Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities

The glasses address the limitations of existing assistive devices by using temple-mounted sensors for obstacle detection and haptic feedback, ensuring comfort, safety, and adaptability while maintaining ambient sound awareness.

WO2026027941A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-02-05LIGHTHOUSE TECH SAGL
View PDF 8 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2025/000343
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-02
Filing Date
2025-07-30
Publication Date
2026-02-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing assistive devices for individuals with significant visual disabilities are bulky, aesthetically unappealing, and fail to effectively detect and alert users to obstacles above waist level, often requiring audio feedback that interferes with ambient sounds and lacks adaptability to facial shapes.

Method used

A pair of glasses with temples containing sensors and haptic actuators that detect obstacles using radio waves, providing tactile feedback via synchronized temple vibrations without audio interference, allowing interchangeable frames and low energy consumption.

Benefits of technology

The glasses provide optimal comfort, safety, and freedom of movement by detecting obstacles above waist level with synchronized haptic alerts, maintaining ambient sound awareness and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IB2025000343_05022026_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure IB2025000343_05022026_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A pair of glasses for people with significant visual disabilities is described which features each temple (5) equipped with all the electronic components necessary for the intended features, while the frame front (20) has none of these electronic components and can be separated from the temples and replaced with a different one according to the user's needs. Each temple (5) has tips (50) which can be adjusted so as to adapt the glasses to the size and dimensions of a user's face, and a haptic terminal (7) that comprises a haptic actuator (70) which is located in the internal rear part at the tips (50) so that the user receives a haptic warning that alerts them to the presence of an obstacle and so that the said haptic actuator is in direct contact with the user's head to precisely transmit the haptic vibration without disturbing the ambient sounds heard. Furthermore, each temple (5), at the front thereof, is equipped with at least one TOF distance sensor (6) and comprises a movement element (11) consisting of an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which are designed to detect, respectively, the person's displacement and rotational movements to manage sensor operation and battery usage. Each temple (5) comprises a multifunction button (8) that is designed to receive adjustment commands (which can be inputted via one of the temples and automatically apply to both of the said temples) and to activate or deactivate the glasses, a battery (9) for operation - which is recharged via a magnetic connector (90) - and a Bluetooth device (12) to connect the temples wirelessly for stand-alone operation even in areas where there is no Wi-Fi coverage.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] GLASSES FOR PEOPLE WITH SIGNIFICANT VISUAL DISABILITIES.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a pair of glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities which are particularly suitable for detecting and signalling the presence of obstacles these people may encounter from the waist up while moving both inside buildings and outside.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] At present, people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities have to use a white cane or a guide dog when travelling, however, they are without any protection or safeguards for their upper body since the white cane (and sometimes the dog) does not signal the presence of open windows, overhanging branches, and other obstacles located at a height that is dangerous for the person's torso and head.

[0007] As is well known, there are glasses available to these people which are equipped with special lenses that magnify images, thereby facilitating reading and other activities relating to near-field vision. These glasses feature lenses with high magnification power mounted on standard or special frames and feature a narrow field of vision and require reading material to be held very close to the eyes, resulting in eye strain with prolonged use. Furthermore, these glasses do not enable the user to see objects at any distance other than reading distance.

[0008] Nowadays, there are electronic glasses available to people with significant visual disabilities, which are equipped with integrated cameras and displays that magnify and enhance the image in real time. These glasses feature small cameras mounted on the glasses with miniature displays near the eyes and chips for processing the image. The glasses described so far are used to read text and see images containing text, but they cannot be used to detect obstacles while moving. Furthermore, they can help people with low vision but not people who are blind. Furthermore, they are quite bulky and heavy to wear.

[0009] In particular, there are several devices designed to help people with visual disabilities detect and avoid obstacles while walking. These devices use various technologies to provide tactile, auditory, or visual feedback.

[0010] A first device is the smart version of the white cane which is equipped with sensors that detect obstacles and provide feedback in the form of vibrations or sounds. To alert the user to obstacles, the handle vibrates or emits sounds. The said device is easy to use and is familiar to those who already use a conventional white cane but it is quite heavy and causes significant arm fatigue, making it inconvenient.

