Guide tool for visually impaired person

Abstract

To provide a guide tool for a visually impaired person which is easily sensed by a weak-sighted person even under a dark environment.SOLUTION: A guide tool for a visually impaired person is provided with a guide part for guiding a visually impaired person and a retroreflection part arranged on the surface of the guide part. Preferably, the guide part includes a braille block, the retro-reflection part is disposed between protrusions of the braille block, the guide part includes a guide sheet and the retro-reflection part is disposed on the guide sheet. More preferably, a protective film is formed on the surface of the retroreflective part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a guiding device for visually impaired persons, for example, installed on a road to guide visually impaired persons such as persons with low vision.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when a white cane touches a line on a road, a system has been proposed in which the white cane emits vibration or sound and can guide the user along the line (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, visually impaired persons include persons with low vision. Depending on the person with low vision, in a bright environment, when approaching a guiding block or line, the reflected light from the block or line can be sensed. However, in a dark environment, for example, at night, it is difficult to sense the reflected light from the block or line.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a guiding device for visually impaired persons that is easy for persons with low vision to sense even in a dark environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A guiding device for visually impaired persons according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a guiding portion for guiding visually impaired persons and a retroreflective portion disposed on a surface of the guiding portion.

[0007] In the present disclosure, by providing a retroreflective portion on the guide portion, when the user illuminates the guide portion with a light, the reflected light from the retroreflective portion is directed toward the user.

[0008] The guiding device for visually impaired persons according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the guide portion includes a Braille block, and the retroreflective portion is disposed between the protrusions of the Braille block.

[0009] In the present disclosure, by disposing a retroreflective portion between the protrusions, the guiding block for visually impaired persons is more easily detectable.

[0010] The guiding device for visually impaired persons according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the guide portion includes a guiding sheet, and the retroreflective portion is disposed on the guiding sheet.

[0011] In the present disclosure, by providing a retroreflective portion, the guiding sheet is more easily detectable.

[0012] The guiding device for visually impaired persons according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a protective film is formed on the surface of the retroreflective portion.

[0013] In the present disclosure, the weather resistance of the retroreflective portion is improved by the protective film.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] In the guiding device for visually impaired persons according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a retroreflective portion on the guide portion, when the user illuminates the guide portion with a light, the reflected light from the retroreflective portion is directed toward the user. Therefore, the guide portion can be more easily detected even in a dark environment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the drawings showing the guiding device for visually impaired persons according to the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons. In the following description, the up-down, front-back, left-right directions shown in the drawings are used. Note that the directions shown in the drawings are only for facilitating the understanding of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0017] The first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons includes a guiding portion 2 having a square shape in plan view. The guiding portion 2 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. One surface of the guiding portion 2 faces upward, and the guiding portion 2 is arranged such that two opposite sides on the one surface extend in the left-right direction and the other two sides extend in the front-back direction. The guiding portion 2 is colored with a high-brightness color, for example, high-brightness yellow. The guiding portion 2 is, for example, an induction Braille block installed on a sidewalk and guiding a user in the extending direction of the sidewalk. Examples of the guiding portion 2 include "Segrid S type" manufactured by Osaki Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0018] On one side of the guide part 2, that is, on the upper surface, a plurality of protrusions 3 are formed. The protrusions 3 extend in the left - right direction. The plurality of protrusions 3 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the front - rear direction. A retro - reflective part 4 is provided between each adjacent pair of protrusions 3. Also, a retro - reflective part 4 is provided between the protrusion 3 and the front edge part of the upper surface, and between the protrusion 3 and the rear edge part of the upper surface. The retro - reflective part 4 is strip - shaped and extends in the left - right direction. The retro - reflective part 4 is colored with a high - brightness color, for example, high - brightness yellow. As the retro - reflective part 4, for example, the "retro - reflective tape" manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation using a retro - reflective material can be mentioned.

[0019] A protective film is formed on the retro - reflective part 4 to improve weather resistance and durability. The protective film is transparent. Since the guide tool for visually impaired people is mainly outdoors and may be stepped on by people or bicycles etc., the retro - reflective part 4 requires high weather resistance and durability.

