CA2625938A1 - Walking aid for a visually disabled person - Google Patents
Walking aid for a visually disabled person Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2625938A1 CA2625938A1 CA002625938A CA2625938A CA2625938A1 CA 2625938 A1 CA2625938 A1 CA 2625938A1 CA 002625938 A CA002625938 A CA 002625938A CA 2625938 A CA2625938 A CA 2625938A CA 2625938 A1 CA2625938 A1 CA 2625938A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- user
- housing
- walking aid
- earphone
- gps unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
- G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
- G01S19/13—Receivers
- G01S19/14—Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
- A61H3/061—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
- A61H3/068—Sticks for blind persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
- A61H2003/046—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons with braking means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
- A61H2201/5023—Interfaces to the user
- A61H2201/5048—Audio interfaces, e.g. voice or music controlled
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
- H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
- H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72475—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones specially adapted for disabled users
- H04M1/72481—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones specially adapted for disabled users for visually impaired users
Abstract
A walking aid for assisting a visually disabled user is provided. The walking aid consists of an elongated housing having a handle at one end and a distal end opposite the handle. A wheel is mounted to the distal end of the housing, the wheel being mounted to the housing by a swivel mount permitting the wheel to swivel in any direction in response to the user moving the walking aid. The length of the housing is selected such that the user can comfortably hold the handle of the walking aid while walking with the wheel supporting the housing by rolling along the ground.
The housing contains a cell phone which is coupled to an earphone and microphone interface worn by the user. The earphone/microphone interface permits the user to operate the cell phone device to make and receive telephone calls. A GPS unit is contained in the housing. The GPS
unit has a voice interface which is configured to receive a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands. The voice interface is further configured to transmit GPS
information, such as location, direction of travel, speed and directions as voice messages. The earphone and microphone interface is configured to couple to the GPS unit such that the user can transmit voice commands to the GPS unit the microphone and the GPS unit can transmit the voice messages to the user through the earphone.
The housing contains a cell phone which is coupled to an earphone and microphone interface worn by the user. The earphone/microphone interface permits the user to operate the cell phone device to make and receive telephone calls. A GPS unit is contained in the housing. The GPS
unit has a voice interface which is configured to receive a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands. The voice interface is further configured to transmit GPS
information, such as location, direction of travel, speed and directions as voice messages. The earphone and microphone interface is configured to couple to the GPS unit such that the user can transmit voice commands to the GPS unit the microphone and the GPS unit can transmit the voice messages to the user through the earphone.
Description
CROSS REFERENCF, TO RELATF;i' 1^~I'P: ,ICATION: The present application claims the benefiit of US provisional applicatior, -,o. 60i9~J7,632 filed April 12, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TITLE: Walking Aid for a Visually Disabled Person FIEI.D OF THE INVEN"i'ION
`I'he invention relates generally to walking aids for visually disabled people.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTEoN.
Visually disabled people hav. >: great deal of trouble traveling independently. Being unable to see, it is difficult for visualiy disabled people to safely cross streets, enter and exit buildings, or even walk down a crowded street. Most visually impaired people are often intimidated by the numerous haz~.irw;: :,nti obstacles which can interfere with the sale navigation of an urban center. For example. +;rc~~c~:irg an intersection displaying a green light is a trivial matter for a sighted person, but for s~~tr, -)ne suffering from visual impairment it is a daunting challenge. Firstly, there is usually n-vay a visually impaired person can make out if the intei-section light is green or not TF ,-~ :s oiten difficult for the visually impaired person to locate the exact location of the strcd = wh su that he/she does not stumble and to orient themselves correctly so that the~v cres'. the iniersection in the right direction. There is also the real fear that the visually impaired p~:,r5on may bump into another pedestrian, stumble on a pot hole or accidentally walk into ou,~oitra.ftr, . As a result, most people who suffei- sever visual I
impairtnent wait for a sighted person to assist them in crossing the street.
Even walking down the street to a store can be quite difficult fOr a sightless person because it is nearly impossible to maintain the correct orientation while walking to ensure that one does not walk off the sidewalk.
In addition to pedestrian traffic, urban street- are often dotted with obstacles such as post boxes.
(yarbage cans, signs, pols and the like. !'c tholes, cracks in the pavement and sti-eet curbs are other obstacles which a sightless persor, mUSt try to avoid while walking. Since it is all but impossible to read street signs or other location cluc .s without at least some vision, it is also quite easy for a visually impaired person to become lost and disoriented when walking even a short distance. As a result, visually impaired people hm,e a tendency to refrain from traveling outside the honie.
A variety of aids have been introduced to try to increase the mobility of visually impaired people. The white cane was introduced decades ago to provide some level of sensory input for a blind (or visually impaired) person. With the cane, a person can avoid walking into objects such as walls or post boxes and may ever= k., -ible `o "feel" the location of street curves. While helpful, canes have limited applicabili,.,, Firstly, they are generally unable to sense pot holes or small obstructions in the pavement ahe:~~-'. They can not be used to properly orient an individual to ensure that the individual walks in th: right direction and they cannot warn against an obstruction which is more than a mc:c: .,.vay.
Seeing eye dogs are another innovation which h oneself in the right which may add to the sense of helplessness and vulnerability which the visually impaired person may experience.
