Haptic Display Breadcrumb System for Blind Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blind users face difficulties in navigating environments and accessing information due to the lack of suitable features in existing smartphone applications, which are not well-suited for their needs, requiring alternative sensory devices for information retrieval and sharing.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a haptic display with sensors, a map, and a processor that stores breadcrumb files containing environmental information, allowing blind users to select points of interest and receive information through a combined audio/tactile experience via a wearable device with a speaker and vibration unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If blind users use existing smartphone applications, then they can access basic smartphone functions, but the applications lack features specifically suited for blind users' needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to blind users' needsVSAvoidease of operation for blind users

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a tactile map display where specific regions correspond to different points of interest, with each region having distinct tactile properties. When a blind user touches a specific region, the system provides localized audio information about that particular point of interest, enabling differentiated interaction with different areas of the map.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary tactile interface layer between the blind user and the digital map information. The tactile display acts as a mediator that translates visual map data into touchable forms, while audio output serves as another intermediary that converts map data into spoken information, making the information accessible without requiring visual perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If blind users use traditional sensory devices to obtain information, then they can access environmental information, but they cannot efficiently share or store this information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation retention and sharing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the smartphone serves as both the information processing unit and the storage device, while the tactile display and audio output are integrated components of the same device. This eliminates the need for separate sensory devices and provides unified access to both information retrieval and sharing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides multi-functionality by enabling the smartphone to serve multiple purposes: displaying tactile maps, providing audio information about points of interest, storing breadcrumb information about user experiences, and sharing this information with other users. This universal device replaces the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a tactile map interface is used, then blind users can locate points of interest, but they need additional feedback mechanisms to understand the selected point's information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of point selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of feedback mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or visual feedback mechanisms with audio output. Instead of using elaborate tactile feedback systems or visual displays to convey information about selected points of interest, the system simply plays audio recordings of the point information, substituting a complex mechanical feedback system with a simpler acoustic output mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 blind users to efficiently navigate and access information about their environment through a wearable device providing a combined audio/tactile experience, enhancing their ability to understand and interact with their surroundings.

Implementation Method 1

activating the vibration unit to generate vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

reproducing audio from the selected breadcrumb file using the speaker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9972216B2System and method for storing and playback of information for blind users

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A system for providing information to a user includes a haptic display including a plurality of sensors positioned thereon, a map positioned on the haptic display and including points of interest where each point of interest is positioned adjacent to or directly on at least one of the plurality of sensors, and a memory for storing a plurality of breadcrumb files where each of the plurality of breadcrumb files corresponds to at least one of the points of interest and contains information related to at least one of an environment, an object, an obstacle, a path or a location. The system includes a processor for determining which point of interest has been selected based on contact with at least one of the points of interest and an output device configured to provide the information contained in the breadcrumb file corresponding to the selected point of interest to the user.