Movement assistance device

Abstract

To provide a movement assistance device that makes it possible to accurately notify a user about a fitting state that is inappropriate.SOLUTION: Provided is a movement assistance device for assisting a user 2 on the basis of imaging results from an imaging device 15 and fitted to either the shoulders or the neck of the user 2, said device including a body unit 10 that is in contact with either the shoulders or the neck of the user 2. The body unit 10 comprises: a plurality of protrusions 20 provided on the contact surface side being in contact with the user 2 by being spaced from each other; a detection unit 25 for detecting whether there is contact with the user 2 or the degree of sensed pressure by contact with the user 2, in the plurality of protrusions 20 or in the vicinity of the plurality of protrusions 20; and a notification unit 35 for issuing a notification based on detection results from the detection unit 25, on condition that the fitting state of the body unit 10 to the user 2 is determined as being deviated from a prescribed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobility support device that supports the walking of visually impaired persons and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a camera is known that acquires the tilt angle of the camera using a tilt detection unit (acceleration sensor) and performs tilt correction (for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, wearable devices using cameras have also become known, and mobility support devices for visually impaired people and the like that use such wearable devices are also known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-99832 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a visually impaired person or the like uses a wearable device as described above, the visually impaired person or the like may not notice that the wearable device is worn incorrectly. In addition, the wearable device described above may shift due to vibrations or the like caused by the user's movement, causing the wearable device to become excessively tilted. In such a case, the camera mounted on the wearable device also becomes significantly tilted, and the image captured by the camera also becomes excessively tilted, which may make it difficult to accurately support the user. Therefore, there is a demand for a wearable device that can accurately notify the user that the device is not worn properly.

[0005] Here, it is conceivable to mount the camera described in Patent Document 1 on a wearable device, but the camera described in Patent Document 1 is designed to correct the tilt of the camera (image capture) to the tilt intended by the photographer so that the subject can be photographed at the tilt intended by the photographer, and is not suitable for use in a wearable device. In this way, the camera described in Patent Document 1 above does not anticipate tilt due to incorrect attachment of the wearable device, and does not issue an alarm or other notification in response to misalignment due to incorrect attachment or vibration of the wearable device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a mobility assistance device that can accurately notify a user that the device is not being worn properly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The mobility support device of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problems is a mobility support device that is worn on at least one of the user's shoulders and neck and supports the user based on the imaging results of an imaging device, and is characterized in that it comprises a main body unit that contacts at least a part of the user's shoulders and neck, and the main body unit is characterized by comprising: a plurality of protrusions on a contact surface side that contacts the user, the protrusions being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the main body unit; a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of contact with the user or the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user at the plurality of protrusions or at a position spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the plurality of protrusions; and an alarm unit that issues an alarm on the condition that it is determined that the wearing state of the main body unit on the user is deviated from a predetermined position based on the detection result by the detection unit.

[0008] The above-mentioned mobility support device has a main body that contacts at least a part of the user's shoulders and neck, and a plurality of protrusions are provided at a distance from one another on the contact surface side of the main body that contacts the user. Therefore, when the above-mentioned mobility support device is worn, the plurality of protrusions can function as positioning for the user. In addition, the above-mentioned mobility support device is provided with a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of contact with the user or the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user at or near the plurality of protrusions, so that the detection unit can detect whether or not the main body (mobility support device) is displaced from a predetermined position. Therefore, the above-mentioned mobility support device can be notified by the notification unit on the condition that it is determined that the main body is displaced from a predetermined position based on the detection result of the detection unit. This allows a user such as a visually impaired person to recognize whether or not the mobility support device is worn appropriately, and therefore it is possible to prevent the mobility support device from being used in an incorrectly worn state.

[0009] (2) The above-mentioned mobility support device of the present invention may be characterized in that the notification unit issues a notification by vibration or sound, or both.

[0010] By configuring the above-described mobility assistance device in this way, a visually impaired person or the like can easily recognize that the mobility assistance device is not being worn properly.

