Wearable Haptic Guidance for Obstacle-Aware Indoor Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assistive devices for visually impaired individuals and the elderly, such as guide dogs and white canes, have limitations in detecting obstacles and require extensive training or resources, while advanced devices like smart glasses with audio feedback can be disruptive and unreliable without GPS or Wi-Fi connections.
Innovation Solution
A haptic guiding system with a wearable electronic device that uses machine vision and AI algorithms to detect obstacles, plan a route, and provide tactile guidance through haptic actuators on the user's torso or limbs, enabling independent navigation without the need for continuous GPS or Internet connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional assistive means like guide dogs and white canes are used, then basic mobility assistance is provided, but detection resolution is low and training time or resource requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical assistive devices (white canes, guide dogs) with an electronic system comprising cameras, processors, and haptic actuators. The system uses computer vision algorithms to detect obstacles and machine learning models to classify them, providing high-resolution detection without requiring user training on device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs autonomous obstacle detection, classification, and route planning without requiring user intervention or training. The electronic device independently processes visual data, identifies obstacles, determines their characteristics (edible vs. non-edible), and provides haptic guidance signals to the user.
2Loss of information
If smart glasses with audio feedback are used, then quantitative and qualitative information is provided, but audio feedback causes headaches and confusion for visually impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces haptic actuators as an intermediary between the obstacle detection system and the user. Instead of directly presenting visual or audio information that may be overwhelming, the system translates obstacle information into intuitive tactile signals (vibrations, pulses) that convey directional and urgency information without causing sensory overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes acoustic feedback mechanisms with haptic feedback mechanisms. The electronic device uses vibration motors or piezoelectric actuators to deliver tactile signals to the user's body, replacing the audio feedback channel that causes discomfort while maintaining effective information transmission.
3Reliability
If GPS and Wi-Fi connected devices are used, then navigation information is provided, but the devices fail to operate properly without reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines obstacle detection, classification, route planning, and navigation guidance in a single wearable device. The system processes visual data locally using onboard processors and machine learning models, enabling it to function independently of external GPS or Wi-Fi connections while providing comprehensive navigation assistance.
4Measurement precision
If head-level obstacles are detected, then comprehensive obstacle awareness is achieved, but conventional devices cannot detect these obstacles effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cameras positioned at different heights and angles to capture a three-dimensional view of the environment. This multi-dimensional approach enables detection of head-level obstacles that single-level sensors would miss, while the processed data is integrated into a unified obstacle model that the user can understand through haptic feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assisting the mobility of a user is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electronic device provided in a device body and a haptic unit. The electronic device includes a sensing unit, a machine vision unit, and a path planning unit. The machine vision unit is connected to the sensing unit and is configured to detect one or more obstacles in a vicinity of the user. The path planning unit is capable of developing a movement route for the user to avoid the one or more obstacles. The haptic unit includes a haptic arrangement having a plurality of haptic actuators adapted to provide a tactile stimulation to the torso or limbs of the user. The plurality of haptic actuators actuate based on the movement commands from the path planning unit to signify a travel direction in which there is no obstacle.