DE102013019080A1 - Device for converting environmental structures into control values of actuators of an actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

Orientation aid for visually impaired persons (10), namely apparatus for converting environmental structures (1) into control values of a plurality of actuators (9) of an actuator (2), comprising means (3) for transmitting signals (4) and means (5 ) for receiving signals (6) reflected from objects (7) or environmental structures (1) and one or more data processing devices (8) for converting the reflection signals (6) received by the device (5) into control values of the actuators ( 9) of the actuator (2) and an actuator (2) with a plurality of actuators (9), wherein the data processing device (8) is designed such that the manipulated values of the actuators (9) of the actuator (2) calculated by it are the objective environment (1, 7) of the user (10) in response to the environmental (1, 7) reflected signals (6) on the skin of the user (10) continuously or temporally clocked and pulsed.

Description

The present invention relates to an orientation aid for visually impaired persons, in particular a device for converting environmental structures into control values of actuators of an actuator which can be brought into contact with the skin of a visually impaired person, having the features specified in the preamble of patent claim 1.

From the prior art, a pair of glasses is known to which a camera is attached. As soon as the camera recognizes its familiar patterns (eg traffic lights, bus numbers, etc.) by means of recognition software, spoken instructions are output there via a loudspeaker.

This eyeglass camera-speaker combination known from the prior art is disadvantageous in many respects:
A first, very serious disadvantage of this known device is the fact that there the data processing device connected to the camera always has to be supplied with "updated" search criteria (bus numbers, bus colors, traffic light locations, etc.). This permanent maintenance and updating of the local data processing device, or the local search program, is very complicated, time-consuming, cost-intensive and tedious.

A second serious disadvantage of this known device is that it recognizes only stored, individual objects (eg known, stored traffic lights, bus numbers, bus colors), but not the form decisive for the choice of the suitable walking route and structure of the environment.

The known device is also disadvantageous because there the recognized objects are output by loudspeaker in the form of spoken words. The background noise that always occurs in traffic often thwart the acoustic perception of the spectacle speaker information there.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an orientation aid for visually impaired persons, which allows a purposeful action of visually impaired persons with particularly pronounced safety and comfort, which does not require the complex, time-consuming, costly and tedious permanent care and updating of a search program or a data processing device, which makes recognizable both individual objects as well as forms and structures of the environment (eg an outstretched hand) and which can certainly be used for orientation purposes even with pronounced background noise.

According to the invention this object is achieved in a generic device by the features specified in the patent claim 1. Particularly preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention, in which both the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 . 11 ) as well as the facility ( 5 ) for receiving on an object ( 7 . 1 ) reflected signals ( 6 ) on the forehead of a user ( 10 ), these two bodies ( 3 . 5 ) with one on the back of the user ( 10 ) carried data processing device ( 8th ) are in radio communication with the user ( 10 ) additionally with the data processing device ( 8th ) connected actuator ( 2 ) is provided and the data processing device ( 8th ) with a hand controller ( 13 ) is in radio communication;

2 a schematic front view of the skin of the user ( 10 ) facing end face of an actuator ( 2 ), which three horizontally aligned and mutually provided lines ( 12 ) of five variable actuators ( 9 ).

The present invention accordingly discloses an orientation aid for visually impaired persons, in particular a device for converting environmental structures ( 1 ) in control values of one or more actuators ( 9 ) one or more actuators ( 2 ).

As already out 1 the device according to the invention may comprise one or more devices ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and one or more institutions ( 5 ) for receiving objects ( 7 ) or environment structures ( 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ).

In general, the device according to the invention can additionally comprise one or more data processing devices ( 8th ) for the conversion of the 5 ) received data of the reflection signals ( 6 ) in control values of one or more actuators ( 9 ) of actuators ( 2 ).

In general, the device according to the invention can additionally comprise one or more actuators ( 2 ) each having one or more actuators ( 9 ), which preferably with the Data processing device ( 8th ) for calculating the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuators ( 2 ) are in functional communication.

In the case of the device according to the invention, it is then possible, in particular due to the inventive design of the data processing device ( 8th ) - the sequence and / or the sizes of the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) the objective environment ( 1 . 7 ) of the user ( 10 ) depending on the environment ( 1 . 7 ) reflected signals ( 6 ) - and thus depending on the previously determined distance between the user ( 10 ) and the reflective article or objects ( 1 . 7 ) - on the skin of the user ( 10 ) continuously or temporally clocked and pulsed.

