JP2023099372A - Block for guiding visually handicapped person with weak radio wave transmission function - Google Patents

Abstract

To broadcast information for a visually handicapped person, etc. to support their walking or provide guidance to an emergency evacuation place, with FM weak radio waves as analog technology with already completed infrastructures, incurring no large cost burden in transmission and reception without using digital technology in the core of the system.SOLUTION: A device constituted to broadcast appropriately updated broadcast content by using an FM radio broadcasting band weak radio wave transmitter 2 and an antenna 4 which can control a direction and a range of transmitted radio waves to enable a visually handicapped person, etc. who listens to the broadcast to determine a place and the direction in which he/she walks is integrated into a block 41 for guiding the visually handicapped person.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a member in which a directional transmitting antenna, an FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitter having a reproduced voice update function, and a power supply device are incorporated in a block for guiding a visually impaired person.

The term "directional transmission antenna" as used herein refers to an antenna having a structure in which transmission radio waves are extremely small or no radio waves are emitted in directions in which transmission is not desired.

The function of updating reproduced sound here refers to a storage device having a function of externally updating the contents of sound to be broadcast.

Here, FM refers to frequency modulation type analog radio waves.

The FM radio referred to here is a general market radio receiver (FM receiver built into a white cane) capable of directly receiving FM radio waves of approximately 76 to 90 MHz or a frequency band of approximately 76 to 95 MHz. , a smartphone with a function that can directly receive FM radio waves and listen to them as analog audio, an amplitude modulation type analog radio wave called AM broadcasting, and a medium wave band of approximately 526 kHz to 1,606 kHz, or approximately 3 (including radios that can receive shortwave bands from megahertz to 30 megahertz), and the Internet that receives digital (or digital) data of AM radio broadcasts and FM radio broadcasts that are distributed over the Internet. It does not refer to radio receiving terminals (including dedicated terminals as well as smartphones and personal computers with internet radio receiving application software installed) (hereafter referred to as net radio receivers).

Digital here is the concept of digitizing and processing information such as continuous vibration waveforms or color images like conventional analog radio waves and voices as data composed of 0s and 1s. , The digital society explained in Article 2 of the Basic Act on the Formation of a Digital Society The Internet and other advanced information and communication networks that are the basis of the technology, two-way communication systems for relatively short distances, and the electronic components and digital data processing that make up them It refers to general technology that operates using equipment, programs, etc.

The weak radio wave transmitter referred to here is Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Radio Law, which states that the law aims to promote public welfare by ensuring fair and efficient use of radio waves. It refers to a radio station that is 3 meters away from the radio equipment specified in Article 6 of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Law and whose electric field strength is below the value specified for each frequency, and in the FM radio broadcast band less than 500 microvolts per meter.

The term "power supply device" as used herein refers to a device capable of generating and storing electricity by external energy such as sunlight or electromagnetic induction, and includes a dry battery if the device to which power is supplied is intended for short-term use.

The guiding blocks for the visually impaired referred to here are those with projections on the surface so that the visually impaired can recognize them by the tactile sensation of the soles of their feet. It refers to a block (plate) with a thickness of 60 to 80 mm and a size of 30 cm square, which is the minimum size specified by Japanese Industrial Standards.

In spite of its simple structure, by grasping its shape with the feel of the soles of its feet and with a white cane, it is possible to determine whether the place where you are standing is a safe sidewalk, a place where you can move forward or backward, or a place where you can turn left or right. , or because it is a convenient component that lets you know if there is a dangerous place ahead, the white cane has not changed much in over 50 years since it was invented in Japan, but the basic concept and how it is used has not changed much. The structure, in which the judgment is greatly influenced by the familiarity and senses of the visually impaired, has hardly changed.

The white cane referred to here is classified as a safety cane for the blind according to the Law for the Welfare of Persons with Physical Disabilities. It is a white-colored cane that is held in order to quickly detect the road, and it is a convenient and important tool for visually impaired people to grasp the road surface conditions while walking along with the guide block for the visually impaired.