[0020] The protective film is formed as follows, for example. The retro - reflective part 4 cut to a predetermined size is placed on an OPP sheet, and an epoxy resin (Crystal Resin, two - component mixing type manufactured by Nisshin Resin Co., Ltd.) is applied to the surface of the retro - reflective part 4 and cured to form a protective film. After curing, the retro - reflective part 4 is turned over, and epoxy resin is also applied to the back surface to form a protective film on the entire retro - reflective part 4.

[0021] The retro - reflective sheet protected by the protective film is attached to the guide part 2 by an appropriate means such as an adhesive or double - sided tape, and the guide tool for visually impaired people is manufactured. After attaching the retro - reflective part 4 to the upper surface of the guide part 2, epoxy resin may be applied to form an epoxy resin protective film on the surface of the retro - reflective part 4.

[0022] The purpose of the protective film is to impart durability and weather resistance to the retro - reflective part 4, and the coating material is not limited to epoxy resin, and other resins that can impart durability and weather resistance may also be used. Considering the durability and weather resistance of the resin to be used, and also considering workability etc., the coating material can be appropriately selected.

[0023] The protective film may be formed as follows. Sandwich the retroreflective portion 4 with a laminate film, pass it through a laminator, and heat-weld it. The welded laminate film constitutes the protective film. The retroreflective portion 4 with the protective film welded thereto is cut to an appropriate size. By attaching the cut retroreflective portion 4 to the guide portion 2 by an appropriate means such as an adhesive or double-sided tape, a guide tool for visually impaired persons is manufactured.

[0024] The purpose of the protective film is to impart durability and weather resistance to the retroreflective portion 4. Examples of the material of the laminate film include a plurality of materials such as PET or polyester. However, an appropriate material may be selected in consideration of the durability and weather resistance of the material to be used and in accordance with the installation environment of the guide tool for visually impaired persons.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second guide tool for visually impaired persons. Since the guide portion 11 of the second guide tool for visually impaired persons has the same configuration as the guide portion 2 of the first guide tool for visually impaired persons 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. A plurality of protrusions 12 are formed on the upper surface of the guide portion 11. The protrusions 12 have a flat columnar shape. The plurality of protrusions 12 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The guide portion 11 is, for example, a warning braille block installed on a sidewalk to notify a user of the presence of a location to be noted, for example, the presence of an intersection. Examples of the guide portion 11 include "Segridar T type" manufactured by Osaki Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0026] A retroreflective portion 13 is provided between the protrusions 12 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. The retroreflective portion 13 has a strip shape and extends in the left-right direction. Note that the retroreflective portion 13 may be provided between the protrusions 12 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. The retroreflective portion 13 has the same configuration as the retroreflective portion 4 of the first guide tool for visually impaired persons 1. A protective film similar to that of the first guide tool for visually impaired persons 1 is formed on the retroreflective portion 13.

[0027] In the first and second guide tools for visually impaired persons, the retroreflective portions 4 and 13 may be provided on the side surfaces of the protrusions 3 and 12. By providing them on the side surfaces of the protrusions 3 and 12, they can be more easily recognized from a farther distance.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the third guiding device 20 for visually impaired persons. The guiding portion 21 of the third guiding device 20 for visually impaired persons is in the shape of a sheet. The guiding portion 21 is arranged so that one surface faces upward. No protrusion is provided on one surface, i.e., the upper surface of the guiding portion 21, and the upper surface is substantially flat. The guiding portion 21 is installed, for example, on a sidewalk or a roadside strip, and extends in the same direction as the direction in which the sidewalk or the roadside strip extends. A strip-shaped retroreflective portion 22 is provided on the upper surface. The guiding portion 21 and the retroreflective portion 22 extend in the same direction. The retroreflective portion 22 has the same configuration as the retroreflective portion 4 of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons. A protective film similar to that of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons is formed on the retroreflective portion 22.

[0029] In addition, in the first to third guiding devices 1, 10, and 20 for visually impaired persons, the shapes of the retroreflective portions 4, 13, and 22 are not limited to strip shapes, and may be circular, or a plurality of small pieces of the retroreflective portions 4, 13, and 22 may be arranged in a dashed line shape or a dotted line shape. Some visually impaired persons can recognize the difference in the shape of the light from the retroreflective portions 4, 13, and 22, and can distinguish whether the guiding device for visually impaired persons indicates guidance or a warning based on the difference in the shape of the light.