These specially trained dobs can greatlr increase a person's mobility. A
properly trained dog can help the user avoid obstacles and av->r1 trailic They do have a series of Iimitations, however. In addition to the amount of maintenanc- ;:.Lt they require, trained dogs cannot communicate the user's location, cannot ward the user alic~ithey have walked passed the desired destination and they cannot provide the user with instruc.tiorrs when the user is lost. As a result, an improved walking aid for use by visually impai,c: User, is desirc=d.
SUMMARY OF THE INVEN"ill?N
The present invention is a walking aid for assisting a visually disabled user which ovei-comes the disadvantage of the prior= art. The walking aid consists of an elongated housing liaving a handle at one end and a distal end opposite the handle. A wheel is mounted to the distal end of the housing, the wheel being mounted to the housing by a swivel mount permitting the IO wheel to swivel in any direction in response to the user moving the walking aid. The length of' the housing is selected such that the usor can comfortably hold the handle of the walking aid while walking with the wheel suppo(Iin& the housing by rolling along the ground. The housing contains a cell phone which is coupl, an carphone and microphone interface worn by the user. The earphone/microphone inter'i ,,u peririts the user to operate the cell phone device to make and receive telephone calls. A._ unit is contained in the housing. "The GPS unit has a voice interface which is configured tt.i r-eceivc; a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands. 'i'he voice interface is fifriizc.r ~~~rifigured to transmit GPS
information, such as location, direction of travel, speedan{1 directions as voice messages. The earphone and microphone interface is contigured tc.=:oileplc to the GPS unit such that the user can transmit voice commands to the GPS unit thr:ugi~ th:.- microphone and the GPS unit can transmit the voice messages to the user through tI ,irr.ho+ie.
TITLE: Walking Aid for a Visually Disabled Person FIEI.D OF THE INVEN"i'ION
`I'he invention relates generally to walking aids for visually disabled people.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTEoN.
Visually disabled people hav. >: great deal of trouble traveling independently. Being unable to see, it is difficult for visualiy disabled people to safely cross streets, enter and exit buildings, or even walk down a crowded street. Most visually impaired people are often intimidated by the numerous haz~.irw;: :,nti obstacles which can interfere with the sale navigation of an urban center. For example. +;rc~~c~:irg an intersection displaying a green light is a trivial matter for a sighted person, but for s~~tr, -)ne suffering from visual impairment it is a daunting challenge. Firstly, there is usually n-vay a visually impaired person can make out if the intei-section light is green or not TF ,-~ :s oiten difficult for the visually impaired person to locate the exact location of the strcd = wh su that he/she does not stumble and to orient themselves correctly so that the~v cres'. the iniersection in the right direction. There is also the real fear that the visually impaired p~:,r5on may bump into another pedestrian, stumble on a pot hole or accidentally walk into ou,~oitra.ftr, . As a result, most people who suffei- sever visual I
impairtnent wait for a sighted person to assist them in crossing the street.
Even walking down the street to a store can be quite difficult fOr a sightless person because it is nearly impossible to maintain the correct orientation while walking to ensure that one does not walk off the sidewalk.
In addition to pedestrian traffic, urban street- are often dotted with obstacles such as post boxes.
(yarbage cans, signs, pols and the like. !'c tholes, cracks in the pavement and sti-eet curbs are other obstacles which a sightless persor, mUSt try to avoid while walking. Since it is all but impossible to read street signs or other location cluc .s without at least some vision, it is also quite easy for a visually impaired person to become lost and disoriented when walking even a short distance. As a result, visually impaired people hm,e a tendency to refrain from traveling outside the honie.
A variety of aids have been introduced to try to increase the mobility of visually impaired people. The white cane was introduced decades ago to provide some level of sensory input for a blind (or visually impaired) person. With the cane, a person can avoid walking into objects such as walls or post boxes and may ever= k., -ible `o "feel" the location of street curves. While helpful, canes have limited applicabili,.,, Firstly, they are generally unable to sense pot holes or small obstructions in the pavement ahe:~~-'. They can not be used to properly orient an individual to ensure that the individual walks in th: right direction and they cannot warn against an obstruction which is more than a mc:c: .,.vay.
Seeing eye dogs are another innovation which h oneself in the right which may add to the sense of helplessness and vulnerability which the visually impaired person may experience.
These specially trained dobs can greatlr increase a person's mobility. A
properly trained dog can help the user avoid obstacles and av->r1 trailic They do have a series of Iimitations, however. In addition to the amount of maintenanc- ;:.Lt they require, trained dogs cannot communicate the user's location, cannot ward the user alic~ithey have walked passed the desired destination and they cannot provide the user with instruc.tiorrs when the user is lost. As a result, an improved walking aid for use by visually impai,c: User, is desirc=d.
SUMMARY OF THE INVEN"ill?N
The present invention is a walking aid for assisting a visually disabled user which ovei-comes the disadvantage of the prior= art. The walking aid consists of an elongated housing liaving a handle at one end and a distal end opposite the handle. A wheel is mounted to the distal end of the housing, the wheel being mounted to the housing by a swivel mount permitting the IO wheel to swivel in any direction in response to the user moving the walking aid. The length of' the housing is selected such that the usor can comfortably hold the handle of the walking aid while walking with the wheel suppo(Iin& the housing by rolling along the ground. The housing contains a cell phone which is coupl, an carphone and microphone interface worn by the user. The earphone/microphone inter'i ,,u peririts the user to operate the cell phone device to make and receive telephone calls. A._ unit is contained in the housing. "The GPS unit has a voice interface which is configured tt.i r-eceivc; a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands. 'i'he voice interface is fifriizc.r ~~~rifigured to transmit GPS
information, such as location, direction of travel, speedan{1 directions as voice messages. The earphone and microphone interface is contigured tc.=:oileplc to the GPS unit such that the user can transmit voice commands to the GPS unit thr:ugi~ th:.- microphone and the GPS unit can transmit the voice messages to the user through tI ,irr.ho+ie.
