HCEI Obstacle Detection for Vision Impaired Users

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with vision impairments face challenges in detecting obstacles and hazards, which can lead to harm, and existing technologies lack effective solutions for real-time assistance in such scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A human compound eye using the Internet of Things (IoT) system, which utilizes IoT devices associated with wound dressings or mobility assistance devices to detect objects within a threshold distance and alert the user through a processor, employing cognitive systems and machine learning to provide real-time obstacle protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vision correction or augmentation technologies are used, then visual acuity is improved, but real-time obstacle detection capability remains insufficient for persons with vision impairments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidreal-time obstacle detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system comprising sensors, processors, and communication devices that act as a mediator between the environment and the user. This external detection system compensates for the limitations of human vision by providing real-time obstacle information through alternative sensory channels, thus resolving the contradiction between improved visual acuity and insufficient real-time obstacle detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If assistance from other persons is provided, then identification of objects and hazards is improved, but independence and mobility of the user deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification of objects and hazardsVSAvoidindependence and mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the user is equipped with an autonomous detection and alert device that independently identifies objects and hazards without requiring human assistance. The system autonomously processes sensor data, detects obstacles, and provides alerts to the user, thereby maintaining independence and mobility while improving object and hazard identification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If traditional vision correction devices are used, then visual clarity is improved, but real-time obstacle protection and safety awareness are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual clarityVSAvoidreal-time obstacle protection and safety awareness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges traditional vision correction functionality with an active obstacle detection and alert system. The combined device integrates visual correction elements with sensors, processors, and communication capabilities, enabling it to simultaneously provide visual clarity enhancement and real-time obstacle protection through integrated operation of multiple functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10383786B2Utilizing a human compound eye using an internet of things (“HCEI”) for obstacle protection of a user
Publication Date: 2019.08.20 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10383786B2 patent drawing
  • US10383786B2 patent drawing
  • US10383786B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments for utilizing a human compound eye using internet of things (“HCEI”) for obstacle protection of a user by a processor. One or more objects may be determined within an obstacle threshold distance in relation to a user according to data captured from one or more internet of things (IoT) devices associated with a wound dressing, a mobility assistance device, or a combination thereof. The user may be alerted of the one or more objects within the obstacle threshold distance.