Portable Navigation Device for Visually Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation aids for the visually impaired, such as seeing-eye dogs and elongated sticks, are inadequate for providing accurate and detailed navigation within structures, limiting mobility and independence, as they fail to pinpoint precise locations and provide comprehensive route guidance.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device that calculates the user's position and provides route guidance and description information about surroundings using location transmitters and a terminal, offering audible or sensory communication, enabling step-by-step navigation within buildings and complexes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If seeing-eye dogs are used to assist navigation, then general navigation capability is improved, but training time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological navigation system (seeing-eye dogs) with an electronic navigation system comprising a portable device, location transmitters, and audible output mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive animal training while providing precise location guidance through electronic signals and audio feedback.
2Ease of operation
If seeing-eye dogs are used to assist navigation, then general navigation capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive biological navigation system with a cost-effective electronic system. The portable device with location transmitters and audible output provides navigation services without the high costs associated with dog training and maintenance, making the technology economically accessible.
3Measurement precision
If elongated sticks are used for obstacle detection, then immediate obstacle detection is provided, but no additional navigation benefits are obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device performs multiple functions: it detects obstacles, provides route guidance, identifies locations of interest, and offers descriptive information about surroundings. This multi-functional approach surpasses the single-function elongated stick while maintaining precise obstacle detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If general route guidance maps are used, then general location navigation is provided, but precise locations within structures cannot be pinpointed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional map-based navigation to three-dimensional spatial navigation using location transmitters positioned throughout the structure. The system provides precise positioning within buildings by measuring signals from multiple transmitter locations, enabling navigation to specific rooms, doors, and points of interest rather than just general areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a personal navigation system for providing route guidance and description information to visually impaired users. The system includes a terminal located near an entrance of an area to be traversed. The terminal stores data related to the physical layout of the area. A plurality of location transmitters are distributed about the area and broadcast a signal. A portable electronic device is configured to receive data from the terminal upon entry and determine the location of the user by processing the broadcasted signal of the transmitters. Route guidance is provided to the user via audible or sensory methods. Information may also be provided to the user describing the surrounding area.