DE.SCRIPTION OF T'HE DRAWIN+ :-, FIGURE 1. is a perspective view of;? aid made in accordance with the invention showing the end portion in its first a d :,.;ond positions.
FIGURE 2. is a side view of a persoo -,vearing the headphone portion of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of th(:: c:od phone, GPS unit, obstacle detector and cornmunications interface portions ot'thi- present invention.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different tlgures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE I[~VENTION
Referring firstly to figurf I. aNyalking aid for use by a visually impaired or blind person made in accordance with the present irv:;ntion is shown generally as item 10 and consists of an elongated shaft (housing) 12 having Fax): ile portion 14 and pivoting end portion 16. A swivelling wheel 18 is movably connected to pi..;oting end 16, which is in turn pivotally connected to shaft 12 via pivotal connection 20. Wheei "k~s movably connected to end 16 by means of swivel connector 22 such that the wheel can sw=s. el vround in any direction. Swivel connectors suitable for use as connector 22 ar=e readily ati,a:labIe on the market. Pivotal connector 20 is configured to permit end 16 to pivot between a lowe: CO position as shown in figure 1(item A) wherein end 16 is at an angle relative to shaft 12 and ;,t + xtended position (item B) wherein end 16 and shaft 12 are coaxially aligned and straight. Th- .:evice is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the walking stick in eithe:, a: aargled or extended positions. The lock mechanism may comprise a simple latch which locks '.he device in either its angled or extended position. Various locking mechanisms suitable lor use : i=~tE;b the device in either position are readily found in the market. The lengths of liousing a;:d end portion 16, and the angle between end portion 16 and housing 12 are all selected such when the device is in its angled position, the device can be comfortably held by the user so that end portion 16 is substantially vertically oriented.
The device also has a brake nf:c'a>misrn 19 operatively coupled to wheel 18 and to brake Ieaver 21. When break Ieaver 21 is crr4~j~.;ed. the break mechanism locks wheel I 8 in place, preventing the wheel from turning. i-neehanism 19 preferably comprises a brake caliper as foLmd in bicycles which can be engaged ".-y a pulling on a brake cable (not shown) which runs along housing 12 to bake leaver 21. Silueezing brake lever 21 causes tension to be applied to the brake cable which in turn causes tiie brakc ca!iber 19 mounted adjacent wheel 18 to brake. Brake mechanism using calipers and cables .3rk: available in the marketplace.
Shaft 12 is provided with clips 24 for mounting a standard folding walking stick (not shown). Solar panels 26 are provided o! shift 12 to provide electrical power to the various components of the apparatus, as shar- .~- ~nore completely described later.
Strap 28 is also provided on shaft 12 to make the ai~~to carry. Preferably, shaft 12 is made of extruded aluminum or some other sturdy by li _itr rnateria.l such as plastic.
Shaft 12 houses a number of dcvices which add synergistically to the usefulness of the walking aid. For example, hand ~ort.on 14 contains a built in cell phone 30 which is enclosed in a water proof compartme,n_t Ircated adjacent the handle. Buttons 32 are positioned on handle 14 to enable the user to quick!, anu f-~asily access the cell phone when required. GPS unit 34 is also provided in a water proof f ..o,.i!p-.:.:-tinent contained within shaft/housing 12. The GPS
unit is preferably coupled to an emer=.;vn+:.y communication and navigation system similar to those used with the ON STAR'"' systeai to permit the user to receive not only position information but also to u-ansmitinfoi ii-ration s" a remote control center in the event of an emergency. As shall more particula1\1 hE, ea;plained below, GPS unit 34 has a voice interface which is configured to receive operating instructions as voice commands and to transmit GPS
inforrnation, such as location, direct:~,i, travel, speed and directions as voice messages. Cell phone 30 may also have a radio featur:., 7r alternatively, a separate am-fm or even satellite radio may be built into a water tight comp,~r'mcr; in shaft 12. Cell phone 30 and GPS unit 34 (along with any radio device) are operatively coupled to speaker 36 so that the user can hear either the cell phone conversation or the GPS voice messages. Volume, tuner and on/off switches 38 are positioned adjacent handle 14 to maketh?m readily accessible to the user.
End portion 16 is provided with an ob.stacle detection device 40 which is adapted and configured to warn of any object a few rr)e!,_-rs in front of the detection device. Since end portion 16 is substantially vertically oriented v-v.-r, the device is placed in its angled orientation, detection device can be used to dete~,< i4-~:z:ctc: .mmediately in front of the walking aid device, such as stairs or a curb. Obstacle de c;;' ~r~ de, ice 40 may comprise cluster of several ditferent sensors including one or more simplf: ;nf:arec: LED-sensor pairs. Each LED-sensor pair includes an infrared LED for directionally be,-I;rain;, an infrared signal in front of device 10 and an infrared sensor for sensing any of the infrared siglal which has been reflected back.
