Wearable Vision Assist Device for Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blind or visually impaired individuals face difficulties in determining lighting conditions in their environment, as existing systems often lack tactile feedback and do not automatically adjust lighting based on the presence of others.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising wearable vision assist devices with sensors and processors that acquire lighting and presence data, determining environmental conditions and generating actuation signals to control lighting devices based on user preferences and the presence of individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional lighting switches are made physically actuatable for tactile feedback, then blind or visually impaired persons can determine lighting status, but systems lacking tactile information cannot provide adequate feedback to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable vision assist device as an intermediary between the lighting system and the blind user. The device includes sensors that detect lighting conditions and a processor that generates tactile feedback through a haptic actuator, mediating the information transfer without requiring direct modification of traditional switches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tactile switches with an electronic sensing system combined with haptic feedback. The vision assist device uses optical sensors to detect lighting conditions and generates tactile feedback through electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuators, substituting mechanical switch operation with electronic detection and artificial tactile generation
2Extent of automation
If lighting devices are manually controlled, then users can determine lighting status tactilely, but automatic adjustment based on environmental conditions and user presence is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable vision assist device performs multiple functions: it detects lighting conditions using photodetectors, identifies user presence through motion sensors or proximity sensors, processes this information, and controls lighting devices. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single wearable device
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic lighting control where the lighting devices adjust themselves based on environmental conditions detected by the wearable device. The processor automatically generates actuation signals to turn lighting devices on or off without requiring manual user intervention, making the system self-regulating
3Ease of operation
If lighting devices provide no tactile feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but blind or visually impaired users cannot determine whether lighting devices are on or off
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic actuator in the wearable device serves as an intermediary that translates lighting status information into tactile feedback. Instead of modifying the lighting device itself to provide tactile feedback, the system uses the wearable device as a mediator to convey status information through touch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical tactile switches with an electronic haptic feedback system. The actuator generates tactile sensations through electromagnetic or piezoelectric effects, substituting mechanical switch feedback with electronically controlled tactile stimulation
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system continuously monitors lighting conditions and user presence, then lighting can be automatically adjusted to user preferences, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing where the processor monitors lighting conditions and user presence at regular intervals rather than continuously. The sensors are activated periodically to check for changes in lighting levels or user presence, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to respond to environmental changes and user needs
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
Provides blind or visually impaired users with tactile and audible feedback on lighting conditions and automatically adjusts lighting to preferred settings based on their preferences and the presence of others, enhancing safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensing devices are configured to acquire lighting data corresponding to the environment
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensing devices are configured to acquire presence data corresponding to a presence of one or more individuals in the environment
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a lighting device positioned in an environment that includes acquiring lighting data corresponding to an environment using one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices are communicatively coupled to a processor and a lighting device is positioned in the environment. The method further includes determining from the lighting data, by the processor, a lighting condition of the environment, acquiring presence data corresponding to a presence of one or more individuals in the environment using the one or more sensing devices, determining from the presence data, by the processor, a number of individuals present in the environment, and generating, by the processor, an actuation signal receivable by the lighting device to actuate the lighting device based on the lighting condition of the environment and the presence of both a registered individual and one or more additional individuals in the environment.