[0030] Next, the luminance measurement results of the guiding device for visually impaired persons will be described. Here, the luminance measurement results of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons (see FIG. 1) will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the luminance measurement position. In FIG. 4, the description of the retroreflective portion 4 is omitted. A in FIG. 4 indicates the outside of the guiding device for visually impaired persons and shows the area adjacent to the guiding device for visually impaired persons. Hereinafter, the area adjacent to the guiding device for visually impaired persons will also be simply referred to as area A. B in FIG. 4 indicates the central area on the upper surface of the guiding device for visually impaired persons. Hereinafter, the central area on the upper surface of the guiding device for visually impaired persons will also be simply referred to as area B.

[0031] The luminance measurement was conducted as follows. An LED light and a luminance meter were installed at a point a predetermined distance away from the guiding device for visually impaired persons. Light was irradiated from the LED light toward regions A and B, and the luminance in regions A and B was measured by the luminance meter. The luminance meter was installed at a height of 1.5 m from the floor (ground). The LED light is the "SPARKLED Waterproof LED Light" manufactured by Ohm Co., Ltd. (model number: LHA-SP331-K2, product number: 08-1031), which is a cylindrical light using one white LED. The luminous flux of the LED light is approximately 550 [lm], and the irradiation distance is approximately 213 m. The irradiation distance is a theoretical value that can illuminate with a brightness of 0.25 lux or more of moonlight at full moon in HIGH mode. The luminance meter is the "Luminance Meter LS-100" manufactured by Minolta. The measurement was conducted indoors, and the air temperature (room temperature) was 25°C, and the brightness of the floor was 400 [lux].

[0032] Figure 5 is a table showing the first measurement results. The "Distance" column in Figure 5 indicates the distance between the first guiding device for visually impaired persons 1 and the luminance meter. The "A" column in the "Luminance" column indicates the luminance [Cd / m 2 in region A. The luminance in column A is the luminance when no light including the LED light is used.

[0033] The "B1" column is the luminance in region B. The luminance in column B1 is the luminance when the first guiding device for visually impaired persons 1 does not have the retroreflective portion 4 and no light including the LED light is used.

[0034] The "B2" column is the luminance in region B, which is the luminance when the first guiding device for visually impaired persons 1 has the retroreflective portion 4 and the LED light is used.

[0035] In the "B1 / A" column of the "Luminance Ratio" column, it indicates the ratio of the luminance of B1 to the luminance of area A. The "B2 / A" column indicates the ratio of the luminance of B2 to the luminance of area A. The "B2 / B1" column indicates the ratio of the luminance of B2 to the luminance of B1. Note that since the measured value of luminance is affected by factors such as weather, the environment of the measurement location, and the performance of the light, by adopting the luminance ratio as the evaluation criterion, these influences can be suppressed.

[0036] The values of the "B1 / A" column in the cases of distances 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 2.2, 2.2, and 1.7 respectively. Generally, the guiding devices for visually impaired persons are manufactured such that the ratio to the luminance of the road or floor is about twice. That is, in the first measurement, the luminance of the guiding device for visually impaired persons without the retroreflective part 4 is a standard value.

[0037] The values of the "B2 / A" column in the cases of distances 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 15.6, 33.3, and 36.7 respectively, and the values of the "B2 / B1" column are 7.1, 15.2, and 22.0 respectively. That is, the luminance of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons equipped with the retroreflective part 4 is amplified by about 7 to 22 times compared to the standard value when using an LED light.

[0038] In the above-mentioned first measurement result and the following second to sixth measurement results, the guiding part 2 is the "Segrida S type" manufactured by Oosaki Kogyo Co., Ltd., and the retroreflective part 4 is a retroreflective tape (width 4.5 cm, yellow) manufactured by Nitto Denko Materials Co., Ltd. The retroreflective tape was cut into 23.5 cm, the backing paper was peeled off, and as shown in Fig. 1, it was pasted between the protrusions 3 for use.

[0039] Figure 6 is a table showing the second measurement result. The second measurement was conducted indoors, with the air temperature (room temperature) at 25°C and the floor brightness at 150 [lux]. In Figure 6, for the same markings as in Figure 5, since the explanations are the same as above, they will be omitted. The "B3" column in Figure 6 shows the brightness when the headlight is used. The headlight is the "LED Headlight C-028 with Zoom Function" manufactured by Fujikura Co., Ltd. and is used in a state fixed to the helmet. The luminous flux of the headlight is 250 [lm] in the HIGH mode and 120 [lm] in the LOW mode. The maximum irradiation distance is approximately 300 m.