In a first alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) the signals ( 4 ) in the form of one or more lines or lines ( 11 ) continuously or temporally clocked deliver.

Preferably, then these lines or lines ( 11 ) - each same or different - be horizontally or vertically or obliquely aligned.

In general, the facility ( 5 ) for receiving at the objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ) and / or the data processing device ( 8th ) are then adapted to receive from the reflected signal lines or signal lines ( 6 ).

In a further alternative embodiment, the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) the signals ( 4 ) in large-scale form.

In the case of this second alternative, the facility may ( 5 ) for receiving objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected signals ( 6 ) and / or the data processing device ( 8th ) can be configured in such a way that they can be set to one or more rows ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) of the actuators ( 2 ), these lines ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) are oriented horizontally or vertically or obliquely.

In general, the one or more facilities ( 3 ) for sending signals signals ( 4 ), which are selected from the group comprising electromagnetic oscillations (light) in the visible or invisible wavelength range, infrared light, ultraviolet light, laser light (laser diodes) or radar radiation (in the range of 500 MHz at a wavelength of 60 cm to 40 GHz a wavelength of 0.75 cm) or sound or ultrasound or microwaves.

In general, the one or more facilities ( 5 ) for receiving objects ( 7 . 1 ) of the environment reflected, passive reverberation signals ( 6 ) corresponding to the type of institution ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) be formed.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a single device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ), which covers a large distance range between the reflective object ( 7 . 1 ) and the position of the user ( 10 ), be provided.

Alternatively, several facilities ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) are used, each only a narrow distance range between the reflective object ( 7 . 1 ) and the position of the user ( 10 ), but in their entirety completely scan the relevant total range of distances.

For example, the line or line configuration of the transmitted signal ( 4 ) and / or the received, passively reflected reflection signal ( 6 ) by the use of one or more slot pinhole or optical or electronic lenses.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the vertical heights above or below the user's horizon of the device ( 3 ) signal corresponding to a horizontal line or line ( 4 ) and / or of the institution ( 5 ) for receiving signals ( 6 ) received, reflected signal ( 6 ) be fixed or variable.

In the case of a variability of these vertical heights, the respective vertical height can be determined, for example, by pitching movements of the head of the user ( 10 ) and / or via electrical currents of the brain or manual operation of a regulator ( 13 ) be definable.

The variability of these vertical heights - and thus the realization of different viewing directions - can be used, in particular, to generate a multidimensional, spatial impression of the surrounding structures ( 1 . 7 ) serve.

Especially 2 shows that the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) one actuator each ( 9 ) or several actuators ( 9 ). These actuators are usually - in the position of use of the actuator ( 2 ) - the skin of the user ( 10 ) and can be brought into contact with this.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, the actuators ( 9 ) preferably in the form of a single horizontal line ( 12 ) of juxtaposed actuators ( 9 ) be formed.

How out 2 As an alternative, the actuators ( 9 ) in the form of several horizontal lines ( 12 ) of juxtaposed actuators ( 9 ), these horizontal lines ( 12 ) can be provided with each other.

In particularly preferred embodiments, to exclude skin sensory overload at the contact site of the actuator (s) ( 2 ) and thus to extend the useful life of the device - the actuator (s) ( 2 ) with respect to their contact sites on the skin surface of the user ( 10 ) be displaceable.

Alternatively or in addition to this, for example, a specific horizontal line ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) of a plurality of mutually provided horizontal lines ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) for output from the data processing device ( 8th ) by actuating a controller ( 13 ) be selectable.

In general, this controller ( 13 ) in the form of a hand-operated regulator or in the form of a pitched movement of the user's head ( 10 ) be formed controllable acceleration sensor.

As a rule, the actuator or actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) such that they each have different control values - in indirect or direct dependence on the objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ) - take.

In general, these control values can be related to the temperature of the actuators ( 9 ) and / or with respect to vibration intensities of the actuators ( 9 ) and / or in relation to the extent of pre-emption of actuators ( 9 ) in the form of pressure rams or pins and / or with respect to electrical voltage values of the actuators ( 9 ), be variable.

