Ambient Environment Information Transmission Device for Visually Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for visually impaired individuals do not provide quick and accurate transmission of ambient environment information, limiting their ability to rapidly grasp their surroundings.
Innovation Solution
An ambient environment information transmission device equipped with a distance image capturing unit, line-of-sight direction detection, and multiple output units for sound and tactile feedback, utilizing ultrasonic transducers and projection technology to provide real-time distance and character information, allowing for localized and detailed environmental awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device provides detailed distance information through stepwise calculation methods, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required to grasp ambient environment information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of information output based on user needs. The control unit switches between providing detailed stepwise distance information and providing quicker ambient environment summaries, allowing the system to adapt its information delivery speed and detail level according to the situation, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments distance information into different types: ambient environment information for quick overview and detailed distance information for specific targets. This segmentation allows the system to provide both quick general awareness and detailed precision information when needed, resolving the time-precision tradeoff by offering information at different granularities.
2Loss of information
If the device provides comprehensive ambient environment information, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a distance image capturing unit that performs multiple functions: capturing overall ambient environment information and extracting detailed distance measurements. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive information without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single unit serves multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines ambient environment sensing and detailed distance measurement capabilities into an integrated system. The control unit merges processing of general ambient information and specific target distance information, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining information completeness.
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
Enables visually impaired users to quickly and accurately perceive their environment through sound and tactile feedback, enhancing their ability to navigate and interact with their surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer preferably further provided that is supported by the body, and that is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave to and from a side ahead of a user
Implementation Method 2
A projection unit is preferably further provided that is supported by the body, and that is configured to project pattern light ahead of a user
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] Provided is an ambient environment information transmission device capable of quickly and accurately transmitting ambient environment information to a visually impaired person. [Solution] An ambient environment information transmission device 1 includes a body 10 that is configured to be worn by a user, a distance image capturing unit 20 that is supported by the body 10 and that is configured to capture a distance image ahead of the user, a line-of-sight direction detection unit 22 that is supported by the body 10 and that is configured to detect a line-of-sight direction of the user, a control unit 40 that is configured to obtain distance information on a target portion in the line-of-sight direction in the distance image, and distance information output units 30, 32, 34 that are configured to output the distance information through sound or tactile sensation.