[0040] The "B3 / A" column shows the ratio of the brightness of B3 to the brightness of A region. The "B3 / B1" column shows the ratio of the brightness of B3 to the brightness of B1.

[0041] The values in the "B1 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 2.2, 2.3, and 2.7 respectively. That is, in the second measurement, the brightness of the guiding device for visually impaired persons without the retroreflective part 4 is a standard value.

[0042] The values in the "B2 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 30.0, 46.7, and 97.1 respectively, and the values in the "B2 / B1" column are 13.6, 20.0, and 35.8 respectively. That is, the brightness of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons equipped with the retroreflective part 4 is amplified by approximately 13 to 35 times compared to the standard value when using the LED light.

[0043] The values in the "B3 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 120.0, 211.1, and 428.6 respectively, and the values in the "B3 / B1" column are 54.5, 90.5, and 157.9 respectively. That is, the brightness of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons equipped with the retroreflective part 4 is amplified by approximately 54 to 157 times compared to the standard value when using the headlight.

[0044] Figure 7 is a table showing the third measurement result. The third measurement was conducted outdoors. The weather was sunny, the temperature was 35°C, and the floor brightness was 45 k[lux]. In Figure 7, for the same markings as in Figure 5, since the explanations are the same as above, they are omitted.

[0045] The values in the "B1 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 0.6, 0.6, and 0.6 respectively. The values in the "B2 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 0.7, 0.8, and 1.4 respectively, and the values in the "B2 / B1" column are 1.1, 1.3, and 2.2 respectively. In the case of sunny outdoors, the degree of increase in luminance by the retroreflective portion 4 is limited. It is considered that the influence of sunlight is dominant compared to the influence of the retroreflective portion 4 and the LED light.

[0046] Figure 8 is a table showing the fourth measurement result. The fourth measurement was conducted outdoors. The weather was cloudy, the temperature was 30°C, and the floor brightness was 600 [lux]. In Figure 8, for the same markings as in Figure 5, since the explanations are the same as above, they are omitted.

[0047] The values in the "B1 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 5.4, 5.8, and 6.0 respectively. That is, in the fourth measurement, the luminance of the guiding device for visually impaired persons without the retroreflective portion 4 is about 2 to 3 times the standard value. The values in the "B2 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 11.6, 16.7, and 23.8 respectively, and the values in the "B2 / B1" column are 2.1, 2.9, and 4.0 respectively. That is, the luminance of the first guiding device 1 for visually impaired persons equipped with the retroreflective portion 4 is amplified by about 4 to 12 times compared to the standard value when using the LED light.

[0048] Figure 9 is a table showing the fifth measurement result. The fifth measurement was conducted outdoors. The weather was rainy, the temperature was 28°C, and the floor brightness was 3800 [lux]. In Figure 9, for the same markings as in Figures 5 and 6, since the explanations are the same as above, they are omitted.

[0049] The values in the "B1 / A" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 5.2, 5.4, and 5.1 respectively. That is, in the fifth measurement, the luminance of the guide device for visually impaired persons without the retroreflective portion 4 is approximately 2.5 times the standard value.

[0050] The values in the "B2 / B1" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 1.7, 1.8, and 2.4 respectively. That is, the luminance of the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons equipped with the retroreflective portion 4 is amplified approximately 5 times compared to the standard value when using an LED light.

[0051] The values in the "B3 / B1" column for distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m are 2.5, 3.6, and 5.3 respectively. That is, the luminance of the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons equipped with the retroreflective portion 4 is amplified approximately 6 to 13 times compared to the standard value when using a headlight.

[0052] Figure 10 is a table showing the results of the sixth measurement. The sixth measurement was conducted outdoors at night. The weather was cloudy, the temperature was 30°C, and the floor brightness was 1 [lux] or less. The result of measuring the floor brightness with a luminance meter was 1 [lux], but since the minimum displayable value of the luminance meter is 1 [lux], it is possible that the actual brightness is less than 1 [lux]. Therefore, the floor brightness was set to 1 [lux] or less.

[0053] In Figure 10, the luminance ratio is not described. This is because in the measurement outdoors at night, the luminance in region A and the luminance of B1 are extremely low values, that is, approximately 0, so for example, the values of B2 / A and B2 / B1 become extremely large values and do not become significant values.