[0011] (3) In the mobility support device of the present invention described above, the main body portion is formed in an arc shape, and the circumferential inner surface that extends in the circumferential direction and forms the inner circumferential side is capable of contacting the rear region of the user's neck, and at least one of the protrusions is provided in the central portion of the circumferential inner surface of the main body portion, and the other pair of the protrusions are arranged on both circumferential sides of the main body portion via the central portion so as to sandwich the rear region of the neck.

[0012] In the above-mentioned mobility support device, the protrusion provided at the center of the circumferential inner surface of the main body and the protrusions arranged on both sides of the main body in the circumferential direction come into contact with the rear side area of ​​the user's neck, allowing the user to recognize whether the mobility support device is properly attached. Therefore, the user can recognize the misalignment of the mobility support device by touch other than vision, so that a visually impaired person or the like can properly correct the misalignment of the mobility support device. In addition, the pair of protrusions arranged on both sides of the circumferential direction of the main body via the center can also function to position the mobility support device with respect to the user's neck.

[0013] (4) In the mobility support device of the present invention described above, the main body portion is formed in an arc shape, and the circumferential inner surface that extends in the circumferential direction and forms the inner circumferential side is capable of contacting the rear region of the user's neck, and the pair of protrusions are arranged symmetrically on both circumferential sides of the main body portion through a central portion of the circumferential inner surface of the main body portion so as to sandwich the rear region of the neck.

[0014] With the above-mentioned configuration, the pair of protrusions contact the rear region of the user's neck, allowing the user to recognize whether the mobility support device is properly attached. In addition, the above-mentioned mobility support device has a pair of protrusions arranged on both sides of the rear region of the user's neck, so that the mobility support device can be positioned relative to the user's neck. Therefore, the user can recognize the misalignment of the mobility support device by the sense of touch other than vision, so that a visually impaired person or the like can appropriately correct the misalignment of the mobility support device. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a mobility assistance device that can accurately notify a user that the device is not properly worn. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a movement support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram of a travel assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1A is an explanatory diagram of a mobility support device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a properly worn state around the neck, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a mobility support device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a tilted state (incorrect state). [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a movement support device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1A is an explanatory diagram of a mobility support device according to a modified example of the present invention in a properly worn state around the neck, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a mobility support device according to a modified example of the present invention in a tilted state (incorrect state). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, a travel support device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is a schematic representation for easy understanding, and may differ from the actual shape, size, and arrangement of components. In addition, in this embodiment, a case where the travel support device 1 is configured as a wearable terminal will be described as an example. Note that in Figs. 3 and 5, only the contour line L seen from above the neck of the user 2 is drawn as a two-dot chain line.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a mobility support device 1 of the present invention is for supporting the mobility of, for example, a visually impaired user 2 (see Fig. 3). The mobility support device 1 is configured as a wearable terminal (hereinafter, the mobility support device 1 is also referred to as a terminal 1). As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal 1 has a main body 10 forming the housing of the terminal 1, and the main body 10 is provided with an imaging unit 15, a protrusion 20, a detection unit 25, a control unit 30, and a notification unit 35. The main body 10 is also provided with an operation unit 40, a battery 11, and the like in addition to the above.

[0019] The terminal 1 (main body 10) is worn on at least one of both shoulders and the neck by the user 2. In this embodiment, the terminal 1 is configured as a neck-hanging wearable device.

