Smart Glasses and Cane Guidance for Faster Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired individuals face challenges in navigating obstacles due to limited availability of guide dogs and the inefficiency of using canes for obstacle detection, which is slow and inconvenient, especially in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A walking assistance system comprising smart glasses with a camera, image processor, audio output, and wireless communication, and a cane with a vibrator, that uses augmented reality to provide guidance through virtual Braille blocks, which are detected by the camera, and a cane with a vibrator, that uses augmented reality to provide guidance through virtual Braille blocks, which are detected by the camera, and a cane with a vibrator, that uses augmented reality to provide guidance through virtual Braille blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cane is used for obstacle detection by tapping the road surface, then the visually impaired can detect obstacles, but the sensing speed is slow and it is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tapping method with an optical system (camera) to capture images of the road surface, which are then processed by an image processor to detect obstacles. This substitution of mechanical sensing with optical sensing significantly increases the speed of obstacle detection while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and image processor between the user and the obstacle detection function. This intermediary system processes visual information and converts it into tactile feedback through the cane, enabling faster obstacle detection while maintaining the user's existing interaction method.
2Ease of operation
If guide dogs are used for assistance, then mobility is improved, but the supply is very low compared to demand and costs about 200 million Won to raise one guide dog
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the guide dog's assistance function through a smart cane system. Instead of relying on actual guide dogs, the system uses a camera to capture the environment, processes the images to identify obstacles and paths, and provides tactile guidance through the cane, effectively copying the guide dog's navigation assistance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biological guide dog system with an automated optical-mechanical system. The camera captures visual information, the image processor analyzes the road surface and obstacles, and the vibrator provides tactile feedback, substituting the biological guidance mechanism with an automated technological system.
3Reliability
If a cane is used to detect obstacles by tapping the road surface, then obstacle detection is possible, but it is difficult to understand complex signal systems on the road or sensing directionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that captures and analyzes complex road signals. The camera captures images of traffic signs, road markings, and other visual information, while the image processor interprets these complex signals and converts them into simplified tactile feedback for the user, enabling understanding of complex road navigation cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical tapping method with an optical recognition system that can identify and interpret complex road signals such as traffic signs, directional markings, and complex intersections. The image processor analyzes these visual cues and provides directed tactile guidance, enabling the user to understand and navigate complex road environments.
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
Enhances mobility and safety for visually impaired individuals by providing real-time obstacle detection and guidance through tactile feedback, allowing them to navigate more efficiently and confidently.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (110) to acquire image information about a forward path
Implementation Method 2
a vibrator (210) to output vibration based on the recognition information
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a walking assistance system for a visually impaired person, the system comprising: smart glasses wearable by a user and including a camera, an image processor, a sound output unit, and a first wireless communication part; and a stick including a vibrator and a second wireless communication part, wherein: the camera acquires image information on a forward path; and the image processor analyzes the type of forward path and the types of obstacles on the basis of the image information, generates guidance information corresponding to the type of forward path and the types of obstacles, and outputs the guidance information through the sound output unit.