Srritable infrared F.F:Ds and sensors are available in th(-- rYr-jrket_ As more particularly described below, detection device 40 is coupled to a control 60 (~ce figure 3) which is configured to generate an audible warning when an obstacle is 1A front of detection device 40.
Electronic sensor device 40, cell phone 30.a.nd GPS u!.Iarr -tll powered by rechargeable batteries contained in battery compartment 42. Therochaq,~-,4~,'- ra?teries contained in battery compartment 42 may be recharged by plugging in recharging p=w?. 44 iiito a suitable power source.
The charge in the rechargeable batteries operating the de,,~;-e can be augmented by solar panels 24, particularly on sunny days.
Ear piece 46 is a combination. _t;; a kc;'and microphone interface which is wearable by the user. Ear piece 46 is operatively coupieu io ceil phone 30, GPS unit 34 and electronic sensor 40 via a wireless connection systeiii such as blue tooth. Ear piece 46 is worn on the user's ear 50 and includes speaker 48 and microphone 52. The ear piece is adapted to receive audio information from the electronic sensor 40. the cell phone 30 and the GPS unit 34 and permits the user to interact with the cell phone and C;PS units simply by talking into microphone 52. By coupling all three sub-devices into earpie;~e 46, the user can be warned of an impending obstacle via sensor 40 while listening to GPS dirorxions., listening to the radio or having a cell phone conversation. The user can also dis-r~at'v receive navigational information from the GPS unit via earpiece 46.
The device is also provided vJ~h side viewing obstacle detection sensors 41, preferably optical sensors, which are adapted and o;nfigured to warn of any obstacles located on the sides of the device. Obstacle detection serisc, , 41 are substantially the same design as electronic sensor 40. Electronic sensors 40 ano 11 ire also capable of relaying basic information to the user concerning such things as light dcn,i?v ot :layinight status. Optical sensor 40 is capable of detecting sudden changes in elevatio=i ;~i.a f:orzt of the device.
Temperature sensors may also be coupled to these optical sensors to pr,(-.,;:'c the user with an audible signal signitying the ambient air temperature. 7 Optical sensor 40 may also he c:,::f'W,,u;ed to include photo sensors to sense a particular frequency of light correspotiding to ~I 2ic.,-,n or red traffic light such that the sensor will send a ditferent electronic signal to control rsit.au;c 60 when the senor detects either a green or red traffic light. Control module 60 rnav b:: d=onfigured to send a different audible alarm depending on whether sensor 40 measures a reG or iraffic light. Photo sensors (detectors) which are sufficiently specific and sensitive to detcct wa,,elengths of light corresponding to green and red traffic lights are available in the market Referring now to figure 3, obstacle detector 40 may comprise any optical or ultra sonic detector capable of generating an aiarn, signal when an object is placed in front of the detector.
Numerous optical, inl'ra red and ultra sc+nic object detectors are readily available in the marketplace which can be used for tt:e present invention. One possible obstacle detector is illustrated and includes an infra red LF;I:y 51 configured to project an IR
signal and an infra red detector 52 configured to receive thc IR signal which is reflected back towards detector 40. LED
5 I and infra red detector 52 are coup'ec, to control module 60 which contains an LED driver 62 and a signal multiplier 64. Drive 62 is ~-.)nfigured to drive LED 51 to project an IR signal and signal multiplier 64 is configured to infra red detector 52 for the IR signal reflected back towards detector 40. Control modul4 (4); is coifigured to measure the time interval between when an IR signal is projected trom ~I and when the reflected IR signal is detected by detector 52. Control module 60 is fu;-L~i:or contigured to generate an alarm signal when the time interval between projected and reflectec: !R signals falls below a predetermined interval, indicating that an object is a preselect~,d distance in front of detector 40.
Control module 60 is coupled to wireless interface 54, whi+:h in turn wirelessly coupled to earphone/microphone x interface 46. Control module 60 and :nterface 54 are configured such that when control module 60 generates an alarm signal, the a!arm signal is broadcast by wireless interface 54 and picked up by interface 46.
Wireless interface 54 is also coupled to cell phone 30 and GPS unit 34. GPS
unit 34 has a voice interface 66 which is configr:a= :d ;;-, receive operating instructions as voice commands and to transmit GPS information as voice rne.ssages. Several GPS units currently on the market have built in voice interfaces which are suitable for use in the present invention.
Likewise, cell phone 30 has a built in voice interface whicb 's-. :onfigured to permit the user to dial a number simply by issuing a voice cornmand, such as "Call Homc". Again, several cell phones having built in voice I O interfaces and which are suitable t r use ~xith the present invention are available on the market.
Wireless interface 54 is prcferably a bliae tooth transmitter device. Blue tooth intertace transmitters are readily available in tl% r?iarketplace for use with cell phones, GPS units, computers, and the like. The advant;~~e 5f blue tooth interfaces is that they provide an industry standard interface which can easily Ew +iapted for use by several different devices. Preferably, blue tooth interface 54 is configured alI three devices, namely cell phone 30, GPS unit 34 and obstacle detector 40 to transrr10 ^,;l r(ouive to ,arphone/microphone interface 46 simultaneously. The present invention providc- a very convenient aid to visually impaired or sightless people. By incorporating a cell phori-, :FV. vice ,with a GPS unit, an electronic eye and a wireless earpiece, the user can feel more secuct tliat he or she has all that they need in order to go about their day with safety and confidence sir-.;:+ly b- taking the walking aid. The device provides the user with navigational information p~:,,rr;~irr~g the usei "IT know in which direction to travel.
whether or not he/she is traveling in iih:: i ight direction, when to turn right or left, and when the desired destination has been reachec- 1~,k t-.-ck.-iving this GPS information as voice messages through an earphone worn by the usk-r, usei- is better able to clearly receive and comprehend the GPS information in a noisy city In the event of an emergency, of if the user becomes disoriented, lost or confused, the siinply engage the cell phone to make a telephone call or log onto the emergency navigatiorl<tl assistance systern to receive aid from a remote operator.