[0054] As shown in column B1 of FIG. 10, the luminance of the guide device 1 for visually impaired persons without the retroreflective portion 4 is 0.008 in all cases of distances of 3 m, 2 m, and 1 m. As shown in column B2, the luminance of the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons with the retroreflective portion 4 is 750, 800, and 950, respectively. That is, the luminance of the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons with the retroreflective portion 4 becomes extremely large compared to the luminance of the guide device for visually impaired persons without the retroreflective portion 4 when using a headlight.

[0055] FIG. 11 is a table showing the relationship between the position of the LED light and the luminance. The upper table in FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the vertical position of the LED light based on the position in the middle of both eyes and the luminance. In the column of "vertical position" in the upper table of FIG. 11, plus (+) indicates a position away from the position in the middle of both eyes upward, and minus (-) indicates a position away from the position in the middle of both eyes downward. The column of "luminance" indicates the luminance measured when the LED light is arranged at the corresponding vertical position. As described above, the luminance measuring device was installed at a height of 1.5 m from the floor (ground).

[0056] The luminances corresponding to the vertical positions of +2 cm, +5 cm, +10 cm, -20 cm, and -30 cm are 1400, 900, 500, 200, and 150 [Cd / m 2 , respectively. The vertical position of +5 cm corresponds to the position of the forehead, +10 cm corresponds to the position of the top of the head, -20 cm corresponds to the position of the neck, and -30 cm corresponds to the position of the chest. In the vertical direction, the luminance decreases as the separation distance from the position of the eyes increases.

[0057] The lower table in FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the horizontal position of the LED light based on the center position of the right eye and the luminance. In the column of "horizontal position" in the lower table of FIG. 11, plus (+) indicates a position away from the center position of the right eye to the right, and the column of "luminance" indicates the luminance measured when the LED light is arranged at the corresponding horizontal position.

[0058] The luminances corresponding to the left - right positions of +2 cm, +5 cm, and +10 cm are 1100, 800, and 500 [Cd / m 2 respectively. In the left - right direction, as the separation distance from the position of the right eye increases, the luminance decreases. Note that the left - right position of +5 cm corresponds to the position of the right ear, and the left - right position of +10 cm corresponds to a position on the right side of the right ear. That is, in the vertical and left - right directions, by arranging the LED lights near the eyes, the maximization of the luminance due to the reflected light from the retro - reflective part 4 can be achieved.

[0059] In the measurement results shown in Fig. 11, the guide part 2 is the "Segurida S type" manufactured by Oosaki Kogyo Co., Ltd., and the retro - reflective part 4 is a retro - reflective tape (width 3.5 cm, yellow) manufactured by Nitto Denko Materials Co., Ltd. The retro - reflective tape was cut into 23.5 cm, the backing paper was peeled off, and it was pasted onto a laminate film (material: PET, thickness 100 μm) and laminated at a predetermined temperature to manufacture a laminate film. The laminate film includes the retro - reflective tape. The laminate film was cut into a width of 4.5 cm and a length of 24.5 cm, and as shown in Fig. 1, it was pasted between the protrusions 3 with a silylated urethane resin - based adhesive and used.

[0060] Fig. 12 is a table showing the results of an evaluation test for evaluating whether the subject can visually confirm the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons. The evaluation test was conducted indoors. In the evaluation test, the subject stood at a position 3 m away from the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons. Near the subject, a luminance measuring device was installed at a height of 1.5 m from the floor.

[0061] As shown in the "Subjects" column of Fig. 12, there are 7 subjects from A to G. Subjects A to E are visually impaired, and subjects F and G have normal vision. Conditions 1 to 4 are described in the "Visual Conditions" column of Fig. 12. Condition 1, i.e., "Illumination on / Light off", indicates that the indoor illumination is on and the subject is not wearing a light. Condition 2, i.e., "Illumination off / Light off", indicates that the indoor illumination is off and the subject is not wearing a light. Condition 3, i.e., "Illumination off / Headlight", indicates that the indoor illumination is off and the subject is wearing a headlight. Condition 4, i.e., "Illumination on / Headlight", indicates that the indoor illumination is on and the subject is wearing a headlight.