[0020] The imaging unit 15 (also referred to as the imaging device 15) and the battery 11 are housed inside the main body 10 constituting the terminal 1 (see FIG. 1). The terminal 1 should be stably wearable by the user 2 without causing any burden. In the example shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), the terminal 1 is a wearable terminal that can be worn around the neck and on both shoulders. The imaging unit 15 is incorporated in the terminal 1 so that the area in front of the user 2 can be photographed in the use state. The terminal 1 includes the battery 11, and the imaging unit 15, the control unit 30, the notification unit 35, and other units constituting the mobility support device 1 can be operated by the power supplied from the battery 11. Various types of batteries such as lithium ion batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries can be used for the battery 11.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the main body 10 is formed as an arc-shaped (inverted U-shaped) housing and can be hung around the neck of the user 2. When hung around the neck, the main body 10 comes into contact with at least a part of either one of the shoulders and the neck of the user 2. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the inner circumferential side of the arc of the main body 10 comes into contact with a rear region of the neck of the user 2. That is, the inner circumferential side of the arc of the main body 10 forms a contact surface that comes into contact with the neck of the user 2.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 15 is, for example, composed of a camera, and can capture an image of the area in front of the user 2. The imaging unit 15 can also capture an image of the area in front of the user 2 to obtain an image 16 (see FIG. 2). The imaging unit 15 is provided, for example, on one side of the front end of the terminal 1 (on the lower right end side of the main body 10 in this embodiment). The image 16 captured by the imaging unit 15 is image-processed by a control unit 30, which will be described later, and movement support is performed based on the image-processed image capture result. Note that the image processing can also be performed in the imaging unit 15. The imaging unit 15 may be provided in multiple units, not just one, and can be arranged at various positions where the imaging unit 15 can capture an image of the front side.

[0023] The protrusions 20 are provided at intervals on the contact surface side of the main body 10 that comes into contact with the user 2 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, three protrusions 20 are provided at predetermined intervals on the circumferential inner surface (also referred to as the contact surface) of the arc-shaped portion of the main body 10. The protrusions 20 are preferably formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and configured to provide an appropriate sense of moderation (tactile sensation) when in contact with the user 2. In this embodiment, the protrusions 20 are each formed in a hemispherical shape, for example. In the following description of the three protrusions 20, 20, 20, the protrusion 20 provided at the center 10M of the main body 10 may be referred to as the protrusion 20M, and the left and right protrusions 20, 20 may be referred to as the protrusion 20L and the protrusion 20R, respectively.

[0024] The protrusion 20M is disposed in the center 10M of the contact surface of the main body 10. The protrusion 20M is disposed so as to come into contact with approximately the center of the rear region of the neck of the user 2 when the user 2 wears the main body 10 (mobility support device 1, terminal 1). Therefore, when the main body 10 is worn appropriately, the user 2 feels a sense of moderation (tactile sensation) in the center of the rear region of the neck. Therefore, the protrusion 20M plays a role in positioning the main body 10 at the center (predetermined position) of the rear region of the neck of the user 2.

[0025] The pair of protrusions 20L, 20R are arranged on both sides of the main body 10 in the circumferential direction via the central portion 10M on the contact surface of the main body 10 so as to sandwich the rear region of the neck of the user 2. Therefore, when the main body 10 is properly worn, the user 2 feels a sense of moderation (tactile sensation) on both the left and right sides sandwiching the rear region of the neck. Therefore, the protrusions 20L, 20R play a role in positioning the main body 10 at a predetermined position on the neck of the user 2. Note that the protrusions 20L, 20R may, for example, restrain (limit) the movement of the neck of the user 2 in the circumferential direction.

[0026] The detection unit 25 can detect the presence or absence of contact with the user 2. In this embodiment, a pressure sensor is used as the detection unit 25. Therefore, the detection unit 25 can detect the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user 2. The detection unit 25 is also arranged on the protrusions 20M, 20L, and 20R or in the vicinity thereof. In this embodiment, the detection unit 25 is arranged in a region that contacts the rear region of the neck of the user 2 between the protrusions 20L and 20R. The detection unit 25 is arranged to extend in the circumferential direction in the region that contacts the rear region of the neck of the user 2. Note that the protrusion 20 may also function as the detection unit 25.

[0027] The control unit 30 is composed of a computer or the like, and can execute calculation processing related to the movement support of the user 2, image processing of the image 16 acquired from the imaging unit 15, and the like. The control unit 30 is housed inside the main body unit 10. The control unit 30 can determine whether or not the attachment state of the main body unit 10 to the user 2 is displaced from a predetermined position based on the detection result by the detection unit 25. Here, the detection result by the detection unit 25 is based on the positional displacement of the main body unit 10 from a predetermined position in either one or both of the left-right direction and the up-down direction, which is detected based on the presence or absence of contact with the user 2 or the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user 2.

