RFID Tag Navigation System for Visually Impaired
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aid systems for visually impaired or blind people are not accurate enough for indoor use, do not provide sufficient information about surrounding objects, and require continuous mapping and updating, limiting their independence and ability to navigate unfamiliar spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors on tags to measure physical quantities, allowing users to detect objects' conditions and nature in real-time, without pre-loaded maps or continuous third-party updates, enabling accurate location and identification of objects, obstacles, and environmental parameters, and providing guidance through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS system is used for location determination, then the device can provide location information, but the accuracy is insufficient (deviation reaches several meters) and it is not usable in indoor spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects placed throughout the indoor space. These tags act as mediators between the user's cane and the indoor environment, enabling accurate location determination within buildings where GPS fails. The tags create a localized positioning infrastructure that bridges the gap between outdoor GPS capability and indoor navigation needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic system with an RFID-based near-field communication system for indoor positioning. This substitution enables accurate indoor location determination by using radio frequency fields at close range rather than relying on satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings effectively.
2Measurement precision
If RFID sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the system can detect tags in close proximity, but the detection range is limited to a few centimeters and cannot detect obstacles suddenly interposed along the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RFID technology with ultrasonic sensors to create a hybrid detection system. The RFID component provides accurate close-range identification of tagged objects, while the ultrasonic sensor extends the detection range to detect obstacles suddenly interposed in the path, combining the strengths of both technologies to overcome their individual limitations.
3Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi communication technology is used for localization, then the system can determine space position, but the accuracy is poor (deviation of one to three meters) and requires static mapping that must be periodically updated by third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service positioning system where the cane autonomously queries RFID tags along its path to determine its location, eliminating the need for external mapping updates by third parties. The system serves itself by using the distributed RFID tag infrastructure to continuously update position information without requiring periodic recalibration or external intervention.
4Loss of information
If a portable device with multiple sensors is provided to improve detection capability, then more information can be obtained, but the device complexity increases and requires training for the user to learn how to move the detecting device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the cane autonomously performs environmental scanning and obstacle detection without requiring user training. The device automatically queries RFID tags, detects obstacles, and provides navigation guidance, eliminating the need for users to learn complex manual scanning techniques while maintaining comprehensive environmental awareness.
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 individuals to navigate and interact with their environment independently by accurately identifying objects and obstacles, updating information in real-time, and alerting users to changes or dangers, thus enhancing their mobility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor 29 is at least one among: light sensors, sound sensors, acceleration sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, heat sensors
Implementation Method 2
The local receiver 3 is intended to receive at least the data signal transmitted from the first tag 2 and from the second tag 6 and to detect at least one three-dimensional space location of said first 2 and second 6 tags
Implementation Method 3
The tag 2 further comprises a transceiver 21, 61 in communication with the integrated circuit 22, intended to transmit a data signal containing at least one identification code of said first tag 2 and to receive a data signal
Data Source
AI summary
An aid system for the visually impaired or blind includes a first tag positionable on an object and having a first receiver/transmitter that receives an interrogation and transmits a data signal containing an identification code, a user interface device for a user associated to a second tag having a second receiver/transmitter that transmits a data signal containing an identification code of the user interface device and receives a data signal; a local receiver detecting a location of the first and second tags, and a control unit communicating with the local receiver and storing data, wherein the data signals contain: from the tag to the receiver, the identification code; from the receiver to the control unit, the identification code and the location of the first and second tags; and from the control unit to the user interface device, the location and identification code of the first tag.