Adaptive Haptic Orientation Aid for Visually Impaired Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orientation aids for people with impaired vision, such as guide dogs and white canes with sensors, have limitations in providing comprehensive environmental awareness and freedom of movement, as they often require selective scanning and do not effectively convey obstacle direction or additional environmental information.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with adjustable minimum and maximum distance settings, multiple sensors and signaling devices, and the ability to detect obstacle properties like temperature and speed, generating haptically perceptible signals that adapt to the user's environment and needs, allowing for flexible and precise obstacle detection and notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distance sensors continuously detect obstacles in all directions, then environmental awareness is improved, but false alarms from nearby objects and self-extrusions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the detection threshold distance based on the user's movement state. When the user is stationary, a smaller detection threshold is used to avoid false alarms from nearby objects. When the user is moving, a larger detection threshold is applied to provide earlier warning of obstacles. This resolves the contradiction by changing the detection parameter according to operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the detection threshold adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit continuously monitors user movement and adjusts the detection threshold in real-time, transforming the static detection parameter into a dynamic one that responds to changing operational conditions, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining reliable obstacle detection.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors and signaling devices are distributed on the user's body, then obstacle direction information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by distributing multiple sensor-signaling pairs at different locations on the user's body (e.g., wrists, ankles, waist). Each pair independently detects obstacles in its local field and provides directional information through localized haptic feedback. This segmentation allows the system to convey spatial information without requiring a single complex centralized sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universality by using identical sensor-signaling pairs at multiple body locations, where each pair serves the same function of detecting obstacles and providing haptic feedback. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity by repeating a standardized unit rather than designing different specialized components for each location.
3Reliability
If haptic signals are generated for all detected obstacles, then obstacle awareness is improved, but user irritation from false alarms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the detection threshold distance based on user movement state. When stationary, a smaller threshold prevents false alarms from nearby objects. When moving, a larger threshold provides timely obstacle warnings. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains notification accuracy while reducing user irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring user movement state and using this information to adjust detection parameters in real-time. The control unit receives feedback from motion sensors and modifies the detection threshold accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user behavior and environmental context to optimize both accuracy and comfort.
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 the user's ability to navigate safely and efficiently by providing detailed environmental information through customizable detection zones and varied haptic signals, reducing the need for constant scanning and improving freedom of movement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one distance sensor to detect obstacles in the area
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic sensors or laser sensors can be provided on the cane, which detect obstacles
Implementation Method 3
the signaling device generates a haptically detectable signal at the point on the person's body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an orientation aid for persons having limited visual faculty, comprising a sensor system (3) having a distance sensor (4) and a signaling device (5) connected to the distance sensor (4) for generating a haptically perceivable signal in the case that the distance sensor (4) detects an obstacle, and comprising a attaching means (1) for attaching the sensor system (3) to the person, wherein the distance sensor (4) and the signaling device (5) are provided pairwise near one another on the attaching means (1), such that the signaling device (5) generates a haptically detectable signal at the location on the body of the person at which the distance sensor (4) is provided, wherein the distance sensor (4) and the signaling device (5) are designed such that a minimum distance value is or can be set, and the signaling device (5) generates a haptically detectable signal only if obstacles in the environment are detected by the distance sensor (4) that are further away than said minimum distance value.