Accessibility Headset Navigation With LIDAR and Haptic Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and systems for visually and audio impaired users fail to account for emergency situations and navigating complex environments like storefronts, limiting their independence and requiring assistance.
Innovation Solution
An accessibility headset system using sensors (LIDAR, IR, sonar) to detect obstacles and products, with haptic and audio feedback, and machine learning for emergency detection, providing navigation instructions and emergency alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional devices and systems are used for visually and audio impaired users, then routine tasks can be performed adequately, but emergency situations and complex environments like storefronts cannot be navigated independently
Solution Approach 1:
The accessibility headset system integrates multiple sensor types (LIDAR, sonar, IR, cameras) and multiple output modalities (audio, haptic, visual) into a single device that can handle diverse situations including routine tasks, emergency situations, and complex environments like storefronts, enabling independent navigation across various scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and output devices are integrated into the accessibility headset, then comprehensive navigation and emergency detection capabilities are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides navigation and detection functions into separate modules: LIDAR for obstacle detection, sonar for proximity sensing, IR sensors for product location, haptic output for tactile guidance, audio output for verbal directions, and visual output for augmented reality display. Each sensor and output device operates as an independent module that can be controlled and coordinated through the processor
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor types (LIDAR, sonar, IR, cameras) and multiple output modalities (audio, haptic, visual) are merged into a single integrated accessibility headset system that coordinates all components through a central processor to provide comprehensive navigation and emergency detection capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances independence of visually and audio impaired users by guiding them through complex environments and detecting emergencies, improving navigation accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices configured to obtain LIDAR measurements
Implementation Method 2
one or more infrared (IR) sensors configured to obtain IR feedback from one or more products
Implementation Method 3
one or more sensors and/or devices (e.g., sonar sensors and/or light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices) to obtain feedback regarding the surroundings for a user
Data Source
AI summary
In some instances, an accessibility headset for visually impaired or hearing impaired users is provided. The accessibility headset comprises one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices configured to obtain LIDAR measurements; one or more infrared (IR) sensors configured to obtain IR feedback from one or more products; an output system comprising: one or more haptic devices configured to provide haptic feedback to a user; and a second output device configured to provide alternative feedback to the user; and a processor. The processor is configured to: determine a set of navigation instructions to direct the user to a first product by avoiding one or more first obstacles and provide, to the user, one or more first instructions from the set of navigation instructions using an output system based on an indication of whether the user is visually impaired or hearing impaired.