Guiding Vehicle Navigation With Real-Time Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional navigation tools for visually impaired individuals, such as canes and guide dogs, can be difficult to use and costly to maintain, and do not effectively address the need for efficient and reliable navigation in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system comprising a guiding vehicle equipped with a navigation module, obstacle sensing modules like LiDAR and depth cameras, and a user control module, which derives a navigational path and adjusts in real-time to avoid obstacles, providing haptic and sound feedback to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional navigation tools (canes and guide dogs) are used, then navigation assistance is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation tools (canes, guide dogs) with an automated electronic navigation system comprising sensors, processors, and actuators. The system uses electronic obstacle detection and automated path planning to assist visually impaired users, eliminating the need for manual operation of traditional tools while reducing overall system complexity through integration.
2Ease of operation
If guide dogs are used, then navigation assistance is provided, but loss of substance increases due to training and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective electronic navigation system that replaces expensive, long-term investments in guide dog training and maintenance. The electronic system uses affordable sensors and processors, and while the hardware may eventually require replacement, the overall cost of ownership is significantly reduced compared to lifelong guide dog care.
3Reliability
If traditional navigation tools are used, then basic navigation is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic navigation system that continuously adapts to changing environmental conditions. The system uses real-time sensor data from multiple sources (LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic sensors) to dynamically recalculate paths and adjust navigation decisions, enabling reliable operation in complex and changing environments rather than following static pre-programmed routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system incorporates multiple sensing modalities (optical, acoustic, electromagnetic) and processing capabilities within a single integrated platform, making it universally adaptable to various navigation scenarios and environmental conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle diverse obstacles and situations that would challenge specialized traditional tools.
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
The system enhances the convenience and safety of navigation for visually impaired users by providing real-time obstacle avoidance and guidance to predetermined destinations, improving their ability to navigate complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
the obstacle sensing module further includes a LiDAR arranged to capture a full angle planar view representing the location of the obstacles relative to the guiding vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the obstacle sensing module further includes a depth camera arranged to capture a three-dimensional image viewing from the guiding vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for a navigation system for a visually impaired user includes a navigation module arranged to derive a navigational path from a starting position to a predetermined destination; a guiding vehicle arranged to guide the visually impaired user towards the predetermined destination based on the derived navigational path whereby the movement is arranged to indicate a navigation guidance to the visually impaired user; wherein the navigation module is further arranged to adjust the navigational path of the guiding vehicle in response to the detection of an obstacle during the navigation of the guiding vehicle so as to avoid the detected obstacle whilst following the navigational path.