[0028] The notification unit 35 can notify by either or both of vibration and speaker. In this embodiment, the notification unit 35 is configured as a vibration generator and a speaker (including earphones). The notification unit 35 issues a notification on the condition that it is determined that the wearing state of the main body unit 10 on the user 2 is shifted from a predetermined position based on the detection result by the detection unit 25. Here, the notification by the notification unit 35 can be, for example, a warning (e.g., issuance of an alarm) by sound that the terminal 1 is shifted in position, and also a vibration. Note that the notification by sound and vibration may be done by either or both, as appropriate.

[0029] The operation unit 40 is provided as a switch for turning the terminal 1 on and off, a switch for setting the operation of the notification unit 35, and the like. In this embodiment, the operation unit 40 is arranged so as to be asymmetric with respect to at least one of the front and back (up and down) and left and right of the main body unit 10. In this embodiment, the operation unit 40 is arranged on the right side (left side in the figure) on the front side of the main body unit 10. The operation unit 40 has, for example, unevenness, which the user 2 can recognize by touch. Therefore, since the user 2 can recognize the front and back (up and down) when wearing the terminal 1, it is possible to prevent the user 2 from wearing it with the wrong front and back. That is, in this embodiment, the operation unit 40 serves to operate the terminal 1 and to serve as a marker when wearing it. Note that, if the operation unit 40 cannot be arranged so as to be asymmetric with respect to at least one of the front and back and left and right, it is preferable to separately provide an identification unit that the user 2 can identify, such as unevenness.

[0030] The above is the configuration of the travel support device 1 (terminal 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation of the travel support device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3(a) and 3(b).

[0031] FIG. 3(a) is a plan view showing a state in which the terminal 1 (main body 10) is appropriately worn on the neck of the user 2 (also referred to as an appropriate wearing state). The two-dot chain line in the figure indicates the contour line L of the neck of the user 2. The rear region of the neck of the user 2 is located behind the contour line L (upper side in the figure). When the terminal 1 is in the appropriate wearing state, the rear region of the neck of the user 2 is positioned so as to face the detection unit 25. Therefore, in the appropriate wearing state, the rear region of the neck of the user 2 is in contact with the detection unit 25 approximately evenly on the left and right. The center of the rear region of the neck of the user 2 is in contact with the protrusion 20M of the center portion 10M.

[0032] FIG. 3(b) is a plan view showing a state in which the terminal 1 is displaced (tilted downward to the left) due to vibration, incorrect wearing, or the like. When the terminal 1 is tilted downward to the left, the detection by the detection unit 25 is not performed evenly on the left and right, and the degree of pressure sensitivity is detected to be high only on the left side. Therefore, the control unit 30 determines that the terminal 1 is displaced, and issues a notification by vibration or sound. In addition, the user 2 can perceive that the terminal 1 is tilted to the left by the touch on the neck, since the contact (degree of contact) of the protrusion 20L becomes stronger and the contact of the protrusions 20M and 20R becomes weaker.

[0033] Here, although not shown in the figure, when the terminal 1 is misaligned in a state of being tilted downward to the right, the detection unit 25 detects a state in which the degree of pressure sensitivity is high only toward the right side. Similarly, the control unit 30 determines that the terminal 1 is misaligned, and issues a notification by vibration or sound. In addition, the user 2 can recognize that the terminal 1 is tilted to the right by the sense of touch on the neck, since the contact (degree of contact) of the protrusion 20R becomes stronger and the contact of the protrusions 20M and 20L becomes weaker. In this embodiment, the same notification is issued without distinction between the case in which the terminal 1 is tilted downward to the left and the case in which the terminal 1 is tilted downward to the right, but different notifications may be issued for each case. Specifically, the speaker of the notification unit 35 may issue a sound such as "The terminal is tilted to the left" or "The terminal is tilted to the right." In addition, the vibration generating device of the notification unit 35 may generate vibrations on the side on which the terminal 1 is tilted, for example.

