DE102010046291A1 - Guideline assistance device for visually impaired humans, has sensor arrangement having sensors to sense visible light, infrared or UV radiation, ultrasonic waves and presence of metallic objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has housing (2) for accommodating a holder (3) and a sensor arrangement having sensors (4,8,9) for the determination of environment data. The light sensor (4) acquires visible light, infrared or UV radiation. The sound sensor (8) acquires sound waves such as ultrasonic waves. The metal sensor (9) determines the presence of metallic objects. An information processing unit produces the environment information based on environment data. An output unit outputs environment information to a user. An independent claim is included for method for operating of guideline assistance device.

Description

The invention relates to an orientation aid device for visually impaired people and to a method for operating such an orientation aid device.

The DE 20 2004 002 075 U1 discloses a blind bar with a handle portion and a sensor end. The sensor end has a non-contact collision sensor, which is designed as an ultrasonic sensor, optical sensor or infrared sensor. It can also be provided several similar sensors.

Devices of the type mentioned are particularly suitable for replacing the conventional cane. In this case, such devices can help a visually impaired person to detect the presence of objects in the environment and, if necessary, to determine a distance from the objects.

Based on this, it is an object of the present invention to improve such devices, in particular to increase the information content that can be transmitted by such devices to the user. Optimal, although not necessarily to be achieved by means of the present invention, would be a device or a method in which the user could be provided as comprehensive information about the environment by non-visual means available.

• – ein Lichtsensor zur Erfassung von sichtbarem Licht, Infrarot- oder Ultraviolettstrahlung;
• – ein Schallsensor zur Erfassung von Schallwellen, insbesondere Ultraschallwellen;
• – einen Metalldetektor zur Ermittlung der Anwesenheit von metallischen Gegenständen.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by an orientation aid for visually impaired people, in particular blind people, comprising a housing for receiving or supporting components of the orientation aid, a handle, a sensor arrangement with a number of sensors for determining environmental data, an information processing unit for Generation of environment information based on the determined environment data, an output unit for output, in particular for the non-visual output, of environmental information to a user. The orientation aid device according to the invention is characterized in that the sensor arrangement comprises at least two, preferably three or more different sensors, the sensors being selected from the following group:

• A light sensor for detecting visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation;
• A sound sensor for detecting sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves;
• - A metal detector for detecting the presence of metallic objects.

Sensors are considered to be different from each other in the context of the present invention, if they differ fundamentally from each other in the nature of the physical or chemical properties, effects or material properties to be detected in the environment. Different sensors can be structurally combined to form a sensor unit. In principle, a sensor can also be integrally connected to a transmitting device. Thus, an ultrasonic sensor can also have a transmitter for ultrasonic waves, wherein the actual sensor will then resume the self-emitted and reflected by an object ultrasonic waves. Ambient data are physical or chemical properties that can be detected by sensors, effects or material properties that can not be detected by a user. Environmental information provides understandable information about the environment to a user and may be of direct assistance to a visually impaired person in orientation. The sensors used in the invention are in particular those which are not suitable for the production of pictorial representations due to the coarseness of the generated environmental data.

Basically, the housing may be rod-shaped and thus be imitated a blind stick. But there are also other forms of housing conceivable. The handle is preferably designed such that the housing can be held by a user in a defined orientation.

By providing a plurality of different sensors, environmental data of different types can be used to generate the environmental information. This allows you to create comprehensive environmental information that goes beyond information about the pure presence or haptic properties of objects. In particular, it may be possible to ascertain information about the type of objects, namely in particular the material properties and / or surface properties. For example, glass has similar reflectivity to ultrasonic waves as metallic surfaces; However, light is much less reflected by glass than by metallic surfaces. By providing a metal detector but also metallic objects can be determined, but the surface is non-metallic. Overall, conclusions about the type of objects can be made possible by the provision of different sensors. The position of the object, in particular the relative position of the object relative to the orientation aid device, can already be determined by individual sound sensors or light sensors alone.