[0011] The said canes are unable to detect obstacles at a certain height but which are nevertheless dangerous for people using the cane.

[0012] Furthermore, there are wearable devices, such as bracelets or belts, that detect obstacles and provide tactile or auditory feedback. These devices emit vibrations or sounds to alert the user to obstacles. Devices of this kind do not always detect all obstacles and require charging and initial learning in order to use them correctly.

[0013] In addition to the devices described so far, there are mobile apps that use the telephone camera and artificial intelligence to detect obstacles and provide auditory feedback in the form of an audio description of the obstacle and the surrounding environment. This technology requires a compatible telephone and is not always reliable in certain lighting conditions.

[0014] At present, there are also what are known as "smart glasses", which are equipped with cameras and sensors that detect obstacles and provide auditory or vibratory feedback. The cameras detect the surrounding environment and provide feedback via earpieces or vibrations on the temples of the glasses. These glasses mean the wearer's hands are free and can offer other features such as text and person recognition. They are expensive, require charging, and can be bulky.

[0015] Additionally, there are glasses that feature an ultrasonic sensor on the frame front thereof. In greater detail, these glasses have part of the electronics built into the frame front thereof and connected to the temples via wires, with the result that in the event of breakage or problems, the entire pair of glasses must be replaced, resulting in a consequential cost impact. Furthermore, these glasses have proven to be sensitive to water and wind, and the sensor, which is located in the centre of the frame front, significantly limits the possibility of having glasses that can be configured for different face shapes, thereby reducing adaptability and also, consequently, creating design constraints. Furthermore, in the event of problems, the entire pair of glasses must be replaced, resulting in increased costs for the person with visual disabilities.

[0016] In this regard, the applicant is aware of patent WO 2019 / 231216 Al, which illustrates a vision assistance device that includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image by capturing the view observed in front of a user, a sensor unit configured to acquire detection information concerning objects located in front of the user, a control unit configured to analyse the image acquired by the image acquisition unit and generate a notification signal for the view in front of the user based on analysis of the image and detection information acquired by the sensor unit, and an output unit configured to transmit with the auditory notification signal generated by the control unit to the user. The glasses configuration described uses multiple sensors and requires analysis of the acquired images to notify the user in the form of a sound, which is inconvenient for blind people as the said sound interferes with their ability to hear ambient noises and sounds, which they use for orientation. Furthermore, a signal may not always reach a person in time for them to avoid hitting an obstacle, in addition to the fact that if the obstacle is not directly in front of them, it may not be detected, or may be detected incorrectly.

[0017] The applicant is furthermore aware of patent TW201316980A, which describes a guidance system for people with low vision. The said system consists of a sensor and a buzzer that locate an obstacle and produce a sound to warn the person in time for them to avoid collisions and possible injuries. The sensor is integrated into a normal pair of glasses with an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver and a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) as the processing unit. This system alerts people who have low vision before they encounter the obstacle by means of two audio signals, one at a distance of two metres and one at one metre. These glasses have the same drawbacks described above, in terms of both adaptability to the user facial shape and also the design limitations and the aesthetic component of the glasses. Furthermore, there is no replacement option for parts of the glasses, and also in this case, the obstacle warning is auditory.

[0018] Furthermore, patent CN 107132667 illustrates glasses equipped with cameras and microprocessors located on the frame front thereof, and the obstacle warning is sent audibly through earphones that limit the user's ability to hear ambient noise.

[0019] As is well known, people with significant visual disabilities are reluctant to wear devices such as glasses, canes, bracelets, and anything else that highlights and signals their difficulties to others, and therefore often find it hard to tolerate these particularly invasive and aesthetically unacceptable aids.

