from these principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications contained within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A walking stick, characterized in that, include: The main body of a walking stick; A magnetic element is installed on the cane body; as well as A locator is mounted on the cane body and configured to be located via the find my network.

2. The cane according to claim 1, wherein, The cane body includes an upper mounting carrier and a lower support; the upper mounting carrier includes a handle and a connecting part; the handle is mounted above the connecting part; the lower support is connected below the connecting part; and the locator is mounted on the connecting part.

3. The cane according to claim 1, wherein, The cane body includes an upper mounting carrier and a lower support; the upper mounting carrier includes a handle and a connecting part; the handle is mounted above the connecting part; the lower support is connected below the connecting part; and the magnetic element is mounted on the connecting part.

4. The cane according to claim 1, wherein, The cane also includes a suspension arm; the suspension arm is connected to the cane body and extends outward in the radial direction relative to the cane body.

5. The cane according to claim 4, wherein, The positioner is mounted on the suspension arm.

6. The cane according to claim 4, wherein, The magnetic attraction element is mounted on the suspension arm.

7. The cane according to claim 4, wherein, The suspension arm is movably mounted on the cane body to form a clamping space between itself and the cane body during its movement, and the size of the clamping space changes during the movement of the suspension arm; wherein the clamping space has an opening facing downwards.

8. The cane according to claim 4, wherein, The suspension arm has an inner side facing the cane body; the inner side has an anti-slip structure.

9. The cane according to claim 4, wherein, The cane also includes a reset element connected between the suspension arm and the cane body, configured to drive the suspension arm to move toward the cane body after the suspension arm moves away from the cane body.

10. The cane according to claim 1, wherein, The cane also includes a buckle element that is detachably mounted on the cane body. The buckle element has a lanyard hole for attaching a lanyard.

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