Smart Guide Device for Visually Impaired Using Laser Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for visually impaired individuals cannot accurately determine the height, depth, or distance of obstacles, limiting their ability to navigate safely.
Innovation Solution
A smart guide device equipped with a laser source, ultrasonic sensor, gyroscope, camera, and image processing unit that calculates the height or depth of obstacles by analyzing the refracted laser beam, providing alerts through an output mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional walking sticks or simple obstacle detection devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of obstacle height, depth, and distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (laser ranging, ultrasonic detection, image recognition) into a single integrated guide device. The laser module measures distance, the ultrasonic sensor detects obstacle presence, and the camera captures images for processing, all within one device structure. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimensional obstacle detection (presence/absence) to multi-dimensional measurement by incorporating laser ranging for distance, ultrasonic sensors for height/depth detection, and image processing for visual characterization. This multi-dimensional approach enables precise measurement of obstacle height, depth, and distance simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If simple obstacle detection is implemented, then the ease of operation is high, but the loss of information about obstacle characteristics is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs multi-parameter measurement and analysis without requiring user intervention. The laser module autonomously measures distance, the ultrasonic sensor automatically detects obstacle dimensions, the camera captures images, and the embedded system processes all data to generate comprehensive obstacle information. This self-service operation minimizes information loss while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback to the visually impaired user through audio and haptic outputs about obstacle characteristics including distance, height, depth, and type. This comprehensive feedback loop ensures minimal information loss by conveying all measured parameters to the user in an accessible format.
3Reliability
If multiple sensing modules are integrated, then the reliability of obstacle detection is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic scanning with the laser module rather than continuous operation, activating the laser at intervals to measure distance to obstacles. The ultrasonic sensor and camera operate periodically based on detection needs. This periodic action maintains reliable obstacle detection while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation of all modules.
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 users to safely navigate by accurately measuring the height, depth, and distance of obstacles, differentiating between pits and bumps, and providing critical navigation information.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source attached to the device for generating laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a camera for capturing an image of a refracted laser beam from the obstacle
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic sensor provided near the laser source for measuring a height of the laser source from the ground
Implementation Method 4
a gyroscope is attached to the laser source for maintaining an angle between the laser source and the ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a smart guide device for visually impaired person, wherein the device includes a laser source (101), an ultrasonic sensor (104) provided near the laser source (101), an output mechanism (108) for providing alert to the visually impaired person about any obstacle (109), a gyroscope (102) attached to the laser source (101), a camera (103) for capturing an image (207) of a refracted laser beam (206) from the obstacle (109), an image processing unit (105) for processing the image captured by the camera (103), an embedded system (106) configured to calculate a height of the obstacle (109) based on the image (207) of the refracted laser beam, the height (205) of the laser source (101) and the angle (201) between a laser beam path (204) and the ultrasonic sensor (104).