'I he device also provides the user with immediate navigational information such as when an obstacle is being approached. The wheel being mounted to the front of'the device provides the user with second by second tactil;; information about the condition of the sidewalk immediately ahead. If a pot hole or cracr: in the pavement are present in front of the device, the wheel will bump on the hole or craclc, thereby warning the user to take immediate precautions to avoid stumbling. The wheel also rrsake~~ the device easier to carry since the wheel supports the device on the ground.
The GPS unit, cell phone, eioctronic sei-isors, and wheel interact synergistically to provide the user with a superior navigational aid '1'he clectronic sensors and wheel provide the user witli short range navigational informatior r-vi.ik'i helps the user avoid immediate and relatively short range obstacles, thereby providing th,- user with an increased sense of security because he/she is less likely to stumble, fall or collide ~~,Lir pedestrians or other objects.
The GPS unit provides the user with longer range navigational A~nio~-niatic~n as well as directional information. Since the electronic sensors and GPS unit are ;;oupEed to the combination earphone/microphone interface, the user can receive vrarni+4i::: - ,.nceming short range obstacles while listening to navigational infor-nation. "I'his easily achieved if these devices are provided separately. Since the cell phonc is w =!ipled to the earphone/microphone intertace, the user can also engage in a cell phone cs;,while receiving both GPS information and warnings fi=om the electronic ohstacl~~ dct<<ci,>rs. Again, it would be difficult for the user to operate all three devices simultancou~i\ ifthese devices were provided separately.
The device also permits the i<scr to use the device for interacting with a computer (not shown) via the blue tooth interface to Eiermit the user to receive inforniation from the computer via the earpiece. This requires the cornGuter being used (not shown) to also be equipped with a blue tooth interface and would perrnit'.hC usPr to use the computer to navigate the internet for such purposes as long distance learning, aiiopping or gathering information.
The user can use the computers keyboard and rnouse (not sl~o-m) to navigate through various web pages provided the cornputer is loaded with a suitable ~ci, hrowser capable of audibly reproducing the inforrnation contained in the web page to which the browser is pointed. In this way, the device becomes an invaluable tool which greatly increascs ~~w scope of the users abilities.
It will be appreciated that thc~ esent invention can also be used in a more compact form I 5 in combination with a wheel chair tk! provide aid and assistance to a disabled person who may, or may not, be blind. In such a case, the: device vould not have an elongated housing but rather a compact housing containing the gps +.mit, blue tooth unit, cell phone and control module.
A specific embodiment of th~ [31-; sent invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodim~,~r,i. be envisioned as within the scope of this invention.
It is to be understood that the presen~ ~.icxn1ion is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all r~mhodiments within the scope of the following claims.
FIGURE 2. is a side view of a persoo -,vearing the headphone portion of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of th(:: c:od phone, GPS unit, obstacle detector and cornmunications interface portions ot'thi- present invention.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different tlgures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE I[~VENTION
Referring firstly to figurf I. aNyalking aid for use by a visually impaired or blind person made in accordance with the present irv:;ntion is shown generally as item 10 and consists of an elongated shaft (housing) 12 having Fax): ile portion 14 and pivoting end portion 16. A swivelling wheel 18 is movably connected to pi..;oting end 16, which is in turn pivotally connected to shaft 12 via pivotal connection 20. Wheei "k~s movably connected to end 16 by means of swivel connector 22 such that the wheel can sw=s. el vround in any direction. Swivel connectors suitable for use as connector 22 ar=e readily ati,a:labIe on the market. Pivotal connector 20 is configured to permit end 16 to pivot between a lowe: CO position as shown in figure 1(item A) wherein end 16 is at an angle relative to shaft 12 and ;,t + xtended position (item B) wherein end 16 and shaft 12 are coaxially aligned and straight. Th- .:evice is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the walking stick in eithe:, a: aargled or extended positions. The lock mechanism may comprise a simple latch which locks '.he device in either its angled or extended position. Various locking mechanisms suitable lor use : i=~tE;b the device in either position are readily found in the market. The lengths of liousing a;:d end portion 16, and the angle between end portion 16 and housing 12 are all selected such when the device is in its angled position, the device can be comfortably held by the user so that end portion 16 is substantially vertically oriented.
The device also has a brake nf:c'a>misrn 19 operatively coupled to wheel 18 and to brake Ieaver 21. When break Ieaver 21 is crr4~j~.;ed. the break mechanism locks wheel I 8 in place, preventing the wheel from turning. i-neehanism 19 preferably comprises a brake caliper as foLmd in bicycles which can be engaged ".-y a pulling on a brake cable (not shown) which runs along housing 12 to bake leaver 21. Silueezing brake lever 21 causes tension to be applied to the brake cable which in turn causes tiie brakc ca!iber 19 mounted adjacent wheel 18 to brake. Brake mechanism using calipers and cables .3rk: available in the marketplace.
