JP2914424B2 - Guidance system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a guidance system suitable for use as, for example, a walking aid for a visually impaired person.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, white walking sticks, guide dogs, and the like have been used to assist a visually impaired person in walking. According to white canes and guide dogs, visually impaired persons can recognize and avoid obstacles and steps. However, white canes and guide dogs
The visually impaired did not actively guide them to a destination, and thus was not sufficient to assist the visually impaired in walking.

[0003] As a system for guiding to a destination, for example, a car navigation system is known. Here, FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an example of a conventional car navigation system. Positioning device 103
In this case, a radio wave from an artificial satellite (GPS) 111 for GPS (Global Positioning System) is received, and the current position is measured (positioned), for example, in longitude and latitude.

On the other hand, a destination is set by operating the input device 101, and the MPU unit device 102
Referring to map information stored in a map device (for example, a CD-ROM) 104, a route from the current position to the destination is calculated, and the route is output to the output device 108.
Is displayed with.

[0005] Recently, there is also a system in which, when a turning angle approaches, a notice to that effect and a turning direction are given by voice.

[0006]

When the above-described car navigation system is applied to a device for assisting walking of a visually impaired person, the visually impaired person can be guided to a destination. It becomes possible. However, in the conventional car navigation system, for example, setting of a destination is performed by operating the input device 101 having a plurality of operation buttons. .

Further, the conventional car navigation system is designed to notify the user of an intersection to be turned, as described above. For example, the car navigation system has a curved road, a step on the road, or an obstacle. It wasn't made to let you know. Further, for example, an emergency situation in which a car or the like is approaching has not been reported.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a problem in terms of safety in using a conventional car navigation system for assisting a visually impaired person in walking.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables a visually impaired person to walk safely and easily arrive at a destination. Things.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A guidance system according to the present invention is a guidance system for guiding a user to a destination.
A measuring unit (for example, the positioning device 3 shown in FIG. 1) for measuring the current position of the user, a map information storage unit for storing map information (for example, the map device 4 and the database device 5 shown in FIG. 1), Input means (for example, the input device 1 shown in FIG. 1) for inputting predetermined information by voice, and when a destination is input to the input means, a route to the destination is measured by the measuring means. Calculating means for calculating based on the current location and the map information stored in the map information storing means (for example, the MPU unit device 2 shown in FIG. 1)
, A router device 6, etc.), a detecting means (for example, the sensor device 9 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting the surrounding situation, and a route calculated by the calculating means and the surrounding situation detected by the detecting means, And output means for outputting an image (for example, the output device 8 shown in FIG. 1).

In this guidance system, an emergency judgment means (for example, an emergency detection device 10 shown in FIG. 1) for judging whether the surrounding situation detected by the detection means is in an emergency situation. When further comprising
When the emergency situation determination means determines that the surrounding situation is urgently required, the output means can be notified of the situation. Further, the output means can be informed of the coping method when it is determined by the emergency judging means that there is an emergency situation.

The output means can notify the passing point when the current position measured by the measuring means coincides with a predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating means. Further, when the current position measured by the measuring means coincides with a predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating means, the output means can be informed of the direction to go next.

When the apparatus further includes a current position determining means (for example, the MPU unit device 2 shown in FIG. 1) for determining whether or not the current position measured by the measuring means deviates from the route calculated by the calculating means. When the current position determining means determines that the current position is off the route, the means can notify the fact. Further, when the current position determining unit determines that the current position is out of the route, the output unit can be informed of a method of returning to the route.

[0014] The measuring means can measure its current location based on a radio wave from a satellite or a radio wave from an antenna installed in a building.

[0015] The input means can input predetermined information not only by voice but also by key operation .

[0016]

In the guidance system having the above structure, the current position of the user is measured, and when a destination is input, a route to the destination is calculated based on the current position and the map information, and the route is voiced. And output as images .
Further, the surrounding situation is detected, and the surrounding situation is also output as sound and image . Therefore, for example, if a visually impaired person uses this guidance system,
You can walk easily and safely.

