Tactile Mobility Map with External Audio Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility maps for visually impaired individuals are cumbersome, require memorization of symbols, and are not cost-effective due to integration of audio equipment, limiting their accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tactile plane with embedded tactile markers linked to audio recordings, using a pressure signal to trigger audio playback via an electronic box, and a dome keyboard for efficient interaction, allowing modular and affordable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS and audio equipment are integrated into the mobility card, then location and audio functionality are provided, but the card becomes too expensive and not affordable for all users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive GPS and audio equipment from the mobility card itself, separating these functions into an external audio device. The mobility card retains only the essential tactile map and pressure-sensitive switch components, making it affordable and accessible while still providing location and audio functionality through the external device connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch boards are combined with the audio electronic box, then different places can be visited by installing appropriate touch boards, but the system takes up a lot of space and is not easy to carry everywhere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mobility system into separate modular components: tactile planes for different locations are created as separate segments that can be individually stored and exchanged. Each tactile plane can be independently manufactured and stored in compact form, allowing users to carry only the specific plane needed for their current destination rather than transporting a complete system for all possible locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-layer hierarchical mobility system is implemented, then visually impaired people can move freely within structures and geographical levels, but the mobility card becomes heavier and takes up a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hierarchical navigation information from a single heavy multi-layer card and distributes it across multiple lightweight tactile planes. Each plane contains navigation information for a specific level or location, eliminating the need to carry aċé multi-layer card while maintaining the ability to navigate across multiple hierarchical levels by exchanging planes as needed.
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 spatial orientation through tactile and auditory feedback, reducing the need for symbol memorization and providing cost-effective, portable navigation assistance.
Implementation Method 1
transformation, by the keyboard, of a pressure applied to a tactile marker of the tactile plane into an electronic signal transmitted to the electronic audio box
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for spatial representation of regions of interest for a visually impaired or blind person, comprising the following elements: - at least one tactile map (1) comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the tactile map (1) having tactile reference marks (12, 13, 14, 15) on the top surface and corresponding contact areas on the bottom surface, each tactile reference mark being structurally connected to a region of interest; - a keyboard with a matrix of contact points configured to come into contact with the corresponding contact areas in response to pressure exerted on the tactile map (1) positioned on the keyboard; - an electronic audio box which can be actuated by the keyboard, the electronic audio box being provided with a multitude of audio recordings, each audio recording being associated with each tactile reference mark on the top surface of the tactile map (1).