Vision-Assist Apparatus for Blind Vehicle Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually-impaired individuals face difficulties in determining when and where a vehicle, such as a taxi or bus, has arrived, as existing mobile applications are not effectively designed for their needs.
Innovation Solution
A vision-assist apparatus that includes a computing device and output device, capable of receiving vehicle location data and providing audio and tactile instructions to guide the user to the vehicle, while also detecting obstacles and adjusting routes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mobile applications are used to communicate vehicle location to users, then information about vehicle arrival can be transmitted, but visually-impaired users cannot effectively utilize this information due to lack of accessible presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display mechanisms with audio output mechanisms. The system substitutes graphical interface elements with spoken instructions and audio cues that convey vehicle location, arrival status, and navigation directions to visually-impaired users through sound rather than sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output modality from visual parameters (screen display, text) to auditory parameters (voice synthesis, audio signals). This parameter transformation makes the information accessible to users who cannot process visual data, converting the presentation format to match the user's sensory capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If general navigation systems are used, then route information can be provided, but specific real-time vehicle position guidance for visually-impaired users is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system continuously receives real-time vehicle position data from GPS and other sensors, processes this information, and provides updated audio guidance to the user. The system monitors the user's progress and adjusts instructions dynamically based on current position data, ensuring accurate real-time guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates multiple possible routes and prepares navigation instructions in advance. When the vehicle is located, the system has route options ready and can immediately provide turn-by-turn audio directions without delay, enabling quick response to real-time conditions.
3Productivity
If simple arrival notifications are provided, then users are informed when a vehicle arrives, but users cannot determine the exact location or how to reach the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent breaks down the navigation process into segmented audio instructions: vehicle arrival notification, specific location description (e.g., 'vehicle is on your left'), step-by-step direction to reach the vehicle, and boarding guidance. Each segment provides specific actionable information that guides the user through the process sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates raw GPS coordinates and vehicle position data into natural language audio descriptions. This intermediary converts technical position data into human-understandable directions like 'walk forward 10 meters and turn left' rather than providing raw coordinate information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for directing a vision-impaired user to a vehicle are disclosed. One embodiment of a system includes a vision-assist apparatus that includes an output device for communicating data that is perceptible by a vision-impaired user and a computing device that is coupled to the output device. The computing device may include a processor and memory that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the vision-assist apparatus to receive an indication that the vehicle has arrived at a predetermined location, receive, from the vehicle computing device, a specific real-time position of the vehicle in the predetermined location, and determine a route to direct the vision-impaired user to the specific real-time position. In some embodiments, the logic further causes the vision-assist apparatus to provide instructions to traverse the route to the specific real-time position for output by the output device.