Alternatively or in combination with at least one sensor or two sensors of the device described above, the sensor arrangement can have an image recording unit, which in particular can produce a photographic image of part of the environment. This may be a still camera and / or a movie camera. Captured images can be compared to stored images to create environmental information about the location and type of the site or surrounding objects.

Preferably, a front-side sound sensor and / or a light sensor and / or a metal detector are attached to an end of the housing facing away from the handle. The frontal arrangement of preferably two or more different sensors not only the position, but also the type of objects are detected, which are located in the direction of movement in front of the user. In essence, front sensors can replace the stick tip of the conventional blind stick.

Preferably, an upper sensor, in particular a sound sensor and / or a light sensor, is mounted at an angle to one of the front sensors. In this case, the upper sensor preferably has a sensor field which is swiveled upwards by about 45 ° relative to the front-side sensor. The pivoting is in particular about an axis which is transverse to a running direction of the user. The upper sensor is preferably similar to at least one of the front-side sensors. By the upper sensor objects can be detected, which are in the running direction of the user, but are not recognized by a slightly down front sensor. In particular, this relates to such items that do not reach the ground. By providing the upper sensor, the environmental information can thus be substantially supplemented.

The orientation aid device preferably has lateral sensors, namely at least one left sensor on the left side and one right sensor on the right side. The left sensor is preferably provided for detecting objects on the left side of the user, while the right sensor is preferably provided for detecting objects on the right side of the user. The left and the right sensors preferably have a fan-like detection area, which extends at approximately +/- 45 ° from the exact right or left.

Preferably, the information processing unit is configured to generate linguistic environment information that can be acoustically output by the output unit. Through the acoustic linguistic output of environmental information, the user can be provided with extensive information about the environment, which can be very detailed and easily understood by the user. For this purpose, specific algorithms are provided, which are used for processing the environmental data in the environmental information.

Preferably, the information processing unit is adapted to generate environmental information including information about both the nature and location of objects in the environment. Reference is made to described advantages.

The orientation aid device preferably has an acceleration sensor which is provided for determining acceleration data. In the context of the present invention, an acceleration sensor is understood to mean a device which can measure acceleration in one or more directions. In this case, an inertial force acting on a test mass is preferably determined, so that it can be determined whether an increase or decrease in speed takes place. The acceleration sensor may include a plurality of sub-sensors, each of which may receive accelerations in different directions or about different axes. Spatial motion patterns can therefore be created with an acceleration sensor. Preferably, the acceleration sensor can absorb accelerations of the housing, which are generated by a manual guiding of the housing by a user. The acceleration data can be used to determine temporary spatial orientations of the orientation aid device. These spatial data can then be correlated with temporary environmental data from the sensors. By means of this correlation, in addition to distance values, it is also possible to obtain improved conclusions about spatial arrangements or configurations of objects in the environment. Furthermore, a clock can be provided for determining the time. Environment data can be set in connection with the time. Furthermore, environmental data can be processed depending on the time. In this case, for example, the daytime and night different lighting conditions can be considered in the generation of the environmental information.

The invention further relates to a method for operating an orientation aid device for visually impaired people, wherein the orientation aid device comprises: a housing for receiving or supporting components of the orientation aid device and a handle. The procedure comprises the following method steps: determining environment data by means of a number of sensors or an image acquisition unit, generating environment information based on the environment data, outputting the environment information to a user. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the environmental data are processed into environmental information that includes information about the nature and position of objects in the environment.

• – ein Lichtsensor zur Erfassung von sichtbarem Licht, Infrarot- oder Ultraviolettstrahlung,

ein Schallsensor zur Erfassung von Schallwellen, insbesondere Ultraschallwellen,
ein Metalldetektor zur Ermittlung der Anwesenheit von metallischen Gegenständen.Preferably, environment data from at least two, preferably three, different sensors, selected from the following group, are used to determine the type of article in the environment:

• A light sensor for detecting visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation,

a sound sensor for detecting sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves,
a metal detector for detecting the presence of metallic objects.