In the skin surface of the user ( 10 ) to which the actuator or actuators ( 9 ) of the or the Akuatoren ( 2 ), may be, for example, the skin of the head, face and / or back and / or chest and / or upper arm and / or forearm and / or palm and / or back of the hand and / or thigh and / or the soles of the user ( 10 ), act.

As a rule, the one or more data processing devices ( 8th ) in the form of one or more microcontrollers, each with one or more computing chips.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, the one or more data processing devices ( 8th ) of the institution ( 3 ) signals sent for the transmission of signals ( 4 ) with those of the institution ( 5 ) for receiving signals received from environment objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ) in the way to control values of the actuator ( 2 ) -Actuators ( 9 ) that these actuating values of the actuator actuators ( 9 ) a tangible image of the objective environment ( 7 . 1 ) of the user ( 10 ).

In particularly preferred embodiments, the data processing device ( 8th ) are optionally in functional communication with a navigation device and / or a Globalpositioningsystem and / or with a memory device.

For example, a blind hiking map or a map with known obstacles or auxiliary devices can be stored on the storage device.

In the case of the device according to the invention, as a rule, before the contact of the user ( 10 ) with an obstacle an audible warning or a tactile warning or an indication of a safe path via the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) respectively.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, the data processing device ( 8th ) optionally with one or more controllers ( 13 ) are in direct or indirect functional connection.

In general, with these controllers ( 13 ) one or more parameters of the device and / or the width of the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) detected scanning field and / or the range of the scanning field and / or the sensitivity of the device ( 5 ) for receiving the reflected signals ( 6 ) and / or the strength and / or frequency of the actuator (s) ( 2 ) via their actuators ( 9 ) output values and / or the selection of a specific actuator ( 2 ) of a plurality of actuators ( 2 ), freely selectable variably adjustable.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and the facility ( 5 ) for receiving the reflected, passively reflected signals ( 6 ) and the data processing device ( 8th ) and the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) into one of the user ( 10 ) portable glasses, cap or headlamp be integrated or attached.

Alternatively, for example, they may be in one of the user's ( 10 ) portable helmet, hat, handle or pole handle integrated or attached to it.

Alternatively, for example, they may be in one of the user's ( 10 ) portable headset or hearing aid integrated or attached thereto.

Preferably, the mounting locations of the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and the institution ( 5 ) for receiving the reflected, passively reflected signals ( 6 ) are close to each other.

Alternatively, the attachment locations may be farther apart.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) also into one of the user ( 10 ) portable chest belt, back strap, forehead belt, forearm belt, upper arm belt, wrist belt, thigh belt or lower leg belt integrated or attached thereto.

Alternatively, the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) in by the user ( 10 ) or incorporated into or attached to the user's tongue or lip ( 10 ) be brought.

As a rule, the functional links between the facility ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and the institution ( 5 ) for receiving reflected, passively returned signals ( 6 ) and the data processing device ( 8th ) for calculating the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator ( 2 ) from the data of the institution ( 3 ) for sending and the device ( 5 ) for receiving and the one or more actuators ( 2 ) - dependent or independent of each other and the same or different from each other - wired or wireless in the form of radio or infrared connections.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, the intensities and the strengths of the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) with decreasing distance between the user ( 10 ) and the reflective, passively retroreflective article ( 7 . 1 ) increase continuously or gradually.

In summary, in the context of the present invention, an orientation aid for visually impaired persons, in particular a device for converting environmental structures ( 1 . 7 ) in control values of actuators which can be brought into contact with the skin of visually impaired persons ( 9 ) of an actuator ( 2 ), provided.

For example, by one at the head of the user ( 10 ) and an attached to the body, for example, on the back, stomach or on the forehead, attached actuator ( 2 ) the user ( 10 ) the shape of its environment ( 7 . 1 ) mediated.

So a scanner can have a vertical or horizontal line of the environment ( 7 . 1 ) and then to an actuator acting on the body of the user ( 2 ), wherein the actuator ( 2 ) then apply this scanned line to the skin of the user ( 10 ) is applied stimuli.

By varying the intensity of the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) different distances between the user ( 10 ) and the reflective article ( 7 . 1 ) being represented.

For example, by moving the head, in particularly preferred embodiments, the scanned line can be shifted in its vertical height, whereby a spatial, multi-dimensional representation of the environment ( 7 . 1 ).