[0020] In addition to the explanations so far. the need for devices with particular kinds of enhanced performance has led to research into the development of increasingly high- performance procedures and construction methods designed to meet very specific requirements concerning versatility, comfort, functionality, and the aesthetic aspect. Specifically, with this in mind, the aim is to reduce the size of the eyewear frame, bringing with this a significant improvement in the aesthetic aspect, the possibility of having multiple sizes to accommodate different facial features, and greater design options for the frame. Furthermore, the aim is also to provide functional performance that allows for improved wearability, helping users to calmly, confidently, and safely navigate their surroundings, both indoor and outdoors, by alerting them to potential obstacles.

[0021] As mentioned earlier, one need which is felt considerably by people with significant visual disabilities is the need for glasses that function optimally without being invasive or aesthetically displeasing, which are characteristics that guarantee a high level of comfort by ensuring the user maximum freedom of movement without disturbing the input from the surrounding environment.

[0022] Disclosure of Invention

[0023] The object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems of the prior art by overcoming the aforesaid difficulties by providing glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities which offer the user optimal comfort, improved wearability, and an attractive appearance, allowing freedom of movement, safety, and no feelings of restriction or constraint.

[0024] A second object of the present invention is to create glasses for people who are blind or have low7vision or significant visual disabilities which offer optimal ergonomics when worn, offer an attractive appearance, allowing the frame front to be replaced to adapt to the occasion and allowing the detection of obstacles located above one metre in height within an area that is broader than the front of the person's body.

[0025] A third object of the present invention is to create glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities that are capable of alerting the user to the position of an obstacle, i.e. whether it is on the right or left, with the parts working in synchrony and without any signals overlapping.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to produce a pair of glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities that provide optimal performance in all environmental conditions, including sun, rain, darkness, etc., with low energy consumption.

[0027] A further but not final object of the present invention is to produce a pair of glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities that are easy to manufacture and work well.

[0028] These objects and others besides, which will better emerge over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of a pair of glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities, as outlined in the claims below.

[0029] Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] Further characteristics and advantages will better emerge in the detailed description of a pair of glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities, according to the present invention, provided in the form of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 shows, schematically, a perspective view of a pair of glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to the present invention:

[0032] Figure 2 shows, schematically, a partial section view of a component of the pair of glasses in question;

[0033] Figure 3 shows, schematically, a perspective view of a variant of the pair of glasses according to the present invention:

[0034] Figure 4 shows, schematically, a perspective view of the a pair of glasses shown in Figure 3 in the operating condition. With reference to the figures, 1 denotes, as a whole, a pair of glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities according to the present invention.

[0035] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] The pair of glasses 1 in question is essentially constituted of a frame 2 envisaged to hold corrective, sun protection, or neutral lenses 3. The frame 2 is generally formed of a frame front composed of a pair of rims 20 which are mutually connected by means of a bridge 21 and a pair of temples 5, each one of which is connected to the respective rim by means of a connecting element consisting, for example, of a hinge 4.

[0037] According to the present embodiment, the glasses feature each temple 5 equipped with all the electronic components necessary for the intended functions, while the frame front 20 is devoid of electronic components, unlike current glasses, which have sensors, cameras, and so on located directly in the frame front. In practice, the frame front is a normal frame front and can be separated from the temples and replaced with another frame front with lenses other than corrective lenses, i.e. sun protection or neutral lenses, with a more sporty or stylish aesthetic depending on the needs, and does not interfere with the electronic components or with the features required by people with significant visual disabilities. The frame front, therefore, is made of metal, plastic, or any other material which is appropriate for a frame front.

[0038] As mentioned earlier, each temple contains all the electronic components, and the temples are connected wirelessly via a Bluetooth device 12, unlike existing devices, which have connections between the two temples that run through the frame front.

[0039] In particular, each temple 5 features tips 50 which can be adjusted so as to adapt the glasses to the measurements and dimensions of the user's face and offer an optimal fit.

[0040] In greater detail, the front of each temple 5 features, as shown in Figure 1, at least one distance sensor 6 and, in the present embodiment, the said sensor is a TOF sensor. For the sensors 6. preferable sensors are radar sensors, which use radio waves to detect the presence, distance, speed, and other characteristics of objects within the sensor's detection range and which work by emitting radio waves and analysing the waves reflected by the objects encountered.