Preferably, environmental data from the sensors are processed into environmental information that includes information about the material of an article in the environment.

Preferably, environmental data from the sensors are processed into environmental information that includes information about the surface condition, in particular about refractive properties and / or sound absorption properties, of an object in the environment. Such information may be useful for improved orientation of a visually impaired person.

Preferably, environmental information is output verbally.

Preferably, the environment data is processed into environment information in consideration of acceleration data, the acceleration data being determined by an acceleration sensor mounted on the housing.

Preferably, the environment data is processed taking into account the time to environmental information.

As far as possible, the same advantages and further features that have already been described with regard to the orientation aid device arise with regard to the method according to the invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Hereby shows:

1 an orientation aid device according to the invention in side view;

2 the schematic circuit structure of the orientation aid device according to the invention.

The orientation aid 1 comprises a rod-shaped housing 2 A handle on one end 3 having. At one end of the housing 2 that the handle 3 is remote, are front sensors 4 ' . 4 '' attached, which can emit infrared rays and ultrasonic waves. These rays or waves are reflected by an object and meet again on the front sensors 4 , Depending on the nature of the object, the infrared rays and the ultrasonic waves are reflected differently. A refractive index and / or sound-absorbing properties of the surface of the article also play a role. There is also a camera 15 arranged on the front side, which can produce image and / or film recordings as environmental information.

There are several right sensors on one right side of the housing 8th arranged, with the right sensors 8th an ultrasonic sensor and an infrared sensor. Accordingly, hidden sensors are mounted on the left side of the housing in the same arrangement. At the end of the housing facing away from the handle 2 is also a metal detector 9 inside the case 2 appropriate. The metal detector 9 can generate a magnetic field and / or an electric field. During movements of the metal detector 9 The magnetic field or the electric field for the metal detector is markedly changed by a metallic object. As a result, conclusions can be drawn on metallic properties of the object.

2 shows the schematic of the circuit structure of the orientation aid device according to the invention 1 , Here is the information processing unit 10 to recognize the data from the individual sensors 4 . 8th . 9 . 13 and / or the camera 15 can receive. An example is a front-side ultrasonic sensor 4 ' shown the ultrasonic waves 6 generated and the object 14 reflected ultrasonic waves can receive. Furthermore, a front-side light sensor 4 ' shown the infrared rays 5 generated and the object 14 can receive reflected infrared rays. The metal detector 9 generates an electromagnetic field, depending on the nature of the object 14 can be changed by this, which can be detected by the metal detector.

Furthermore, the information processing unit 10 Acceleration data of a acceleration sensor 12 get that stuck to the case 2 connected is. Be the acceleration data of the acceleration sensor 12 in correlation to the environmental data of the sensors 4 . 8th . 9 . 13 and / or the camera 15 set, can provide spatial information about the subject 14 be generated. From a clock 16 Time information is provided which can be taken into account in the generation of environmental information. The information processing unit 10 gives the generated environment information to the output unit 11 further. The output unit 11 includes a speaker that can acoustically transmit the environmental information to the user. The output unit 11 can be separate to the housing 2 be arranged and via a radio link with the information processing unit 10 be connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Guidance device

2

casing

3

Handle

4

front-side sensors

5

infrared rays

6

ultrasonic waves

7

electromagnetic field

8th

lateral sensor

9

metal detector

10

Information processing unit

11

output unit

12

accelerometer

13

upper sensor

14

object

15

camera

16

Clock

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202004002075 U1 [0002]

Claims (19)