Shaft 12 is provided with clips 24 for mounting a standard folding walking stick (not shown). Solar panels 26 are provided o! shift 12 to provide electrical power to the various components of the apparatus, as shar- .~- ~nore completely described later.
Strap 28 is also provided on shaft 12 to make the ai~~to carry. Preferably, shaft 12 is made of extruded aluminum or some other sturdy by li _itr rnateria.l such as plastic.
Shaft 12 houses a number of dcvices which add synergistically to the usefulness of the walking aid. For example, hand ~ort.on 14 contains a built in cell phone 30 which is enclosed in a water proof compartme,n_t Ircated adjacent the handle. Buttons 32 are positioned on handle 14 to enable the user to quick!, anu f-~asily access the cell phone when required. GPS unit 34 is also provided in a water proof f ..o,.i!p-.:.:-tinent contained within shaft/housing 12. The GPS
unit is preferably coupled to an emer=.;vn+:.y communication and navigation system similar to those used with the ON STAR'"' systeai to permit the user to receive not only position information but also to u-ansmitinfoi ii-ration s" a remote control center in the event of an emergency. As shall more particula1\1 hE, ea;plained below, GPS unit 34 has a voice interface which is configured to receive operating instructions as voice commands and to transmit GPS
inforrnation, such as location, direct:~,i, travel, speed and directions as voice messages. Cell phone 30 may also have a radio featur:., 7r alternatively, a separate am-fm or even satellite radio may be built into a water tight comp,~r'mcr; in shaft 12. Cell phone 30 and GPS unit 34 (along with any radio device) are operatively coupled to speaker 36 so that the user can hear either the cell phone conversation or the GPS voice messages. Volume, tuner and on/off switches 38 are positioned adjacent handle 14 to maketh?m readily accessible to the user.
End portion 16 is provided with an ob.stacle detection device 40 which is adapted and configured to warn of any object a few rr)e!,_-rs in front of the detection device. Since end portion 16 is substantially vertically oriented v-v.-r, the device is placed in its angled orientation, detection device can be used to dete~,< i4-~:z:ctc: .mmediately in front of the walking aid device, such as stairs or a curb. Obstacle de c;;' ~r~ de, ice 40 may comprise cluster of several ditferent sensors including one or more simplf: ;nf:arec: LED-sensor pairs. Each LED-sensor pair includes an infrared LED for directionally be,-I;rain;, an infrared signal in front of device 10 and an infrared sensor for sensing any of the infrared siglal which has been reflected back.
Srritable infrared F.F:Ds and sensors are available in th(-- rYr-jrket_ As more particularly described below, detection device 40 is coupled to a control 60 (~ce figure 3) which is configured to generate an audible warning when an obstacle is 1A front of detection device 40.
Electronic sensor device 40, cell phone 30.a.nd GPS u!.Iarr -tll powered by rechargeable batteries contained in battery compartment 42. Therochaq,~-,4~,'- ra?teries contained in battery compartment 42 may be recharged by plugging in recharging p=w?. 44 iiito a suitable power source.
The charge in the rechargeable batteries operating the de,,~;-e can be augmented by solar panels 24, particularly on sunny days.
Ear piece 46 is a combination. _t;; a kc;'and microphone interface which is wearable by the user. Ear piece 46 is operatively coupieu io ceil phone 30, GPS unit 34 and electronic sensor 40 via a wireless connection systeiii such as blue tooth. Ear piece 46 is worn on the user's ear 50 and includes speaker 48 and microphone 52. The ear piece is adapted to receive audio information from the electronic sensor 40. the cell phone 30 and the GPS unit 34 and permits the user to interact with the cell phone and C;PS units simply by talking into microphone 52. By coupling all three sub-devices into earpie;~e 46, the user can be warned of an impending obstacle via sensor 40 while listening to GPS dirorxions., listening to the radio or having a cell phone conversation. The user can also dis-r~at'v receive navigational information from the GPS unit via earpiece 46.
The device is also provided vJ~h side viewing obstacle detection sensors 41, preferably optical sensors, which are adapted and o;nfigured to warn of any obstacles located on the sides of the device. Obstacle detection serisc, , 41 are substantially the same design as electronic sensor 40. Electronic sensors 40 ano 11 ire also capable of relaying basic information to the user concerning such things as light dcn,i?v ot :layinight status. Optical sensor 40 is capable of detecting sudden changes in elevatio=i ;~i.a f:orzt of the device.
Temperature sensors may also be coupled to these optical sensors to pr,(-.,;:'c the user with an audible signal signitying the ambient air temperature. 7 Optical sensor 40 may also he c:,::f'W,,u;ed to include photo sensors to sense a particular frequency of light correspotiding to ~I 2ic.,-,n or red traffic light such that the sensor will send a ditferent electronic signal to control rsit.au;c 60 when the senor detects either a green or red traffic light. Control module 60 rnav b:: d=onfigured to send a different audible alarm depending on whether sensor 40 measures a reG or iraffic light. Photo sensors (detectors) which are sufficiently specific and sensitive to detcct wa,,elengths of light corresponding to green and red traffic lights are available in the market Referring now to figure 3, obstacle detector 40 may comprise any optical or ultra sonic detector capable of generating an aiarn, signal when an object is placed in front of the detector.
