Wearable Vibration Warning System for Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for warning hearing and/or sight impaired individuals of obstacles and hazards are limited, as they primarily rely on sound recognition and do not provide specific messages to aid in avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A warning system that includes a radio or audible source transmitting signals, which are received by a processing device and converted into tactile vibrations on a wearable device, providing directional and distance information about obstacles or hazards through a belt with multiple vibration devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sound recognition systems are used to warn hearing impaired persons, then some warning capability is provided, but the system cannot provide specific directional and distance information to aid in obstacle avoidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic warning mechanisms with tactile vibration feedback. Multiple vibration devices are positioned around a wearable belt to provide directional tactile cues, substituting the need for complex auditory processing with simpler tactile sensation that directly indicates obstacle location and distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The warning system is segmented into multiple independent vibration devices positioned at different locations around the wearable belt. Each vibration device can be independently activated to provide spatially distributed tactile information, allowing the system to convey directional and distance data about obstacles without requiring a single complex warning mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple vibration devices are positioned around a wearable belt to provide directional information, then specific location data is communicated to the user, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the wearable belt are assigned different functions based on their spatial position. Vibration devices at specific locations correspond to specific directional zones, allowing the system to provide precise directional information about obstacles. Each location on the belt has a specialized role in conveying spatial information about hazards in corresponding directions.
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
Effectively alerts users to the location and proximity of obstacles or hazards, enabling them to take appropriate action, even in noisy environments or situations where visual cues are absent.
Implementation Method 1
at least two receiver devices that are adapted to receive the radio signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one vibration device... vibrating at least one vibration device to communicate a tactile message
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for alerting persons of obstacles and/or approaching hazards are provided. Embodiments may include a warning system that includes a radio source configured to transmit a radio signal and a warning device. The warning device may include at least one vibration device, at least two receiver devices configured to receive the radio signal, and a processing device operably coupled to at least two receiver devices and at least one vibration device, wherein the processing device is configured to determine at least a direction and a distance to the radio source from the warning device and configured to transmit a vibration signal to at least one vibration device based upon the determined direction and distance to the radio source from the warning device.