[0017]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of a guidance system according to the present invention. This guidance system is designed to be portable (for example, it can be mounted on the head of a visually impaired person).

The input device 1 includes, for example, a microphone, and can input predetermined information by voice. Further, the input device 1 includes, for example, keys and buttons, and is configured to be able to input predetermined information by operating the keys and buttons. The input device 1 receives, for example, a destination, an instruction to change the destination, an instruction to output surrounding conditions, and the like. The information input to the input device 1 is output to an MPU unit (MPU unit) device 2.

When a voice is input to the input device 1, the voice is recognized, and the voice recognition result is output to the MPU unit 2.

The MPU unit device 2 outputs information corresponding to the information input to the input device 1 based on the output of the positioning device 3 and the contents stored in the map device 4, the database device 5, and the memory device 7. 8 is output. Further, the MPU unit device 2 also controls the router device 6.

The positioning (GPS) device 3 receives a radio wave from a GPS artificial satellite 11, and determines the current position based on the received signal, as in the case of the GPS used in the conventional car navigation system. For example, the current position is obtained by measuring the latitude and longitude (the current position is measured), and supplied to the MPU unit device 2 together with the time data (the time at which the current position is obtained). Although only one artificial satellite 11 is shown in FIG. 1, the positioning device 3 actually selects three or more GPS satellites having good radio wave reception conditions, and transmits radio waves from them. Based on the current location is determined.

The map device 4 is, for example, a CD-RO
M, etc., in which map information is stored. This map information is read by the MPU unit device 2 as necessary.

The database (DataBase) device 5 includes a large-capacity recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk (for example, a MiniDisk (trademark)) or a magnetic tape (for example, a DAT (Digital Audio Tape)). ), For example, a destination, a predetermined transit point on a route to the destination, and a facility (for example, a library that is a public facility) or a store (for example, a supermarket or a grocery store) at that point , Bookstores, etc.). Further, the database device 5 records a route (course) to a destination to which a visually impaired person who uses this system frequently goes. Note that reading and writing of data from and to the database device 5 is controlled by the MPU unit device 2.

The router (Router) device 6 is controlled by the MPU unit device 2 and, when an instruction to change the destination is input to the input device 1, an optimum route to the new destination after the change is input. It is made to calculate. The route calculated by the router device 6 is stored in the memory device 7
And stored in the memory. The route stored in the memory device 7 is read by the MPU unit device 2.

The output device 8 includes, for example, a speaker, and outputs information supplied from the MPU unit device 2 under the control of the MPU unit device 2 by voice.
The output device 8 includes an emergency detection (Emergency) device 1.
Information is also supplied from 0, and this information is also output by voice. The output device 8 also includes a display device such as a CRT or an LCD, for example, and includes the MPU unit device 2 and the emergency detection device 10.
Can be displayed as an image. This is for some visually impaired people
Some people are blind and others have low vision. Output device 8
In the above, whether the information is output as a sound or displayed as an image is determined by operating the input device 1 (hereinafter, when the input device 1 is referred to as an operation, the key or button is operated,
The setting can be made by inputting information to the input device 1 by voice (it is also possible to output both voice and image).

The sensor (Sensor) device 9 includes, for example, an infrared sensor or the like, and detects surrounding conditions. That is, in the sensor device 9, for example, an obstacle (for example, an automobile, a person, a stone, a signboard, a telephone pole, etc.), a step on a road, a degree of bending thereof, a staircase, and a signal state (signals of red, blue, yellow Is detected). The information detected by the sensor device 9 is:
The information is supplied to the emergency detection device 10.

The emergency detection device 10 determines from the information supplied from the sensor device 9 whether or not the surrounding situation is in an emergency situation (emergency situation). This is immediately supplied to the output device 8 for output. Further, the emergency detection device 10 seeks a method for coping with an emergency, and this is also supplied to the output device 8 for output.
When it is determined that the surrounding situation is not an emergency, the emergency detection device 10 supplies the information from the sensor device 9 to the output device 8 and outputs the information as needed.