Orientation aid device ( 1 ) for visually impaired people, including housing ( 2 ) for receiving or carrying components ( 3 . 4 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 12 . 13 ) of the orientation aid, a handle ( 3 ), a sensor array with a number ( 4 . 8th . 9 ) of sensors for acquiring environmental data, an information processing unit ( 10 ) for generating environment information based on the determined environment data, an output unit ( 11 ) for outputting environmental information to a user, characterized in that the sensor arrangement comprises at least two, preferably three, different sensors ( 4 . 8th . 9 ) selected from the following group: - a light sensor for detecting visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation; A sound sensor for detecting sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves; - A metal detector for detecting the presence of metallic objects. Orientation aid device ( 1 ) for visually impaired people, including housing ( 2 ) for receiving or carrying components ( 3 . 4 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 12 . 13 ) of the orientation aid, a handle ( 3 ), a sensor array with a number ( 4 . 8th . 9 ) of sensors for acquiring environmental data, an information processing unit ( 10 ) for generating environment information based on the determined environment data, an output unit ( 11 ) for outputting environmental information to a user, characterized in that the sensor arrangement comprises an image acquisition unit ( 15 ) having. Orientation aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front-side sound sensor ( 4 ) on a handle ( 3 ) facing away from the end of the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Orientation aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front-side light sensor ( 4 ) on a handle ( 3 ) facing away from the end of the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Orientation aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a metal detector ( 9 ) on a handle ( 3 ) facing away from the end of the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Orientation aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one upper sensor ( 13 ), in particular a sound sensor and / or a light sensor, is mounted at an angle to one of the front-side sensors, wherein the upper sensor ( 13 ) a sensor field pivoted upwards by about 45 ° relative to one of the front-side sensors (FIG. 4 ) having. Orientation aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a left sensor ( 8th' ) on a left side and a right sensor ( 8th'' ) is attached to a right side. Orientation aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the information processing unit ( 10 ) linguistic environment information generated by the output unit ( 11 ) can be output acoustically. Orientation aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information processing unit ( 10 ) Can generate environmental information that includes information about the nature and location of objects in the environment. Orientation aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orientation aid device ( 1 ) an acceleration sensor ( 12 ) for determining acceleration data and / or a clock ( 16 ) to determine the time. Method for operating an orientation aid device ( 10 ) for visually impaired people, the orientation aid device ( 10 ) comprises: a housing ( 2 ) for receiving or carrying components ( 3 . 4 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 12 . 13 ) of the orientation aid, a handle ( 3 ), comprising the method steps: determining environmental data by means of a number of sensors ( 4 . 8th . 9 . 13 ) or at least one image acquisition unit ( 15 ), Generating environmental information based on the environmental data, outputting the environmental information to a user, characterized in that the environmental data is processed into environmental information that includes information about the nature and location of objects in the environment. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that to determine the nature of the object in the environment environmental data of at least two different sensors ( 3 . 8th . 9 . 13 ) selected from the following group: - a light sensor ( 4 . 8th . 13 ) for detecting visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, - a sound sensor ( 4 . 8th . 13 ) for detecting sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves, - a metal detector ( 9 ) for detecting the presence of metallic objects. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that to determine the nature of the object in the environment environmental data from at least three different sensors ( 4 . 8th . 9 . 13 ) selected from the following group: a light sensor ( 4 . 8th . 13 ) for detecting visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, - a sound sensor ( 4 . 8th . 13 ) for detecting sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves, - a metal detector ( 9 ) for detecting the presence of metallic objects. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that environmental data of the sensors are processed into environmental information containing information about the material of an object ( 14 ) in the environment. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that environmental data of the sensors are processed into environmental information that includes information about the surface condition, in particular light refraction properties and / / sound absorption properties of an object in the environment. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that information about the nature of objects in the environment by the output unit ( 11 ) is output. Method according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the environment information is output verbally. Method according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the environment data are processed in consideration of acceleration data to environmental information, wherein the acceleration data from one on the housing ( 2 ) mounted acceleration sensor ( 12 ) be determined. Method according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the environmental data are processed taking into account the time to environmental information.

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