[0041] A sensor of this type includes a transmitter that generates radio waves at a specific frequency and uses: an amplifier to increase the power of the signal emitted, an aerial that serves to both transmit the radio waves and receive reflected waves and can be a single aerial or an array of aerials: a receiver that collects radio waves reflected by objects and converts the received waves into electrical signals for processing; and a signal processor that analyses the received signals to establish information such as the distance, speed, and direction of objects and uses signal processing techniques to interpret the data. Finally, there is a control unit designed to coordinate the operation of the transmitter, the aerial, and the receiver, and the said control unit is a microcontroller. The explanation so far describes the sensor's general structure and standard operation but the said sensor can be appropriately calibrated and adjusted to meet the required performance based on the user's individual needs.

[0042] In greater detail, when the sensor on one of the two temples detects an obstacle (on the right or left or in the centre) that could potentially collide with the user's upper body, the said sensor sends a haptic signal to a haptic terminal 7. which comprises a haptic actuator 70 located on the internal rear portion of each temple, as shown in Figure 2. at the tips 50. so that the user receives a haptic warning that alerts them to the presence of an obstacle on the right or left or in the centre.

[0043] Each haptic actuator 70 is envisaged to come into direct contact with the user's head, so as to ensure the haptic vibration is transmitted with precision and. at the same time, does not disturb hearing and allows the user to hear ambient sounds, which are crucial for orientation and independence. In practice, a haptic signal is a form of tactile communication that uses the sense of touch to transmit information and is used to provide feedback to the user through vibrations, pressure, or movements. It is not a sound and therefore does not disturb the user. The haptic signal is governed by a controller located in the temple 5, which manages the haptic actuators and determines the intensity, frequency, and duration of the vibrations. In practice, the haptic controller sends a signal to the actuator 7, causing the latter to vibrate, therefore the user feels the vibration and understands, through the terminals 70, that they are approaching an obstacle. In more detail, the signal transmitted through the temple will indicate whether the obstacle is on the right or the left because the corresponding terminal will vibrate, while both will vibrate if the obstacle is in the centre.

[0044] In addition to the explanation so far. the sensors 6 on the temples 5 work in mutual synchrony and the signal will be transmitted to the right or the left temple, or to both temples, depending on the position of the obstacle. In particular, the sensor emits waves in a cone-shaped direction to detect obstacles outside the user's path, thereby preventing collisions which could occur if the user is not walking in a straight line.

[0045] Furthermore, each temple 5 comprises a multifunction button 8 which is designed to receive commands to make adjustments using one of the temples and having effect on both automatically.

[0046] In particular, the glasses operate in stand-alone mode, even in areas without Wi-Fi coverage, unlike the many devices currently in use that require a mobile phone or external Wi-Fi coverage.

[0047] According to the present embodiment, the adjustment controls can be used to manage and adjust the working distance of the sensors, in order to optimise operation thereof indoors or outdoors. Furthermore, the vibration intensity and frequency can be adjusted using the button 8 so as to have a signal that is easily identifiable by the person and to be able to acquire various kinds of information in a simple and rapid manner, such as the distance of the obstacle and the location thereof on the person's path, by making the temple on the side where the obstacle is detected vibrate.

[0048] Furthermore, the glasses include a movement element 11 consisting of an accelerometer designed to read and detect movements and a gyroscope that detects the user's rotational movements, as will be explained in more detail later on.

[0049] Another feature envisaged on each temple is the ability to give commands by means of a "tap" device, by tapping (i.e. a pressing lightly and quickly) the temple one or more times depending on the command. This activates the accelerometer and it is possible to give instructions to the glasses in order to have responses.

[0050] For the sake of clarity, for example, two taps can adjust the obstacle detection distance for outdoor uses, while three taps does the same for indoor use.

[0051] A further example: one tap can temporarily suspend glasses operation with a subsequent tap resuming operation. The glasses allow for various instructions to be given using either the button or the tap mode.

[0052] One variant involves applying light pressure to the outside of the temple, with the result that gently swiping a finger along the temple can be a way of giving the same instructions as those given via a button or by tapping the temples. Furthermore, the button 8 can be used to activate or deactivate the device.

