Assistance System for Visually Impaired Using Orientation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistance systems for visually handicapped persons, such as electronic blind guidance canes, cannot distinguish moving objects from stationary objects, posing a risk of collisions and limiting independent living.
Innovation Solution
An assistance system comprising first and second orientation sensors, motion detectors, and an evaluation system that uses digital signal processing to differentiate between the person's movement and object movement, providing alerts only for objects outside the person's field of view through a feedback device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion detectors are used to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the system cannot distinguish moving objects from stationary objects when the person is moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces orientation sensors as intermediary devices that detect the person's movement and head orientation. These sensors act as mediators between the motion detectors and the evaluation system, providing reference data about the person's motion state. The evaluation system uses this intermediary information to distinguish whether detected motion comes from objects or from the person's own movement, thereby resolving the inability to discriminate moving from stationary objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the person's orientation and movement through orientation sensors, and using this feedback information in the evaluation system to interpret motion detector data. The feedback loop allows the system to adjust its interpretation of motion signals based on the person's current movement state, enabling accurate distinction between self-motion and object motion.
2Reliability
If the system provides warnings for all detected objects, then safety is improved, but false alarms increase for objects already visible to the person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the warning system to the person's specific visual field characteristics. The evaluation system determines which areas are within the person's field of view and which are not, providing warnings only for objects in the blind areas. This localized approach ensures warnings are given where needed (outside field of view) while avoiding false alarms for objects the person can already see.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of warning activation based on the spatial relationship between detected objects and the person's field of view. Instead of a uniform warning policy, the system adjusts warning behavior according to whether objects fall within or outside the visual field, optimizing both safety and reducing false alarms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to distinguish movement, then object identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation sensors serve multiple functions: they detect the person's movement, determine head orientation, and provide reference data for the evaluation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving accurate movement discrimination.
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 the identification of moving objects outside the person's field of view, reducing collision risks and enhancing independent living by providing targeted warnings, thus improving quality of life for visually impaired individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the motion detectors comprise of one or more of a video or infrared camera, a radar, laser or sonar sensor
Implementation Method 2
the motion detectors comprise of one or more of a video or infrared camera, a radar, laser or sonar sensor
Implementation Method 3
the motion detectors comprise of one or more of a video or infrared camera, a radar, laser or sonar sensor
Implementation Method 4
the motion detectors comprise of one or more of a video or infrared camera
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance system for visually handicapped persons with visual impairment in a part of their visual field includes body-worn sensors to inform them actively about objects or movements in the visually impaired sides.