Numerous optical, inl'ra red and ultra sc+nic object detectors are readily available in the marketplace which can be used for tt:e present invention. One possible obstacle detector is illustrated and includes an infra red LF;I:y 51 configured to project an IR
signal and an infra red detector 52 configured to receive thc IR signal which is reflected back towards detector 40. LED
5 I and infra red detector 52 are coup'ec, to control module 60 which contains an LED driver 62 and a signal multiplier 64. Drive 62 is ~-.)nfigured to drive LED 51 to project an IR signal and signal multiplier 64 is configured to infra red detector 52 for the IR signal reflected back towards detector 40. Control modul4 (4); is coifigured to measure the time interval between when an IR signal is projected trom ~I and when the reflected IR signal is detected by detector 52. Control module 60 is fu;-L~i:or contigured to generate an alarm signal when the time interval between projected and reflectec: !R signals falls below a predetermined interval, indicating that an object is a preselect~,d distance in front of detector 40.
Control module 60 is coupled to wireless interface 54, whi+:h in turn wirelessly coupled to earphone/microphone x interface 46. Control module 60 and :nterface 54 are configured such that when control module 60 generates an alarm signal, the a!arm signal is broadcast by wireless interface 54 and picked up by interface 46.
Wireless interface 54 is also coupled to cell phone 30 and GPS unit 34. GPS
unit 34 has a voice interface 66 which is configr:a= :d ;;-, receive operating instructions as voice commands and to transmit GPS information as voice rne.ssages. Several GPS units currently on the market have built in voice interfaces which are suitable for use in the present invention.
Likewise, cell phone 30 has a built in voice interface whicb 's-. :onfigured to permit the user to dial a number simply by issuing a voice cornmand, such as "Call Homc". Again, several cell phones having built in voice I O interfaces and which are suitable t r use ~xith the present invention are available on the market.
Wireless interface 54 is prcferably a bliae tooth transmitter device. Blue tooth intertace transmitters are readily available in tl% r?iarketplace for use with cell phones, GPS units, computers, and the like. The advant;~~e 5f blue tooth interfaces is that they provide an industry standard interface which can easily Ew +iapted for use by several different devices. Preferably, blue tooth interface 54 is configured alI three devices, namely cell phone 30, GPS unit 34 and obstacle detector 40 to transrr10 ^,;l r(ouive to ,arphone/microphone interface 46 simultaneously. The present invention providc- a very convenient aid to visually impaired or sightless people. By incorporating a cell phori-, :FV. vice ,with a GPS unit, an electronic eye and a wireless earpiece, the user can feel more secuct tliat he or she has all that they need in order to go about their day with safety and confidence sir-.;:+ly b- taking the walking aid. The device provides the user with navigational information p~:,,rr;~irr~g the usei "IT know in which direction to travel.
whether or not he/she is traveling in iih:: i ight direction, when to turn right or left, and when the desired destination has been reachec- 1~,k t-.-ck.-iving this GPS information as voice messages through an earphone worn by the usk-r, usei- is better able to clearly receive and comprehend the GPS information in a noisy city In the event of an emergency, of if the user becomes disoriented, lost or confused, the siinply engage the cell phone to make a telephone call or log onto the emergency navigatiorl<tl assistance systern to receive aid from a remote operator.
'I he device also provides the user with immediate navigational information such as when an obstacle is being approached. The wheel being mounted to the front of'the device provides the user with second by second tactil;; information about the condition of the sidewalk immediately ahead. If a pot hole or cracr: in the pavement are present in front of the device, the wheel will bump on the hole or craclc, thereby warning the user to take immediate precautions to avoid stumbling. The wheel also rrsake~~ the device easier to carry since the wheel supports the device on the ground.
The GPS unit, cell phone, eioctronic sei-isors, and wheel interact synergistically to provide the user with a superior navigational aid '1'he clectronic sensors and wheel provide the user witli short range navigational informatior r-vi.ik'i helps the user avoid immediate and relatively short range obstacles, thereby providing th,- user with an increased sense of security because he/she is less likely to stumble, fall or collide ~~,Lir pedestrians or other objects.
The GPS unit provides the user with longer range navigational A~nio~-niatic~n as well as directional information. Since the electronic sensors and GPS unit are ;;oupEed to the combination earphone/microphone interface, the user can receive vrarni+4i::: - ,.nceming short range obstacles while listening to navigational infor-nation. "I'his easily achieved if these devices are provided separately. Since the cell phonc is w =!ipled to the earphone/microphone intertace, the user can also engage in a cell phone cs;,while receiving both GPS information and warnings fi=om the electronic ohstacl~~ dct<<ci,>rs. Again, it would be difficult for the user to operate all three devices simultancou~i\ ifthese devices were provided separately.
The device also permits the i<scr to use the device for interacting with a computer (not shown) via the blue tooth interface to Eiermit the user to receive inforniation from the computer via the earpiece. This requires the cornGuter being used (not shown) to also be equipped with a blue tooth interface and would perrnit'.hC usPr to use the computer to navigate the internet for such purposes as long distance learning, aiiopping or gathering information.
The user can use the computers keyboard and rnouse (not sl~o-m) to navigate through various web pages provided the cornputer is loaded with a suitable ~ci, hrowser capable of audibly reproducing the inforrnation contained in the web page to which the browser is pointed. In this way, the device becomes an invaluable tool which greatly increascs ~~w scope of the users abilities.
It will be appreciated that thc~ esent invention can also be used in a more compact form I 5 in combination with a wheel chair tk! provide aid and assistance to a disabled person who may, or may not, be blind. In such a case, the: device vould not have an elongated housing but rather a compact housing containing the gps +.mit, blue tooth unit, cell phone and control module.
