AR Assistive Device for Cognitive and Visual Impairment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with physical and/or cognitive ailments such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and visual impairment face challenges in navigation, social interaction, health monitoring, and daily activities due to difficulties in perceiving their environment and interacting with it effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system combining cutting-edge sensors, augmented reality (AR) technology, and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) algorithms to provide real-time data processing and feedback, including wearable sensors, cameras, GPS, accelerometers, and haptic feedback systems, to assist users with action plans for wayfinding, social interaction, health monitoring, and emotional management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensors and processing components are integrated into the AR device, then the assistance capability and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassistance capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensors (cameras, gyroscopes, biometric sensors, microphones, accelerometers, heart rate sensors, GPS sensors) and processing components (processors, machine learning models) into a single augmented reality device. This merging of previously separate components into one unified system enables comprehensive environmental perception and assistance generation while managing the complexity through integrated architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The AR device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: capturing visual data via cameras, tracking motion through gyroscopes and accelerometers, monitoring physiological parameters with biometric sensors, receiving audio input through microphones, determining location via GPS, processing this diverse data through machine learning models, and providing augmented reality feedback. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sensors and processing components are integrated into the AR device, then the assistance capability is improved, but the weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassistance capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensors (cameras, gyroscopes, biometric sensors, microphones, accelerometers, heart rate sensors, GPS sensors) and processing components (processors, machine learning models) into a single augmented reality device. This merging of previously separate components into one unified system enables comprehensive environmental perception and assistance generation while managing the complexity through integrated architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If real-time data processing and feedback are provided, then the responsiveness and assistance quality are improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously collects and pre-processes data from multiple sensors (cameras, gyroscopes, biometric sensors, microphones, accelerometers, heart rate sensors, GPS) in real-time, preparing this data for rapid analysis when assistance is needed. Machine learning models are pre-trained and loaded into the device, enabling quick inference without requiring complex real-time computation from scratch, thus reducing energy consumption during actual assistance events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback to the user through the augmented reality display based on real-time analysis of sensor data. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor the user's environment, physiological state, and context, and provide timely assistance while optimizing energy usage by only activating full processing when assistance events are detected, rather than continuously operating at full capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12191035B1Advanced augmented assistive device for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and visual impairment patients
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
  • US12191035B1 patent drawing
  • US12191035B1 patent drawing
  • US12191035B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for assisting individuals with physical and/or cognitive ailments, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and/or visual impairment. The quality of life, safety, and/or autonomy of such individuals can be enhanced by utilizing a combination of sensors, actuators, augmented reality (AR) technology, and machine learning (ML) algorithms. The sensors and actuators can include (but are not limited to) cameras, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, accelerometers, motion sensors, AR visual systems, headphones, microphones, haptic feedback systems, and/or connectivity capabilities (wired and/or wireless) to provide information about the surrounding environment and events. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, AR, and real-time data processing, a comprehensive support system can be provided that addresses the unique challenges faced by these individuals on a daily basis.