The device according to the invention is therefore also particularly advantageous since, for the first time, it is capable of producing targeted, also environmental forms and structures ( 7 . 1 ) oriented action by visually impaired persons with particularly pronounced safety and comfort.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is the fact that it no longer requires a complex, time-consuming, cost-intensive and tedious maintenance and updating of a search program or a data processing device.

It is also advantageous in the case of the device according to the invention that it makes not only individual objects recognizable, but even shapes and structures of the environment.

Finally, the device according to the invention is also advantageous because even with pronounced background noise, it makes sure and unmistakable information about the surrounding structure.

Claims (11)

Device for converting environmental structures ( 1 ) in control values of one or more actuators ( 9 ) one or more actuators ( 2 ), characterized in that it comprises one or more 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and one or more institutions ( 5 ) for receiving objects ( 7 ) or environment structures ( 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ) and one or more data processing devices ( 8th ) for the conversion of the 5 ) received data of the reflection signals ( 6 ) in control values of one or more actuators ( 9 ) of actuators ( 2 ) and one or more actuators ( 2 ) each having one or more actuators ( 9 ), wherein the data processing device ( 8th ) is designed such that the sequence calculated by it and / or the variables of the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) the objective environment ( 1 . 7 ) of the user ( 10 ) depending on the environment ( 1 . 7 ) reflected signals ( 6 ) - and thus depending on the previously determined distance between the user ( 10 ) and the reflective article or objects ( 1 . 7 ) - on the skin of the user ( 10 ) continuously or temporally clocked and pulsed. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that - in a first alternative embodiment - the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) the signals ( 4 ) in the form of one or more lines or lines ( 11 ) continuously or temporally clocked, these lines or rows ( 11 ) - are the same or different - horizontally or vertically or obliquely aligned, the device ( 5 ) for receiving at the objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ) and / or the data processing device ( 8th ) are configured such that they receive the reception of the reflected signal lines or signal lines ( 6 ) or, in a second alternative, the establishment ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) the signals ( 4 ) in large-scale form and the device ( 5 ) for receiving objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected signals ( 6 ) and / or the data processing device ( 8th ) are configured in such a way that they supply line-wise control values to one or more lines ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) of the actuators ( 2 ), these lines ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) are oriented horizontally or vertically or obliquely. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more devices ( 3 ) for sending signals signals ( 4 ), which are selected from the group comprising electromagnetic oscillations (light) in the visible or invisible wavelength range, infrared light, ultraviolet light, laser light (laser diodes) or radar radiation (in the range of 500 MHz at a wavelength of 60 cm to 40 GHz a wavelength of 0.75 cm) or sound or ultrasound or microwaves and that the one or more devices ( 5 ) for receiving objects ( 7 . 1 ) of the environment reflected, passive reverberation signals ( 6 ) corresponding to the type of institution ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ), either a single device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ), which covers a large distance range between the reflective object ( 7 . 1 ) and the position of the user ( 10 ) or where several facilities ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) are used, each only a narrow distance range between the reflective object ( 7 . 1 ) and the position of the user ( 10 ), but in their entirety completely scan the relevant total range of distances. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line or line-shaped configuration of the transmitted signal ( 4 ) and / or the received, passively reflected reflection signal ( 6 ) by the use of one or more slot pinhole or optical or electronic lenses can be brought. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical heights above or below the user's horizon of the device ( 3 ) signal corresponding to a horizontal line or line ( 4 ) and / or of the institution ( 5 ) for receiving signals ( 6 ) received, reflected signal ( 6 ) are fixed or variable, wherein in the case of a variability of these vertical heights, the respective vertical height above pitching movements of the head of the user ( 10 ) and / or via electrical currents of the brain or manual operation of a regulator ( 13 ), wherein the variability of these vertical heights - and thus the realization of different directions of view - in particular for generating a multi-dimensional, spatial impression of the surrounding structures ( 1 . 7 ) serves. