Laser Navigation System for Visually Impaired Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired individuals face challenges navigating around obstructions and impediments while walking, as they cannot detect changes in their environment beyond the reach of their walking stick, limiting their independence and requiring assistance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented navigation system that uses subassemblies worn by the user to monitor head tilt and rotation, calculating vertical and horizontal laser signal angles for distance measurement units to detect and avoid obstacles, providing navigation instructions and alarms based on proximity to obstructions or impediments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a walking stick is used to survey the pavement, then the user can detect some obstacles, but the detection range is limited to the reach of the stick and changes in pavement levels cannot be detected until contacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical walking stick surveying system with an optical/laser-based detection system. The laser distance measuring unit emits laser beams to detect obstacles and pavement changes beyond the physical reach of a walking stick, providing early warning of curbs, stairs, and other impediments before the user encounters them
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser distance measuring unit as an intermediary detection device that extends the user's sensing capability. This intermediary device measures distances and detects obstacles that would otherwise be beyond the user's direct perception or walking stick reach, translating physical distance into detectable signal data
2Ease of operation
If a seeing eye dog is used as a guide, then the user can navigate more effectively, but the caring needed by the dog may be an issue and additional personnel assistance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service navigation system where the laser distance measuring unit and processing system automatically detect obstacles, calculate distances, and provide guidance without requiring animal care or human attendant assistance. The system autonomously monitors the environment and provides real-time navigation information to the visually impaired user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the biological seeing eye dog system with an electronic laser-based navigation system. This replacement eliminates the need for animal care, feeding, and training while providing continuous automated obstacle detection and navigation assistance
3Device complexity
If the user walks with limited detection range, then the system is simpler, but the user cannot determine what lies inches past the length of the walking stick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends detection beyond the one-dimensional reach of a walking stick by using laser beams that can measure distances in multiple directions and at varying angles. The system provides three-dimensional spatial awareness of the environment, detecting obstacles at distances significantly beyond what a walking stick can reach
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 visually impaired users to safely navigate by creating a field of view and detecting obstacles, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing independence by providing real-time navigation assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a laser unit configured to transmit and receive laser signals to perform measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and a navigation system are described for guiding a visually impaired user to avoid obstructions and impediments while walking. The user may wear a plurality of subassemblies of the system. The tilt and rotation of the user's head may be monitored using one of the subassemblies worn on the user's head. Based at least in part on the tilt and rotation of the user's head, vertical and horizontal firing angles used by a distance measuring unit in each of the subassemblies may be calculated to transmit and receive laser signals to perform measurements. The user is then provided with navigation instructions and alarms based on whether an obstruction or an impediment is detected that is closer than a predetermined distance to the user while the user is walking based on the measurements.