[0034] What has been described above is one embodiment of the mobility support device 1 of the present invention. Next, the effects achieved by the mobility support device 1 of the present invention will be described below.

[0035] The above-mentioned mobility support device 1 has the following characteristic configurations (A) to (G). Therefore, the mobility support device 1 can achieve the following unique effects that cannot be achieved by the conventional techniques.

[0036] (A) The mobility support device 1 of this embodiment is a mobility support device 1 that is worn on at least one of the shoulders and neck of a user 2 and supports the user 2 based on the imaging results of an imaging device 15, and is characterized in that it has a main body unit 10 that contacts at least a part of the shoulders and neck of the user 2, and the main body unit 10 has a plurality of protrusions 20 spaced apart from each other on the contact surface side that contacts the user 2, a detection unit 25 that detects the presence or absence of contact with the user 2 or the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user 2 at the plurality of protrusions 20 or in the vicinity of the plurality of protrusions 20, and a notification unit 35 that issues a notification on the condition that it is determined that the wearing state of the main body unit 10 on the user 2 is deviated from a predetermined position based on the detection result by the detection unit 25.

[0037] In the above-mentioned mobility support device 1, the main body 10 is in contact with at least a part of the shoulders and neck of the user 2, and a plurality of protrusions 20 are provided at a distance from each other on the contact surface side of the main body 10 with the user 2. Therefore, when the above-mentioned mobility support device 1 is worn, the plurality of protrusions 20 can function as positioning for the user 2. In addition, the above-mentioned mobility support device 1 is provided with a detection unit 25 that detects the presence or absence of contact with the user 2 or the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user 2 at the plurality of protrusions 20 or in the vicinity of the plurality of protrusions 20 (at a position spaced from the protrusions 20 in the circumferential direction of the main body 10), so that the detection unit 25 can detect whether or not the main body 10 (mobility support device 1) is displaced from a predetermined position. Therefore, the above-mentioned mobility support device 1 can be notified by the notification unit 35 on the condition that it is determined that the main body 10 is displaced from a predetermined position based on the detection result of the detection unit 25. This allows the user 2, such as a visually impaired person, to recognize whether or not the mobility support device 1 is being worn appropriately, thereby preventing the mobility support device 1 from being used in an incorrectly worn state.

[0038] (B) The movement support device 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the notification unit 35 issues a notification by vibration or sound, or both.

[0039] By configuring the above-described mobility support device 1 in this way, a visually impaired person or the like can easily recognize that the mobility support device 1 is not being worn properly.

[0040] (C) In the mobility support device 1 of this embodiment, the main body unit 10 is formed in an arc shape, and the circumferential inner surface that extends circumferentially and forms the inner circumferential portion is capable of contacting the rear region of the neck of the user 2, and at least one of the protrusions 20 is provided in a central portion 10M of the circumferential inner surface of the main body unit 10, and the other pair of protrusions 20, 20 are arranged on both circumferential sides of the main body unit 10 via the central portion 10M so as to sandwich the rear region of the neck.

[0041] In the above-described mobility support device 1, the protrusion 20M provided at the central portion 10M of the circumferential inner surface of the main body 10 and the protrusions 20L, 20R arranged on both sides in the circumferential direction of the main body 10 come into contact with the rear side region of the neck of the user 2, so that the user 2 can recognize whether the mobility support device 1 is properly worn or not. Therefore, the user 2 can recognize the misalignment of the mobility support device 1 by the sense of touch other than vision, so that a visually impaired person or the like can appropriately correct the misalignment of the mobility support device 1. It is preferable that the pair of protrusions 20L, 20R arranged on both sides in the circumferential direction of the main body 10 via the central portion 10M can also function to position the mobility support device 1 with respect to the neck of the user 2.

[0042] (D) The mobility support device 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the multiple protrusions 20 are arranged to contact predetermined positions on both shoulders or the neck of the user 2 when the main body unit 10 is properly worn by the user 2.

