Auditory Output System for Visual Data Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating complex and dynamic environments, especially in low-light conditions or for visually impaired individuals, is challenging due to the inability to discern objects outside the direct path of movement, leading to potential hazards and difficulties in navigating efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An auditory output system that processes visual data to generate enhanced auditory stimuli, segmenting the environment into regions of interest, determining the proximity and characteristics of objects relative to the user's path, and producing audio cues based on these factors to provide a comprehensive auditory mapping, including objects outside the direct line of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional navigation methods (e.g., white cane) are used, then the device complexity is low, but the area of detection is limited to objects in the direct path of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical navigation aids (white cane) with an electronic system comprising cameras, processors, and audio output devices. The system captures visual data, processes it to identify objects and their positions, and generates audio stimuli to represent the environment, thereby expanding detection area beyond the direct path of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions: capturing visual data through cameras, processing images to identify objects and determine their positions relative to the user, generating audio stimuli based on object characteristics and positions, and providing spatial audio cues. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive environmental awareness while maintaining portability.
2Measurement precision
If visual data processing is performed to identify all objects in the environment, then the measurement precision of object positions is improved, but the loss of time for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual frame into multiple regions of interest, with each region corresponding to a specific directional sector around the user. The processor identifies objects within each region and determines their positions relative to the user's orientation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different spatial zones, improving both precision and processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes visual data to identify objects within a predetermined distance of the user, focusing computational resources on relevant regions rather than analyzing the entire field of view in detail. Audio stimuli are generated for objects based on their relative positions and characteristics, providing sufficient precision for navigation without exhaustive processing of all environmental details.
3Reliability
If audio stimuli are generated for objects outside the current direction of movement, then the reliability of navigation is improved, but the complexity of the auditory output system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates audio stimuli with characteristics that reflect the local properties of objects in different spatial regions. Objects in different directions are represented with distinct audio characteristics (e.g., spatial positioning, volume, tone) that encode their location and type. This allows the user to perceive environmental layout and object positions through differentiated auditory cues, improving navigation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses audio stimuli as an intermediary to translate visual information into a form accessible to visually impaired users. The processor acts as a mediator, converting image data about object positions and characteristics into synthesized audio signals that represent the environment spatially, enabling reliable navigation without direct visual input.
4Loss of information
If the system processes and outputs multiple auditory stimuli simultaneously, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates and outputs audio stimuli in periodic intervals rather than continuously, synchronizing audio output with processed visual frames. Objects are represented with distinct temporal patterns and spatial positioning in the audio stream, allowing users to perceive environmental information in organized sequences. This periodic structure prevents information overload while maintaining completeness of spatial awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are directed toward audio and visual mapping. A visual frame associated with an environment may be received. The visual frame may be segmented into a plurality of regions of interest. A first position for a first region of the plurality of regions of interest is determined. A determination may be made that the first position intersects with a projected area associated with a user. The projected area is to include one or more areas that are outside of a current direction of movement of the user. One or more characteristics of a first auditory stimulus are selected based on the first position and the determination that the first position is within the projected area.