Next, the operation will be described. In addition,
Now, the map device 4 stores map information as shown in FIG. 2, for example, and the database device 5 stores, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the home of a visually impaired person who is a user of the system. (Home), public facilities such as a post office and a library, and a food store (Food Stor)
e) Store locations such as e) and a bookstore (Book Store), routes R1, R2, R3 from home to public facilities and stores, and passing points A to F on the route are stored.

For example, when a user at home inputs a destination to the input device 1 by voice, the voice is recognized there and supplied to the MPU unit device 2. at the same time,
In the positioning device 3, three or more GPs with good radio wave reception conditions
A satellite for S is selected, and the latitude and longitude at which the satellite is located are obtained based on radio waves transmitted from the satellite. The latitude and longitude are supplied to the MPU unit device 2 together with the time data.

The MPU unit 2 recognizes the current location from the latitude and longitude from the positioning device 3 and calculates a route from the current location to the destination supplied from the input device 1. This is performed by referring to the map device 4 and the database device 5. That is, for example, when the destination input to the input device 1 is, for example, a library,
R1 as a route from home to the library is calculated. In this case, since the route from the home to the library is a route frequently used by the user, the route is stored in the database device 5 as the route R1. The stored route R1 is selected and read.

Then, the MPU unit device 2 refers to the route R1 to find the next direction from the current location,
It is supplied to the output device 8 and output. That is, in the case shown in FIG. 3, the user is now at home,
The message “Go straight to the right” is output by voice. By operating the input device 1, the output of the message from the output device 8 can be performed not only by voice, but also by image only, or by both voice and image. The control of the output device 8 is performed by the MPU unit device 2 in response to the operation of the input device 1.

The MPU unit device 2 recognizes its position on the map from the output of the positioning device 3 and the map information stored in the map device 4, and the user follows the message in FIG. When the vehicle goes straight to the right from home and approaches the passing point B, that is, when the current position coincides with the passing point B, the output device 8 outputs the fact.
Thereby, the user with visual impairment can recognize that he has reached the passing point B.

Further, the MPU unit device 2 refers to the database device 5 and searches for a store or a public facility located near the passage point B. In FIG. 3, since a post office exists near the passage point B, the MPU unit 2
Then, this post office is obtained as a search result, and the output device 8
Output that fact. That is, in this case, for example, a message such as “there is a post office ahead” is output.

Then, the MPU unit device 2 refers to the route R1 to determine the next direction to go, and outputs
And output it. That is, in the case shown in FIG. 3, since the user is now at the passing point B, the message "Go straight down" is output by voice.

Hereinafter, similarly, the passing points C, D, E,
A message is output at F, and the user can arrive at the library by walking according to the message.

Next, there is a case where the user who is a visually impaired person is walking according to the message from the output device 8, but is not aware of the route R1. Therefore, the MPU unit device 2 always determines whether or not the current location obtained from the positioning device 3 is off the route R1. If the MPU unit device 2 determines that the current position is off the route R1, the MPU unit device 2 outputs the fact to the output device 8, thereby informing the user that the user is off the route R1. Further, if necessary, the MPU unit device 2 obtains a route returning to the route R1 from the current position obtained from the positioning device 3 and the map information stored in the map device 4, and sends the route to the output device 8. Output.

As described above, when the user sets the route R1
Even if it deviates from the above, it is made possible to recognize the fact and return to the original route R1.

The road is not always straight, but may be curved. In addition, roads may have steps or other obstacles (eg, cars, people, stones, signs, telephone poles, etc.)
Sometimes there is. In order for a visually impaired person to walk safely, it is necessary to notify that the above-mentioned thing exists on the road. In addition, the state of the traffic light (signal,
Red, blue, or yellow).