[0043] By configuring the above-described mobility support device 1 in this manner, the user 2 can recognize by touch whether the mobility support device 1 is correctly worn by the user 2. Therefore, a visually impaired person or the like can quickly recognize if the mobility support device 1 is not properly worn.

[0044] (E) The mobility support device 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the detection unit 25 is arranged in either or both of the area that contacts the rear region of the neck of the user 2 and the multiple protrusions 20.

[0045] With this configuration, the above-described mobility support device 1 can detect whether or not the neck of the user 2 has come into contact with a predetermined position of the main body 10. This allows the above-described mobility support device 1 to accurately recognize the wearing state.

[0046] (F) In the mobility support device 1 of this embodiment, the detection result by the detection unit 25 is characterized in that it is based on a positional deviation from a predetermined position in either or both of the left-right and up-down directions of the main body unit 10, which is detected based on the presence or absence of contact with the user 2 or the degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user 2.

[0047] By configuring the above-mentioned mobility support device 1 in this way, the detection unit 25 can detect the direction of the positional deviation from the correct position of the mobility support device 1. This is expected to have the effect of allowing the above-mentioned mobility support device 1 to accurately convey the direction of the deviation. Specifically, the notification unit 35 can be used to notify the direction of the deviation of the mobility support device 1 or to provide guidance on the direction to correct the deviation.

[0048] (G) In the mobility support device 1 of this embodiment, the main body unit 10 is characterized in that at least one of the operation unit 40 and the recognition unit is arranged so that at least one of the front and back and left and right are asymmetric.

[0049] By configuring the above-described mobility support device 1 in this way, the user 2 can recognize whether the main body unit 10 is attached upside down or not. Here, the operation unit 40 is exemplified by, for example, switches for starting the mobility support device 1. Moreover, the identification unit is exemplified by various marks such as projections and recesses that can be recognized by the user 2 by touch.

[0050] The above are the action and effect of the mobility support device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. However, the mobility support device 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can also be configured as in the following modified examples.

[0051] In the movement support device 1 according to the modified example, the protrusion 20M at the center 10M of the main body 10 in the above-described embodiment is eliminated, and the distance between the left and right protrusions 20L, 20R is slightly narrowed. The rest of the configuration is the same as in the above-described embodiment, so a description of the configuration of the same parts is omitted. Also, please note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the above-described embodiment.

[0052] (H) In the mobility support device 1 of this modified example, the main body unit 10 is formed in an arc shape, and the circumferential inner surface that extends circumferentially and forms the inner circumferential portion is capable of contacting the rear region of the neck of the user 2, and a pair of protrusions 20, 20 are arranged symmetrically on both circumferential sides of the main body unit 10 through a central portion 10M of the circumferential inner surface of the main body unit 10 so as to sandwich the rear region of the neck.

[0053] With the above-described mobility support device 1 configured as described above, the pair of protrusions 20 come into contact with the rear region of the neck of the user 2, allowing the user 2 to recognize whether the mobility support device 1 is being worn properly. In addition, the above-described mobility support device 1 is arranged on both sides of the rear region of the neck of the user 2 so as to sandwich the rear region of the neck, so that the mobility support device 1 can be positioned with respect to the neck of the user 2. Therefore, the user 2 can recognize the misalignment of the mobility support device 1 by the sense of touch other than vision, and thus a visually impaired person or the like can appropriately correct the misalignment of the mobility support device 1.

[0054] The above is the configuration and effects of the mobility support device 1 according to the embodiments and modifications of the present invention. However, the mobility support device 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] In this embodiment, the mobility support device 1 (terminal 1) is worn around the neck of the user 2, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various positions of the user 2, such as worn around both shoulders of the user 2. For example, the mobility support device 1 may be worn on the head, face, or torso of the user 2. In addition, the imaging unit 15 can be various cameras and image sensors capable of acquiring the image 16. In addition, the imaging unit 15 can be set in various directions such as forward, lateral, or backward of the user 2 depending on the characteristics and usage of the mobility support device 1. In addition, the shape and size of the main body 10 are not limited to those of this embodiment, and can be formed into various shapes and sizes.