[0062] The column of "Floor Illuminance [lux]" in Fig. 12 shows the floor illuminance of the indoor under Conditions 1 to 4. The floor illuminances under Conditions 1 to 4 are 400, 100, 100, and 400 [lux], respectively. The column of "Subject Luminance [Cd / m 2 " shows the luminance measured by a luminance meter under Conditions 1 to 4. The luminances of the subjects under Conditions 1 to 4 are 50, 6, 850, and 400 [Cd / m 2 , respectively. Under Conditions 1 to 4, when the subject could visually confirm the first guide device for visually impaired persons 1, the subject marked ○, and when the subject could not visually confirm it, the subject marked ×.

[0063] In the case of Condition 1, among the 5 visually impaired subjects A to E, 4 subjects A to D could visually confirm the first guide device for visually impaired persons 1 only by the brightness of the indoor illumination. In the case of Condition 2, all of the visually impaired subjects A to E could not visually confirm the first guide device for visually impaired persons 1. In Condition 2, the subjects F and G with normal vision could visually confirm the first guide device for visually impaired persons 1. That is, even when the illumination was off, the indoor was dark enough for subjects with normal vision to visually recognize the first guide device for visually impaired persons 1.

[0064] In the case of Condition 3, the indoor lighting was turned off, but with the headlight, the reflected light from the retroreflective part 4 reached the eyes of the subjects, and all of the visually impaired subjects A to E were able to visually confirm the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons. At this time, when the headlight was moved away from the position of the eyes, the reflected light from the retroreflective part 4 no longer reached the eyes of the subjects, and all of the visually impaired subjects A to E were unable to visually confirm the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons.

[0065] In the case of Condition 4, all of the visually impaired subjects A to E were able to visually confirm the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons. Although the brightness was ensured by the indoor lighting, the visually impaired eyes were able to sense the reflected light from the retroreflective part 4 by the headlight, and the recognition degree of the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons was increased. That is, the brightness of the reflected light from the retroreflective part 4 was higher than that of the indoor lighting, and the visually impaired persons were able to easily recognize the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons not only at night but also during the day.

[0066] The sighted subjects F and G were able to visually confirm the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons in any of Conditions 1 to 4.

[0067] With the indoor lighting turned off and the headlight turned on, when the first guide device 1 for visually impaired persons and the third guide device 20 for visually impaired persons (induction line with retroreflective function) were walked by the visually impaired subjects A to E, all of the subjects A to E were able to walk while tracking the retroreflective light. Among them, there were also subjects who could walk without making mistakes without a white cane. Opinions were also given by the sighted people that it was easier to see with the headlight on and that it was useful for finding an evacuation route during a disaster power outage.

[0068] In the guide device for visually impaired persons according to the embodiment, by providing the retroreflective part 4 in the guiding parts 2, 11, 21, when the user illuminates the guiding parts 2, 11, 21 with a light, the reflected light from the retroreflective part 4 is directed toward the user. Therefore, it becomes easier to sense the guiding parts 2, 11, 21 even in a dark environment.

[0069] Moreover, by disposing the retroreflective portions 4 and 13 between the protrusions 3 and 12, the block for guiding visually impaired persons can be more easily detected. Also, by providing the retroreflective portions 4, 13, and 22, the guiding sheet can be more easily detected. Further, the weather resistance of the retroreflective portions 4, 13, and 22 is improved by the protective film.

[0070] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the claims. The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Also, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in all possible combinations regardless of the citation form. Furthermore, although the claims use a form (multi-claim form) of describing claims that cite two or more other claims, it is not limited to this. It may be described using a form of describing a multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) that cites at least one multi-claim.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 1 First guiding tool for visually impaired persons 2 Guiding portion (Braille block) 3 Protrusion 4 Retroreflective portion 10 Second guiding tool for visually impaired persons 11 Guiding portion (Braille block) 12 Protrusion 13 Retroreflective portion 20 Third guiding tool for visually impaired persons 21 Guiding portion 22 Retroreflective portion

Claims

1. A guide for visually impaired people; A retroreflective portion disposed on a surface of the guide portion; A guide device for visually impaired people.

2. The guide unit includes a braille block, The retroreflective portion is disposed between the protrusions of the braille block.

2. A guide for visually impaired people according to claim 1.

3. The guide portion includes a guide sheet, The retroreflective portion is disposed on the guide sheet.

2. A guide for visually impaired people according to claim 1.

4. A protective film is formed on the surface of the retroreflective portion.

4. A guide for visually impaired people according to claim 1.

Images