Therefore, in the sensor device 9, the surrounding conditions such as obstacles, steps on the road, the degree of the bend, stairs, and the state of the traffic light (whether the signal is red, blue, or yellow) are constantly changed. The emergency detection device 10
Supplied to

The emergency detection device 10 determines from the information supplied from the sensor device 9 whether or not the surrounding situation is in an emergency (emergency), and when it is determined that the situation is an emergency. This is immediately supplied to the output device 8 for output. Thus, for example, when an automobile or the like is approaching a walking user, the user is notified of the fact.

Further, the emergency detection device 10 seeks a method for coping with an emergency, and supplies this to the output device 8 for output. That is, for example, when a car or the like is approaching a walking user, the user is notified of a direction to avoid the car.

When it is determined that the surrounding situation is not an emergency, the emergency detection device 10 supplies information from the sensor device 9 to the output device 8 and outputs the information as needed. That is, when an obstacle such as a telephone pole is detected by the sensor device 9, when the user approaches the telephone pole, the output device 8 outputs that the telephone pole is present in the walking direction. It should be noted that, even when there is no emergency, the emergency detection device 10 can be asked to find a method for dealing with the surrounding situation and output from the output device 8. That is, for example, as described above, when the user approaches the telephone pole,
The direction in which the telephone pole is avoided can be output to the output device 8.

Further, for example, in the case where a traffic signal is detected by the sensor device 9, when the user crosses a certain intersection with the traffic light and the signal is yellow or red,
That is output from the output device 8. Further, when the sensor device 9 detects that the road is curved, when the user is likely to go out of the sidewalk to the road, the fact is output from the output device 8.

Therefore, the user can easily and safely arrive at the destination (the library in the case described above).

Incidentally, the destination may be changed by the user. That is, in the case shown in FIG. 3, for example, at the passage point D, the user may want to go to the bookstore, and the input device 1 may be instructed to change the destination from the library to the bookstore. When receiving the instruction to change the destination, the MPU unit device 2 outputs the changed destination and the current position obtained from the positioning device 3 to the router device 6. The router device 6 calculates an optimal route from the current location to the changed destination. That is, in this case, the optimal route from the passing point D to the bookstore is, for example, the route R
4 (FIG. 3) is required.

The router device 6 supplies the obtained route R4 to the memory device 7 for storage. Then, the MPU unit device 2 replaces the route R1 used so far,
With reference to the route R4 stored in the memory device 7, a direction to go next from the current position is obtained, and supplied to the output device 8 for output. That is, at the passing point D, the route R1
According to the above, a message "go straight ahead" is output, but in this case, since the route R4 is referred to, a message "go straight down" is output.

The output device 8 outputs the direction to the destination bookstore at a predetermined passing point on the route R4.

In the case shown in FIG. 3, since there is an obstacle on the route R4, if the obstacle is a dangerous object such as a running car as described above, the obstacle is immediately taken. That is output from the output device 8, and if the obstacle is, for example, a telephone pole or a parked car, the output device 8 outputs that fact when the user approaches the obstacle. You.

As described above, since the information can be input by voice, the device can be easily handled even if the user is visually impaired. Further, since the surrounding situation is output, it is possible to walk safely. Further, since an emergency situation and a coping method for the emergency situation are notified, it is possible to prevent the user from being harmed.

The case where the present invention is used as a walking aid for a visually impaired person has been described above. However, the present invention is also applicable to a car navigation system, a navigation system for ships and aircraft, and the like. . Furthermore, if sightseeing guide information is stored in the database device 5, it can be used as a sightseeing guide device instead of a bus guide in, for example, a sightseeing bus.

The sightseeing guide information is stored in the database device 5.
If you want to remember this in a travel agency,
If it sells to tourists, the traveler who purchases the database device 5 listens to the tourist guide information at the travel destination using the system shown in FIG. ) Will be able to know.

Further, in this case, the database device 5
In addition, by storing the information of the accommodation reservation ticket and the information for hotel check-in,
The traveler can take a check-in procedure using the database device 5 at a hotel counter.

