Thermal Sensor Cane for Non-Contact Human Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals who are blind face challenges in navigating their environment and identifying people without physical contact, which can lead to accidental interactions or embarrassment.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with thermal IP sensors to detect humans and pets, using haptic motors to provide feedback on the presence and orientation of warm bodies, allowing users to determine if an object is a person without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact is used to detect obstacles, then the ability to identify people is improved, but the risk of accidental interactions and embarrassment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (blind cane with sensors and processor) that mediates between the blind user and the environment. The device detects objects through non-contact means (thermal sensors, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and translates this information into tactile feedback for the user, eliminating the need for direct physical contact while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct physical contact with non-contact sensing systems. Thermal infrared sensors detect heat signatures, LIDAR uses laser light reflection, and ultrasonic sensors use sound wave echo-location. These substitutions eliminate the need for physical touch while providing accurate object detection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact detection methods are used, then the risk of accidental interactions is reduced, but the ability to identify people may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system that combines thermal infrared detection, LIDAR imaging, and ultrasonic sensing. This universal approach allows the device to identify people through multiple independent methods, cross-validating results to maintain high identification accuracy while avoiding physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the user through tactile vibrations on the cane handle, indicating the presence, distance, and direction of detected objects. This feedback mechanism ensures the user receives accurate information about people in the environment without requiring physical contact to verify their identity.
3Measurement precision
If thermal sensors are used to detect heat sources, then the ability to detect people is improved, but false detection of non-person heat sources may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (thermal infrared, LIDAR, ultrasonic) into a single integrated system. The processor combines the data streams from all sensors, using thermal detection as one component among others. This combination allows cross-validation where thermal signals are confirmed by spatial and distance information from LIDAR and ultrasonic sensors, eliminating false detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters and thresholds based on environmental conditions. The processor analyzes the pattern, intensity, and temporal characteristics of thermal signals alongside data from other sensors, adapting its identification criteria to distinguish human heat signatures from animal, plant, or inanimate heat sources.
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 blind individuals to navigate their environment safely by providing tactile feedback on the presence and orientation of people, reducing the risk of accidental interactions and enhancing their independence.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor component configured to detect heat sources within a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices and methods detect obstacles and/or people and then communicate that information to a user. One mobile device senses people and their relative angle orientation. Then it communicates the angle to the user. An apparatus uses a sensor component to detect heat sources within a field of view. In response to an object being detected, a processing component determines whether the object is a heat source; and, if the object is a heat source, a feedback component alerts the user. One method includes receiving a notification that an object is in a field of view of a device and a temperature of the object. A determination is made as to whether the object is a person based on the temperature. In response to determining that the object is a person, a user is alerted.