[0053] According to the present embodiment, the glasses comprise a battery 9 for the operation thereof, which is located inside each temple and is recharged by means of a magnetic connector 90 located on the underside of each temple, as shown in Figure 2.

[0054] In greater detail, the charge level of the battery 9 can be monitored and controlled by a buzzer 10. which sounds every time the glasses are turned on or upon command, using the button 8. The glasses according to the present invention are capable of cutting off sensor operation when the glasses are stationary or when the temples are closed, to prevent unnecessary battery usage.

[0055] For example, if the person puts down or simply turns the glasses upside down, the gyroscope sends a signal that pauses sensor operation, while if the person stops, the accelerometer pauses the sensor. In practice, the system cuts off sensor operation by means of the accelerometer so as to save the battery charge. Furthermore, the accelerometer is responsible for cutting off the sensor operation if the user is stationary, so as not to signal an obstacle - such as a person conversing with the user of the glasses - as a danger and not to disturb the user with unnecessary obstacle warnings when they are already aware of such obstacles.

[0056] In greater detail, the dynamic analysis detected by the gyroscope and accelerometer makes the system an extremely low energy consumption system, which is very important to allow long periods of use without having to recharge the battery.

[0057] The features described so far for one temple are also present and envisaged for the other, and a command given using one temple is also transmitted wirelessly to the other via the Bluetooth device 12.

[0058] A particularity of the glasses in question is that all the features described are envisaged within the glasses, regardless of whether or not there is a mobile phone present, making the glasses operational even without a mobile phone and therefore allowing them to be used in places without Wi-Fi or a telephone connection. The only feature requiring a mobile phone app is the firmware updates.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the terminal 7 is rigid and must be in contact with the person's head. One variant, shown in Figures 3 and 4. envisages that terminal 7 is flexible or adjustable so as to fit easily, without discomfort, and with better contact with the person's head. After this predominantly structural description, the operation of the invention in question is described as follows.

[0060] When a person with significant visual disabilities using glasses according to the present invention has to move around and has to be aware of potential obstacles located at heights above one metre, they simply have to activate the glasses and the sensor transmitter will generate a pulse of radio waves which is then emitted through the aerial. When the radio waves encounter an object, they are reflected back to the radar sensor and the aerial receives the reflected radio waves and then sends them to the receiver, which converts the reflected radio waves into electrical signals. The signal processor then analyses these signals to calculate the distance, speed, and direction of the object. In greater detail, distance is determined by measuring the time taken for the radio wave to return to the sensor while speed is calculated using the Doppler effect, which detects changes in the frequency of the reflected radio waves caused by the object's movement. At this point, after detecting an obstacle located on the right or on the left of the person which could interfere with the upper body of the said person, the two actuators 7 located on the top of the temples send a haptic signal that alerts the person to the obstacle on the right or left, to that they can change direction. Furthermore, if the user of the glasses stops, for example, to speak to someone they meet, the device stops operating in order not to signal a potential obstacle unnecessarily, preventing unnecessary battery usage. A similar interruption occurs when the temples are folded up and closed.

[0061] The present invention thus achieves the objects set.

[0062] The glasses for people who are blind or have low vision or significant visual disabilities offer the user optimal comfort and attractive design, with an appropriate facial morphology, allowing freedom of movement, safety and no feelings of restriction or constraint. Advantageously, these glasses for people with significant visual disabilities offer optimal ergonomics when worn and an attractive design, and allow the frame front to be replaced to suit the occasion, whether wearing corrective lenses, sun protection lenses, or neutral lenses. Furthermore, since the said glasses do not contain electronic / electrical components (unlike those currently in use), they are easily interchangeable and replaceable. Therefore, in the event of breakage, problems, or anything else, only the part concerned can be replaced, rather than the entire pair of glasses, as is currently the case. In particular, the frame front can be easily replaced to fit a more sporty or stylish model, as the need may be.

[0063] Furthermore, the glasses according to the present invention allow the detection of obstacles located at heights above one metre, within a broad cone-shaped area with respect to the front of the person's body, thereby preventing collisions and providing greater freedom of movement.

