Sensor-Guided Robot Navigation for Clear Path Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assistive technologies for vision-impaired individuals, such as white canes and guide dogs, have not evolved significantly in decades, and commercially available electronic travel aids have not seen widespread adoption due to lack of confidence or high costs, limiting effective navigation and object avoidance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device equipped with optical, ultrasonic, and GPS sensors, along with a tactile feedback system, providing clear path detection and object avoidance by analyzing sensor data and offering auditory and haptic feedback to guide users safely through their environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional assistive technologies (white cane, guide dog) are used, then the device simplicity and low cost are maintained, but the navigation capability and object detection precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection task across multiple sensor types (ultrasonic, optical, infrared) positioned at different locations, with each sensor handling specific detection zones and object types, thereby achieving comprehensive precision without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device integrates multiple functions (navigation, object detection, path planning, obstacle avoidance) into a single platform that serves vision-impaired users, replacing multiple separate assistive devices with one multi-functional system
2Reliability
If electronic travel aids with multiple sensors are adopted, then the navigation capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic, optical, and infrared sensors into a single integrated robotic platform with unified processing, merging multiple detection systems that would otherwise require separate devices into one cohesive navigation system
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device acts as an intermediary between the vision-impaired user and the environment, using sensor arrays to perceive surroundings and translating complex environmental data into simple tactile and auditory feedback for the user
3Loss of information
If traditional white cane method is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the information richness and environmental perception capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical white cane detection method with electronic sensor systems (ultrasonic, optical, infrared) that electronically perceive the environment, substituting physical contact-based detection with field-based sensing to capture richer environmental information
4Adaptability or versatility
If guide dog method is used, then the object avoidance capability is provided, but the device availability and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic navigation system provides self-service by autonomously detecting obstacles, planning paths, and navigating without requiring external assistance or training, unlike guide dogs that require extensive training and care
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different user needs by changing operational parameters such as detection sensitivity, feedback frequency, and navigation speed, allowing the same device to serve multiple users with varying mobility and sensory capabilities
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 robotic device enhances navigation independence and confidence for vision-impaired individuals by providing detailed environmental information and safe path guidance, avoiding obstacles and detecting changes in elevation, thereby improving navigation beyond traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic sensors
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A guide system is provided that uses a plurality of sensors to identify and determine a clear path for an ambulatory vision impaired person. The system includes one or more wheels that rotate to propel the system, a platform supported by the one or more wheels and housing a processor, a rigid harness with a haptic feedback grip that is positioned to be grasped by an operator, and one or more sensors configured to sense information about the environment. In operation, the processor analyzes information sensed by the sensors to identify object in the path of the guide system and sends messages to the operator to allow the operator to avoid the identified objects. The messages may be sent to the operator via the haptic feedback grip or audibly via a speaker or via a wireless connection to a haptic or audio device being worn by the operator.