Acoustic Beacon Navigation for Visually Impaired
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired and blind individuals face challenges in navigating urban environments due to the inability to use current navigational systems, which lack precise location tracking and fail to account for obstacles and safe routes, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method utilizing a multi-modal three-dimensional map, precise location determination, and acoustic beacons within augmented reality to guide users around obstacles and ensure safe navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current navigational systems are used, then general navigation is provided, but precise location tracking and obstacle awareness are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation information sources (GPS location data, 3D map data, obstacle detection data, acoustic beacon signals) into a unified navigation system that provides both precise location tracking and comprehensive obstacle awareness simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces acoustic beacons as intermediary elements that provide additional spatial information and obstacle awareness, bridging the gap between GPS location data and actual safe route guidance
2Reliability
If visually impaired individuals use traditional navigational systems, then basic direction guidance is provided, but safety in urban environments with obstacles is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual-based navigation interfaces with acoustic-based guidance systems (audio beacons, spatial audio cues) that are accessible to visually impaired individuals while maintaining navigation safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sensory modality parameter from visual to acoustic, making navigation information accessible to visually impaired users while preserving safety through multiple information channels
3Measurement precision
If acoustic beacons are added to provide real-time guidance, then navigation accuracy for visually impaired users is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional components (smartphone device that handles GPS, audio output, 3D mapping, and beacon generation) to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining high navigation accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
Computer implemented method for guiding traffic participants, especially pedestrians, especially visually impaired and blind people, especially for guiding in urban environments, between at least two places wherein the method contains the following steps: A. Providing a multi-modal three-dimensional map, B. Calculating a route based on the multi-modal three- dimensional map connecting the at least two places over at least one intermediate waypoint, C. Determining precise location of the traffic participant, preferably by using the multi-modal three-dimensional map and D. Setting beacons along the path at the waypoints.