[0064] Another advantage of the glasses in question is that they can alert the user to the position of an obstacle (whether on the right or the left or in the centre) with the parts working in synchrony and without signals overlapping. The signal takes the form of a vibration that intensifies as the obstacle approaches, rather than an audio signal (as is currently the case) because such audio signals annoy and disturb the user since they can cause confusion with the ambient noises they use for guidance.

[0065] In addition to the explanations so far, the glasses according to the present invention offer the ability to operate optimally in any ambient conditions, including sun. rain, darkness, etc. and with low energy consumption. Furthermore, the said glasses work in stand-alone mode even in places without Wi-Fi.

[0066] In particular, a further advantage of the glasses is that the temples are connected wirelessly, and adjustment controls can be provided on one temple that operate on both, which is not easily achieved with the prior art devices. A further advantage of these glasses is that they offer optimal energy management, as an automatic system cuts off the sensors when the glasses are stationary or when the temples are closed (equivalent to glasses in a resting or stored condition). Furthermore, the system cuts off the sensors to conserve the battery charge via the movement element 11. which - when the user is stationary - stops the sensors from signalling the proximity of obstacles, such as a person the user is talking to. thereby preventing unnecessary disturbance for the user.

[0067] One advantage obtained with these glasses is that they allow, promote, and facilitate a state of comfort for the user, as the elements of disturbance and discomfort caused by the sound signals and the feeling of restriction and constriction caused by the bulky frame - which occur at present - are eliminated, while leaving, at the same time, optimal freedom of movement for the person wearing the glasses.