Further, by storing, for example, the location of a restaurant and information for introducing the same in the database device 5, the device can be used as a device for guiding a restaurant, so to speak. Become.

In the case described with reference to FIG. 3, the passing point is set only at a corner on the route R1. However, if the user is visually impaired, it is not necessary to inform the user only of the corner. May cause anxiety. Therefore, the passing point can be set not only at a corner but also at a key point on the road. In this case, not only the corner, but also the passing point is notified even while the user is traveling straight along the road, so that the user can be given a sense of security.

When all the passing points are output from the output device 8, the user may be annoyed. Therefore, from the output device 8, the user
For example, the passage point can be output only when the input device 1 is operated (for example, only when a predetermined button or key is operated once or a predetermined number of times).

Further, the point where the input device 1 is operated is
Regardless of whether or not it is set as a passing point, it is also possible to cause the output device 8 to output the direction to proceed at that point, the situation at that point, and the like.

In addition to having the router device 6 calculate the route when the destination is changed, for example, when the route obtained by the MPU unit device 2 cannot reach the destination due to construction or the like, It is also possible to calculate a detour route.

Further, in this embodiment, the positioning device 3
Based on radio waves from the PS satellite (artificial satellite 11),
Although the present location is obtained, when the guidance system shown in FIG. 1 is used in a building such as a hospital, for example, an antenna for emitting a predetermined radio wave is installed in the building, and the positioning device 3 is attached to the building. Can determine the current location based on radio waves from the antenna.

[0059]

As described above, according to the guidance system of the present invention, the current position of the user is measured, and when the destination is input, the route to the destination is determined based on the current position and the map information. The route is calculated, and the route is output as sound and image . In addition, surrounding conditions have been detected,
The surrounding situation is also output as audio and images . Therefore, for example, when a visually impaired person uses this guidance system, it is possible to easily and safely walk to a destination.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a guidance system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing map information stored in a map device 4 of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in a database device 5 of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a conventional car navigation system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 input device 2 MPU unit device 3 positioning device 4 map device 5 database device 6 router device 7 memory device 8 output device 9 sensor device 10 emergency detection device 11 artificial satellite 101 input device 102 MPU unit device 103 positioning device 104 map device 105 output Equipment 111 artificial satellite

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01C 21/00 A61F 9/08 305 A61H 3/06

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A guiding system for guiding a user to a destination, comprising: measuring means for measuring a current position of the user; map information storing means for storing map information; and inputting predetermined information by voice. Input means, when the destination is input to the input means, a route to the destination based on the current location measured by the measurement means and the map information stored in the map information storage means. Calculating means for calculating; detecting means for detecting surrounding conditions; and the route calculated by the calculating means and the surrounding conditions detected by the detecting means, by voice and
An output system for outputting an image . 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an emergency determination unit configured to determine whether the surrounding situation detected by the detection unit is in a situation to be dealt with urgently. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the surrounding situation is in a situation that should be dealt with urgently, the fact is notified. 3. The output means, when it is determined by the emergency determination means that the situation is urgently required,
The guidance system according to claim 2, wherein the coping method is notified. 4. When the current position measured by the measuring means coincides with a predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating means, the output means notifies the passing point. The guidance system according to claim 1. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the current position measured by the measuring means coincides with a predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating means, the output means informs of a next direction to go. The guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. A current position judging means for judging whether or not the current position measured by the measuring means deviates from the route calculated by the calculating means, wherein the output means is provided by the current position judging means. The guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when it is determined that the current location is deviated from the route, a notification to that effect is provided. 7. The guide according to claim 6, wherein the output unit notifies a method of returning to the route when the current position determination unit determines that the current position is out of the route. system. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said measuring means measures its own current location based on a radio wave from a satellite or a radio wave from an antenna installed in a building.
The guidance system according to any one of the above. 9. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit can input the predetermined information not only by voice but also by key operation .