A specific embodiment of th~ [31-; sent invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodim~,~r,i. be envisioned as within the scope of this invention.
It is to be understood that the presen~ ~.icxn1ion is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all r~mhodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (12)
1. A walking aid for assisting a visually disabled user comprising:
an elongated housing having a handle at one end and a distal end opposite the handle;
a wheel mounted to the distal end of the housing, the wheel being mounted to the housing by a swivel mount permitting the wheel to swivel in any direction;
the housing having a length selected such that the user can comfortably hold the handle of the walking aid while walking with the wheel supporting the housing;
a cell phone contained within the housing;
an earphone and microphone interface configured to be wearable by the user, the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the cell phone to permit the user to operate the cell phone through the earphone and microphone interface;
a gps unit contained within the housing, the gps unit having a voice interface configured to receive a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands from the user and for transmitting gps information to the user as voice messages;
the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the gps unit such that the user can transmit the voice messages to the gps unit and to receive the gps information from the gps unit.
an elongated housing having a handle at one end and a distal end opposite the handle;
a wheel mounted to the distal end of the housing, the wheel being mounted to the housing by a swivel mount permitting the wheel to swivel in any direction;
the housing having a length selected such that the user can comfortably hold the handle of the walking aid while walking with the wheel supporting the housing;
a cell phone contained within the housing;
an earphone and microphone interface configured to be wearable by the user, the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the cell phone to permit the user to operate the cell phone through the earphone and microphone interface;
a gps unit contained within the housing, the gps unit having a voice interface configured to receive a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands from the user and for transmitting gps information to the user as voice messages;
the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the gps unit such that the user can transmit the voice messages to the gps unit and to receive the gps information from the gps unit.
2. The walking aid defined in claim 1 wherein the earphone and microphone interface is wirelessly coupled to the gps unit and the cell phone.
3. The walking aid of claim 1 wherein the housing has an end portion mounted to the housing at the distal end, the wheel being mounted to the end portion via the swivel mount, the end portion being pivotally mounted to the distal end of the housing and movable between a first position wherein the end portion is substantially coaxially aligned with the housing and a second position wherein the end portion is at an angle relative to the housing, the housing having a locking mechanism for releasably locking the end portion in its first and second positions.
4. The walking aid of claim 3 wherein the end portion has a length and wherein the length of the end portion, the length of the housing and the angle are all selected such that the end portion can be comfortably held in a substantially vertical orientation by the user holding onto the handle when the end portion is in its second position.
5. The walking aid of claim 1 wherein the walking aid further includes an electronic obstacle detection sensor coupled to a control module, the electronic detection sensor and control module being configured to generate an audible warning signal when an obstacle is detected adjacent the walking aid, the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the control module to convey the audible warning signal to the user.
6. The walking aid of claim 4 wherein the walking aid further includes an electronic obstacle detection sensor coupled to a control module, the obstacle detection sensor being mounted to the end portion of the housing, the electronic detection sensor and control module being configured to generate an audible warning signal when an obstacle is detected in front of the walking aid the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the control module to convey the audible warning signal to the user.
7. The walking aid of claim 5 wherein the obstacle detection sensor is an optical sensor.
8. The walking aid of claim 6 wherein the obstacle detection sensor is an optical sensor.
9. The walking aid of claim 6 further comprising a brake for braking the wheel and preventing it from rotating, the brake having a brake level for engaging the brake, the brake lever being mounted adjacent the handle such that the brake can be engaged by the user while the user holds onto the handle.
10. The walking aid of claim 1 wherein the housing has a mount for releasably mounting a walking stick to the housing.
11. The walking aid of claim 1 wherein the housing has a strap for carrying the device.
12. A navigation aid for assisting a disabled user comprising;
a housing;
a cell phone contained within the housing;
an earphone and microphone interface configured to be wearable by the user, the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the cell phone to permit the user to operate the cell phone through the earphone and microphone interface;
a gps unit contained within the gps unit having a voice interface configured to receive a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands from the user and for transmitting gps information to the user as voice messages;
the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the gps unit such that the user can transmit the voice messages to the gps unit and to receive the gps information from the gps unit.
a housing;
a cell phone contained within the housing;
an earphone and microphone interface configured to be wearable by the user, the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the cell phone to permit the user to operate the cell phone through the earphone and microphone interface;
a gps unit contained within the gps unit having a voice interface configured to receive a plurality of operating instructions as voice commands from the user and for transmitting gps information to the user as voice messages;
the earphone and microphone interface configured to couple to the gps unit such that the user can transmit the voice messages to the gps unit and to receive the gps information from the gps unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002625938A CA2625938A1 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-03-17 | Walking aid for a visually disabled person |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002625938A CA2625938A1 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-03-17 | Walking aid for a visually disabled person |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2625938A1 true CA2625938A1 (en) | 2009-09-17 |
Family
ID=41161277
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002625938A Abandoned CA2625938A1 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-03-17 | Walking aid for a visually disabled person |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2625938A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3785688A1 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2021-03-03 | Joseph De Roij Van Zuijdewijn | A cane for guiding a visually impaired user |
-
2008
- 2008-03-17 CA CA002625938A patent/CA2625938A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3785688A1 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2021-03-03 | Joseph De Roij Van Zuijdewijn | A cane for guiding a visually impaired user |
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