[0068] A further advantage is due to the fact that the glasses in question are easy to manufacture and work well. Of course, numerous modifications and variations may be made to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities of the type comprising a frame ( 2 ) formed of a front frame composed of a pair of rims (20 ) envisaged to hold lenses (3) for sight or for sun protection or neutral lenses, the said rims being mutually connected by a bridge (21) and by a pair of temples (5) each one of which is connected to the respective rim by means of a connecting element consisting of a hinge (4) characterised by the fact that the said glasses feature the following: each temple (5) is equipped with all the electronic components necessary for the intended functions while the front frame (20). which is devoid of electronic components, is a normal front frame and can be separated from the temples and replaced with another front frame with different lenses and a different aesthetic, as needed, and which does not interfere with the electronic components present in each temple. each temple (5) comprises adjustable tips (50) so as to be able to adapt the glasses to the measurements and dimensions of a user's face and offer an optimal fit. each temple (5) is equipped, at the front thereof, with at least one distance sensor (6) which is a TOF sensor. each temple (5) is equipped with a haptic terminal (7) which comprises a haptic actuator (70) located in the interior of the rear part of each temple at the tips (50) so that the user receives a warning of a haptic kind when there is an obstacle to the right or left thereof or straight ahead, and the position of each haptic actuator (70) is designed to come into direct contact with the user's head so that the haptic vibration is transmitted with precision and. at the same time, does not disturb hearing, so ambient sounds can be heard.each temple (5) comprises a multifunction button (8) which is designed to receive commands to make adjustments using one of the temples and having effect on both automatically, and to activate or deactivate the glasses. each temple (5) comprises a movement element (11) consisting of an accelerometer designed to read and detect movements and a gyroscope that detects the rotational movements of the person, the said movement element (11 ) sending a signal via the gyroscope that pauses the functions of the sensors if the person puts the glasses down or simply turns the glasses upside down or a signal via the accelerometer that pauses the sensor if the person stops moving, each temple (5) comprises a battery (9) for operation which is recharged by means of a magnetic connector (90) located in the lower part of each temple, each temple (5) comprises a Bluetooth device (12) to connect the temples together in wireless mode so that the glasses can function in stand-alone mode. i.e. independently, even in areas where there is no Wi-Fi coverage. the said glasses cutting off sensor operation when the glasses are stationary or when the temples are closed to prevent unnecessary battery usage.2) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that each temple (5) comprises a haptic controller designed to govern the haptic signal, manage the haptic actuators, and determine the vibration intensity, frequency, and duration since a haptic controller sends a signal to the actuator (70) causing the latter to vibrate so that the person feels the vibration and understands, via the terminals (7) that they are approaching an obstacle and the signal will indicate whether the obstacle is on the right or left through vibration of the corresponding terminal, while both terminals vibrate if the obstacle is in the centre.3) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim I characterised by the fact that the distance sensor (6) is a radar sensor and uses radio waves to detect the presence, distance, speed, and other characteristics of objects in the detection field of the sensor, which works by emitting radio waves and analysing the waves reflected by the objects encountered, the said sensor comprising a transmitter that generates radio waves at a specific frequency and using an amplifier to increase the power of the signal emitted, an aerial that serves to both transmit radio waves and receive reflected waves, a receiver that receives the radio waves reflected by the objects and converts them into electrical signals for processing, a signal processor that analyses the signals received to determine information such as the distance, speed, and direction of the objects using signal processing techniques to interpret the data and a control unit consisting of a microcontroller responsible for coordinating the operation of the transmitter, the aerial, and the receiver, the said sensor being calibrated and adjusted to meet the required performance based on a user's personal needs.4) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim I characterised by the fact that each temple (5) comprises a buzzer (10) designed to warn the user of the battery charge level each time the glasses are switched on or when requested using the button (8).5) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that the sensor (6) in each temple (5) works synchronously with the sensor in the other temple and the signal is emitted on the right or left or on both temples, depending on the position of the obstacle.6) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that it is possible to manage and adjust the working rangeof the sensors on each temple (5) via adjustment controls, to optimise the operation thereof indoors or outdoors.7) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that on each temple (5) the vibration intensity and frequency can be adjusted using the button (8) so as to have a signal that is easily identifiable by the user and to be able to acquire various kinds of information in a simple and rapid manner, such as the distance of an obstacle and the location thereof on the person's path, by making the temple vibrate on the side where the obstacle is detected.8) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that for each temple (5). the tip (7) is flexible or adjustable so as to adapt easily to the person's head without discomfort and remain resting in position at all times.9) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that each temple (5) comprises a tap control device in which commands are entered by tapping on the temple, one or more times, to activate the accelerometer and both issue instructions to the glasses and obtain responses therefrom .10) Glasses for people with significant visual disabilities according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that in each temple (5) on the external side of the said temple, by tapping anywhere along the temple or applying light pressure, instructions are issued in the same way as with a button.11 ) A system for the use of glasses for people with significant visual disabilities made according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 characterised by the fact that the glasses feature:activation or deactivation via a button (8) or by tapping, touching, or swiping the external part of a temple. adjustment of sensors to assist vision in indoor or outdoors environments. emission of radio waves, reception of those reflected by an obstacle for the user, conversion of the waves received into electrical signals for processing, analysis of the signals received to obtain information such as the distance, speed, and direction of objects, interpretation of the data and transmission of the information to the user in the form of a haptic signal by means of an actuator (70) whose vibration is activated via the terminals (7) to alert the user to the presence of an obstacle, to the right or left or in the centre, that could collide with the upper part of the user's body and likewise to the position thereof with respect to the user's motion trajectory.12) A system for use according to Claim l l . characterised by the fact that the said system is envisaged to pause sensor functions by means of the gyroscope if the user puts the glasses down, or simply turns the glasses upside down, the said gyroscope sending a signal that deactivates the sensor, or via the accelerometer if the user stops moving, the said accelerometer pausing the sensor and preventing battery usage, it being understood that the dynamic analysis performed by the gyroscope and the accelerometer ensures the system features very low energy consumption since long periods of use are possible without having to recharge the battery.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Walking-assisting spectacles applicable to patient with tubular visual field and walking assisting method

    CN107132667A

  • Temples of glasses for the blind or visually impaired

    EP4057051A1

  • Systems and methods for audible facial recognition

    US20140267642A1

  • Providing enhanced images for navigation

    US20210161752A1

  • Wearable proximity sensing array for the visually impaired

    US20220082867A1