Guide Machine Navigation Using RFID Positioning and Tactile Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for visually impaired individuals, such as tactile signage and guide dogs, are limited in their ability to provide accurate and flexible directional assistance, as tactile signs are restrictive and guide dogs can only memorize a few routes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using RFID technology to control a guide machine, which receives and processes electromagnetic signals from multiple sources to determine its position and path to a destination, and provides tactile instructions to users through vibration patterns, allowing for obstacle detection and alternative route determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tactile signage is used to assist navigation, then visually impaired persons can receive directional information, but the assistance is limited to predefined shapes and layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mechanical tactile signage with an active electromagnetic signal transmission system. Signal sources emit electromagnetic signals that are received by the guide machine's antenna, enabling dynamic and flexible navigational guidance beyond the fixed limitations of tactile tiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide machine integrates multiple functions: receiving electromagnetic signals from various sources, processing signals to determine position, detecting obstacles using sensors, and providing tactile feedback to the user. This multi-functional system replaces the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If guide dogs are trained to provide active navigation assistance, then users receive personalized guidance, but the dogs can only memorize a few fixed routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological memory system of guide dogs with an electronic signal processing system. The guide machine receives electromagnetic signals, processes them to determine its position, and can adapt to new routes by interpreting signal patterns from different signal sources, eliminating the memory limitations of trained animals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed routes to dynamic, real-time navigation. The guide machine continuously receives and processes electromagnetic signals, allowing it to adapt to changing environments and provide flexible route guidance based on current positional data.
3Measurement precision
If a robotic guide machine uses electromagnetic signals for positioning, then accurate real-time location data is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium between the environment and the guide machine's positioning system. Signal sources emit electromagnetic signals that serve as mediators, carrying spatial information to the guide machine's antenna, enabling accurate positioning without direct mechanical measurement.
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 accurate and flexible navigation for visually impaired individuals by providing real-time positional data and path guidance, similar to a guide dog, but with the ability to adapt to new routes and obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
receiving electromagnetic signals emitted from one or more of a plurality of signal sources disposed in a predetermined area
Implementation Method 2
determining a distance and a direction of each the signal sources based on a signal strength of each of the electromagnetic signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a guide machine and a navigation system. The navigation system includes: a plurality of signal sources deployed in a predetermined area; a guide machine including a signal receiver arranged to receive electromagnetic signals emitted from one or more of the plurality of signal sources; and a processor arranged to process the electromagnetic signals to identify the locations of the signal sources, and thereby to determine a current position of the guide machine with reference to the locations of the signal sources; and the processor is further arranged to determine a path for the guide machine to travel from the current position to a destination location in the predetermined area.