[0056] In addition, the protrusion 20 can be formed of various materials capable of providing an appropriate tactile sensation to the neck of the user 2, etc., in addition to an elastic material. For example, the protrusion 20 may be formed of a cushion material such as fiber or resin. In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 20 is formed in a hemispherical shape, but the shape and size of the protrusion 20 can be formed in various shapes and sizes according to the shape and size of the target user 2 and the main body 10. In addition, when a plurality of protrusions 20 are provided, the shapes and sizes of the protrusions may be the same, or they may be a combination of protrusions of different shapes and sizes. In addition, in this embodiment, three protrusions 20 are provided, and in the modified example, two protrusions 20 are provided, but the movement support device 1 of the present invention is not limited to these, and various numbers of protrusions 20 can be arranged at various positions.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the detection unit 25 is integrally formed so as to extend along the circumferential inner surface of the main body 10, but is not limited thereto, and the detection unit 25 can be formed in various shapes and sizes. For example, the detection unit 25 may not be integral, but may be divided into a plurality of parts. The position at which the detection unit 25 is disposed may be various positions capable of detecting the contact state of the user 2 with a predetermined position of the main body 10. For example, in order to detect misalignment when the terminal 1 is first worn, the detection unit 25 may be disposed on the outer circumferential side of the main body 10.

[0058] In this embodiment, the notification unit 35 is a vibration generator and a speaker (including earphones) that notifies by vibration and sound, but various types of notification units can be used as long as they can be recognized by the user 2, who is the target of the movement support. The notification unit 35 may not only notify by vibration and sound at the same time, but may also notify by only one of them. The notification unit 35 may not only notify when the movement support device 1 is not properly worn, but may also notify that the movement support device 1 is properly worn, for example. It is preferable that the notification unit 35 not only notify when the movement support device 1 is worn, but also notify when the movement support device 1 is supported by the movement support device 1. In this embodiment, the movement support device 1 is exemplified as being intended for the visually impaired, but the movement support device 1 of the present invention can be intended for various people, not just the visually impaired. For example, the movement support device 1 can be used for movement support for the elderly, etc.

[0059] The above are various embodiments and variations of the mobility support device according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, and it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that other embodiments are possible based on the teachings and spirit of the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] The present invention can be suitably used in all types of mobility assistance devices that assist users in moving. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1: Mobility support device (terminal) 2: User 10: Main body 10M: Central part 15: Imaging section (imaging device) 20:Protrusion 25: Detection unit 30: Control section 35: Information Department 40:Operation unit

Claims

1. A mobility support device that is worn on at least one of both shoulders and the neck of a user and supports the user based on an imaging result of an imaging device, A main body portion is provided that comes into contact with at least a part of the user's shoulders and / or neck, The main body portion is A plurality of protrusions are provided on a contact surface side that contacts a user, the protrusions being spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the main body; A detection unit that detects the presence or absence of contact with the user or a degree of pressure sensitivity due to contact with the user at the plurality of protrusions or at a position spaced apart from the plurality of protrusions in the circumferential direction; a notification unit that issues a notification when it is determined that a wearing state of the main body unit with respect to the user is shifted from a predetermined position based on a detection result by the detection unit; and A mobility support device comprising:

2. 2. The movement support device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a notification by vibration or sound, or both.

3. The main body portion is formed in an arc shape, and a circumferentially inner surface that extends in the circumferential direction and forms an inner circumferential side is capable of contacting a rear side region of the user's neck, At least one of the protrusions is provided at a central portion of a circumferentially inner surface of the main body, The mobility support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that another pair of the protrusions are arranged on both circumferential sides of the main body portion via the central portion, sandwiching the rear region of the neck.

4. The main body portion is formed in an arc shape, and a circumferentially inner surface that extends in the circumferential direction and forms an inner circumferential side is capable of contacting a rear side region of the user's neck, The mobility support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pair of the protrusions are arranged symmetrically on both circumferential sides of the main body portion through a center portion of the circumferential inner surface of the main body portion, sandwiching the rear region of the neck.

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