Eyeglass-Mounted Millimeter-Wave Object Detection for Blind Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive technologies for the blind, such as ultrasonic detectors, interactive guidance systems, and voice guidance devices, face limitations in accurately identifying obstacles and providing reliable navigation, especially in complex environments and adverse weather conditions, due to high installation costs and inefficiencies in detecting protrusions and maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
An object identification device combining a millimeter-wave passive image system and GPS, mounted on eyeglasses, which uses a patch antenna array, low-noise amplifier, phase shifter, and control units to detect and analyze millimeter-wave signals, providing accurate object identification and navigation information through voice transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic detector is used to help blind walk, then the blind can identify position and shape of objects, but it cannot detect protrusions on the bottom and transmit accurate information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from ultrasonic frequency to millimeter-wave frequency (94 GHz), which provides better penetration and reflection characteristics for detecting various obstacle types including protrusions that ultrasonic waves miss. This parameter change enables more accurate and reliable obstacle detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic detection system with an electromagnetic millimeter-wave detection system. This substitution allows for better detection of obstacles by utilizing the different physical properties of millimeter-waves compared to ultrasonic waves, particularly in terms of wavelength and interaction with objects.
2Ease of operation
If interactive guidance system with fixed stations is installed at buildings and crossings, then the blind can reach destination easily, but high-cost preparations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation system using portable devices that can function at multiple locations without requiring fixed infrastructure. The mobile device serves as both the detector and processor, eliminating the need for separate fixed stations at each location while maintaining navigation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection and processing functions from fixed infrastructure and consolidates them into a portable device. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive fixed station installations at buildings and crossings, as all functionality is contained in the mobile unit carried by the user.
3Ease of operation
If voice guidance device is installed at outer side of public places, then the blind can make sure comfortable environment, but it suffers failures due to weather status and seasonal change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces outdoor acoustic signal devices with an electromagnetic millimeter-wave detection system integrated into a portable device. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to weather conditions, as electronic detection is not affected by rain, wind, or seasonal changes that impact outdoor acoustic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable electronic device as an intermediary between the user and the environment, replacing the need for outdoor signal generators. This intermediary processes environmental information electronically, providing reliable operation regardless of weather conditions.
4Reliability
If many signal devices are arranged to ensure system works effectively, then the blind can get continuous guidance, but the installation cost is quite high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable device universal, capable of providing continuous navigation and obstacle detection functionality without requiring multiple specialized devices. The single portable unit performs all necessary functions, eliminating the need for expensive arrangements of multiple signal devices.
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 the blind to navigate accurately by transforming millimeter-wave image and GPS data into audible voice, improving obstacle detection and environmental awareness, with enhanced performance in various weather conditions and reduced installation costs compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a millimeter-wave passive image wireless circuit which consists of a patch antenna array, a low-noise amplifier and a phase shifter required for the millimeter-wave image system to transmit/receive the millimeter wave for the detection of millimeter-wave image signal
Implementation Method 2
a global positioning system (GPS) antenna to receive position signals from the satellite and a GPS control unit to control signals received from the GPS antenna
Implementation Method 3
a low-noise amplifier and a phase shifter required for the millimeter-wave image system to transmit/receive the millimeter wave
Implementation Method 4
a phase shifter required for the millimeter-wave image system to transmit/receive the millimeter wave
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an object identification device, for the blind, that identifies objects such as walls and cars by detecting the ambient environment through a 94-GHz millimeter-wave image system mounted on the eyeglass and inform the situation to the user by transforming the identified signals to the voice or sound.This invention is designed to not only help the blind in walking but also provide the function to find the person who has a device realizing this invention.