Modular Assistive Interface With Auto-Detected Peripheral Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for visually impaired or blind individuals are limited in functionality and require complex visual identification of connection elements, lacking versatility in tasks and inputs/outputs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a central device with a transmitter/receiver, processor, and feedback unit, connected to peripheral devices via a connection element supporting multiple communication protocols and ID memory chips, enabling a wide range of inputs and outputs, including tactile, acoustic, and gesture recognition, with automatic detection and intuitive connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols (SPI, I2C, I2S, PWM, GPIO) are integrated into a single connection element, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed to support multiple communication protocols (SPI, I2C, I2S, PWM, GPIO) simultaneously through a single physical interface, allowing the same connector to work with various peripheral devices using different protocols. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate connection elements while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is divided into multiple independent pins, each capable of being configured for different protocol functions. This segmentation allows flexible assignment of pin functions based on the connected peripheral device's requirements, enabling a single connection element to adapt to multiple protocols through software configuration rather than requiring separate physical connectors for each protocol.
2Ease of operation
If automatic detection of peripheral devices is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and identifies connected peripheral devices without requiring manual intervention from the user. The processor automatically reads the ID memory chip when a peripheral device is connected, autonomously determines the device type, and configures the appropriate communication protocol and settings, making the connection process as simple as plugging in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The ID memory chip in each peripheral device is pre-configured with identification information and device parameters. This preliminary preparation allows the central device to quickly identify and configure the peripheral device immediately upon connection, eliminating the need for manual setup or complex real-time detection algorithms during the connection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tactile, acoustic, and gesture recognition inputs are provided, then adaptability for visually impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input unit is designed to incorporate multiple input modalities (tactile buttons, acoustic sensors, gesture recognition sensors) within a single integrated component. This allows the device to serve multiple user needs and preferences through one unified input interface, providing tactile, acoustic, and gesture-based control options without requiring separate independent input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of input sensors and interfaces are merged into a single input unit module that can process multiple input types. This consolidation reduces the overall number of separate components needed while maintaining the ability to detect and process tactile presses, acoustic signals, and gestures through integrated sensor arrays and processing circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) for aiding visually impaired or blind individuals in perceiving their surroundings, and comprising a central device (2) comprising a transmitter/receiver (207), a processor (211) and a feedback unit (208, 209), and a peripheral device (3) comprising an ID memory chip (308). The central device (2) is configured to: by the transmitter/receiver (207), receive and transmit data signals to and from the one or more peripheral devices (3), by the processor (211), receive input through one or more of tactile input units, acoustic input units and gesture recognition input units provided on one or more of the central device (2) itself and the one or more peripheral devices (3), upon connection to a peripheral device (3), detecting the ID memory chip (308) of the peripheral device (3) reading data contained in the ID memory chip (308) of the peripheral device (3), and control the one or more peripheral devices (3) to perform at least one action, and by the feedback unit (208, 209), provide at least one of audible, visual and tactile feedback in dependence of the action performed by the one or more peripheral devices (3). The central device (2) further comprises a connection element (203) configured for physical connection to a complementary connection element (303) provided on at least one of the one or more peripheral devices (3) such as to enable data transfer between the central device (2) and the peripheral device (3), and the connection element (203) of the central device (2) is configured to support communication with any 20 combination of SPI, I2C, I2S audio, Pulse Wave Modulation and GPIO control operations in isolation or in parallel.