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) one actuator each ( 9 ) or several actuators ( 9 ), which - in the Use position of the actuator ( 2 ) - the skin of the user ( 10 ) and can be brought into contact therewith, wherein in the case of the presence of a plurality of actuators ( 9 ) in the form of a horizontal line ( 12 ) of juxtaposed actuators ( 9 ) or in the form of several horizontal lines ( 12 ) of juxtaposed actuators ( 9 ) are formed, these horizontal lines ( 12 ) are provided with each other and that - to exclude a skin sensory overload at the contact location of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) and thus to extend the useful life of the device - the actuator (s) ( 2 ) with respect to their contact sites on the skin surface of the user ( 10 ) and / or a particular horizontal line ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) of a plurality of mutually provided horizontal lines ( 12 ) of actuators ( 9 ) for output from the data processing device ( 8th ) by actuating a controller ( 13 ) is selectable, this controller ( 13 ) in the form of a hand-operated regulator or in the form of a pitched movement of the user's head ( 10 ) is formed controllable acceleration sensor. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) are designed such that they each have different control values - in indirect or direct dependence on the objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ), These control values being related to the temperature of the actuators ( 9 ) and / or with respect to vibration intensities of the actuators ( 9 ) and / or in relation to the extent of pre-emption of actuators ( 9 ) in the form of pressure rams or pins and / or with respect to electrical voltage values of the actuators ( 9 ), whereby the skin surface of the user ( 10 ) to which the actuator or actuators ( 9 ) of the or the Akuatoren ( 2 ) to the skin of the head, face and / or back and / or the chest and / or the upper arm and / or the forearm and / or the palm and / or the back of the hand and / or the thigh and / or Soles of the user ( 10 ), acts. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more data processing devices ( 8th ) in the form of one or more microcontrollers each having one or more computing chips, wherein the one or more data processing devices ( 8th ) of the institution ( 3 ) signals sent for the transmission of signals ( 4 ) with those of the institution ( 5 ) for receiving signals received from environment objects ( 7 . 1 ) reflected, passively re-radiated signals ( 6 ) in the way to control values of the actuator ( 2 ) -Actuators ( 9 ) that these actuating values of the actuator actuators ( 9 ) a tangible image of the objective environment ( 7 . 1 ) of the user ( 10 ), the data processing device ( 8th ) is optionally in communication with a navigation device and / or a Globalpositioningsystem and / or with a memory device on which a blind walking map or a map with known obstacles or auxiliary devices is deposited, so that before the contact of the user ( 10 ) with an obstacle an audible warning or a tactile warning or an indication of a safe path via the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) and wherein the data processing device ( 8th ) optionally with one or more controllers ( 13 ) is in direct or indirect connection with these controllers ( 13 ) one or more parameters of the device and / or the width of the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) detected scanning field and / or the range of the scanning field and / or the sensitivity of the device ( 5 ) for receiving the reflected signals ( 6 ) and / or the strength and / or frequency of the actuator (s) ( 2 ) via their actuators ( 9 ) output values and / or the selection of a specific actuator ( 2 ) of a plurality of actuators ( 2 ), freely selectable are variably adjustable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 3 ) to the Sending signals ( 4 ) and the facility ( 5 ) for receiving the reflected, passively reflected signals ( 6 ) and the data processing device ( 8th ) and the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) into one of the user ( 10 ) portable glasses, cap or headlamp are integrated or attached to or in one of the user's 10 ) Helmet, hat, handle or stick handle are integrated or attached to or in one of the user ( 10 ) are integrated or attached to a portable headband or hearing aid, the locations of the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and the institution ( 5 ) for receiving the reflected, passively reflected signals ( 6 ) are close to each other or away from each other, and wherein the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) also into one of the user ( 10 ) portable chest strap, back strap, forehead belt, forearm strap, upper arm strap, wrist strap, thigh strap or lower leg strap are integrated or attached to or in by the user ( 10 ) or are attached to, or attached to, or in contact with the user's tongue or lip ( 10 ) are brought. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections between the device ( 3 ) for sending signals ( 4 ) and the institution ( 5 ) for receiving reflected, passively returned signals ( 6 ) and the data processing device ( 8th ) for calculating the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator ( 2 ) from the data of the institution ( 3 ) for sending and the device ( 5 ) for receiving and the one or more actuators ( 2 ) - dependent or independently of each other and the same or different from each other - wired or wireless in the form of radio or infrared connections are configured. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intensities and the strengths of the control values of the actuators ( 9 ) of the actuator or actuators ( 2 ) with decreasing distance between the user ( 10 ) and the reflective, passively retroreflective article ( 7 . 1 ) increase continuously or gradually.

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