Navigation Assistance Device for Cognitively Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for cognitively impaired individuals are complex and require caretaker guidance, failing to provide a simple, self-sufficient navigation solution.
Innovation Solution
A navigation assistance device equipped with a position sensor, orientation sensor, register, processing unit, and pointing unit, which directs a visible pointer towards a target location, allowing cognitively impaired individuals to navigate independently without providing route information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a navigation system provides route information and complex feedback to guide cognitively impaired persons, then the navigation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential directional information needed for navigation, displaying a simplified compass rose with directional indicators rather than providing complete route information. This extraction of critical elements maintains navigation accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity and cognitive load for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing complex turn-by-turn directions that require cognitive processing, the patent inverts the approach by providing simple directional indicators (N, NE, E, etc.) that intuitively guide the user. This inversion from complex instruction to simple indication resolves the contradiction between navigation accuracy and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a navigation system provides detailed route information and complex feedback, then the navigation guidance quality is improved, but the ease of operation for cognitively impaired persons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the cognitively impaired person to independently navigate by providing intuitive directional indicators without requiring complex interpretation or caretaker assistance. The self-explanatory compass interface allows the user to autonomously determine direction and proceed, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable navigation guidance.
3Loss of information
If the device provides comprehensive navigation information including route details, then the navigation completeness is improved, but the ease of operation and self-sufficiency for cognitively impaired persons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential directional components needed for navigation (compass rose with cardinal and intercardinal directions) while omitting unnecessary route details. This selective extraction provides sufficient navigation information for independent travel without overwhelming the user with excessive data, thereby improving ease of operation.
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
The device enables cognitively impaired individuals to navigate towards a target location, such as home, with ease, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on caretakers, while maintaining simplicity and avoiding complex feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor arranged for receiving signals from a satellite-based positioning system and arranged for determining a geographic location of the device based on the signals received
Implementation Method 2
The orientation sensor may function as a compass to determine in which direction the visible pointer should point
Data Source
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AI summary
A navigation assistance device for a cognitively impaired person comprising: - a position sensor arranged for receiving signals from a satellite-based positioning system and arranged for determining a geographic location of the device based on the signals received; - an orientation sensor arranged for determining an orientation of the device relative to the earth; - a register arranged for registering a target location; - a processing unit arranged for receiving the position of the device from the position sensor, the orientation of the device from the orientation sensor, and the target location from the register and arranged for determining a pointing direction parameter based on the position of the device, the orientation of the device and the target location; - a pointing unit comprising a visible pointer and arranged for receiving the pointing direction parameter and directing the visible pointer towards the target location based on the pointing direction parameter.