With the rapidly declining birthrate and aging population, the immigration of labor from overseas, and the internationalization of industry, etc., there is an increasing number of sight-impaired people, and foreigners who are unfamiliar with the local area. In addition to supporting walking in emergencies, developing safe and simple means of obtaining information or providing information (hereinafter referred to as safe and simple information means) that can convey local information or provide prompt evacuation guidance. It is an urgent task for governments and local governments (hereafter referred to as operators) to install and operate such systems.

Safety here means that there is no potential or direct danger when visually impaired people obtain necessary information or act on that information.

The convenience here means that people with visual impairments do not have to perform complicated pre-registration of personal information, complicated operations, or high costs for use when obtaining necessary information. It refers to devising measures such as utilizing existing infrastructure to avoid expensive system development costs, investment in equipment, and expensive and complicated operation work.

A number of walking support systems have been developed to provide local information to people with visual impairments, etc., using two-way communication systems that utilize digital technology, which has been rapidly developing in recent years.

RFID used in short-distance digital two-way communication systems can be divided into active types that have their own drive batteries built in, passive types that generate power using external energy, and semi-active types that turn on and off according to external control signals. The basic structure is a small electronic component that incorporates parts such as an ultra-compact wireless transmitter and receiver and a digital data storage operation processing device in a very small glass tube or thin plastic plate.

The radio waves that RFID uses to transmit and receive data use radio waves in a very high frequency band called UHF to transmit a large amount of data instantaneously, and frequencies that avoid public radio bands to prevent interference. .

For this reason, most consumer receivers such as AM radios and FM radios, which are widely used, cannot receive radio waves in these frequency bands. In order to reproduce sound waves that can be heard, it is necessary to convert from digital to analog, and in some cases, it is necessary to have the function of decrypting the code applied for the purpose of preventing interception by others, so digital receivers Compared to the expansion of conventional analog technology, maintenance costs are higher and operation is more complicated.

For example, since June 2005, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has started a demonstration experiment in which RFID integrated circuits called IC tags, which transmit information wirelessly, are installed throughout the city to guide people with visual or hearing impairments around the city. The 38-digit number data was read by a dedicated terminal called a ubiquitous communicator or a reading device attached to the tip of a white cane, and the result of communication with the database was announced by voice. In addition to the heavy burden on operators such as complicated input, the battery of the mobile terminal that uses power for data processing only lasts for one hour, the terminal has become expensive, and the equipment is difficult to use. There have been complaints of inconvenience from users (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2), and the nationwide rollout that was scheduled after April 2006 has not been carried out.

In addition to this, along with the progress of digital technology, various additional functions and technologies for guiding blocks for visually impaired people and white canes have been devised and published, so we have analyzed and examined the contents, and patent grants have also been granted for these devises. , and regardless of the results, such as decision of refusal, as long as digital technology is used as the backbone of the configuration system, there is no choice but to judge that it cannot be said to be a safe and simple means of information, as will be explained later.

For example, a system (Patent Document 1) has been published that analyzes the location information emitted from the RFID embedded in the shoe and the RFID embedded in the block for guiding the visually impaired by digital communication, and listens to it as a voice through an earphone or the like from a receiver at hand (Patent Document 1). However, a white cane that detects unexpected obstacles is essential, and smartphones are heavy compared to receivers such as FM radios with simple structures in order to hear signals from shoes that are far from the ears. Not only does it impose a burden on users, such as the visually impaired, as it requires a receiver, but it also requires special system equipment for digital processing on the part of operators, so it cannot be said to be a safe and convenient means of information.

A receiving device embedded in the tip of a white cane receives detailed data such as location information transmitted from a transmitter defined as a transponder or tag (data carrier or RFID) fixed to a block for guiding the visually impaired by digital communication. A system (Patent Literature 2) has been disclosed in which the voice is analyzed and listened to as voice through an earphone or the like at hand.

The core technology of this system is digital technology, and the identification information signal transmitted from a transmitter called an identification information signal transmitter is passed through a code data signal processing device that converts it into identification information that can be recognized by visually impaired people after receiving it. Since it is a system, it can be understood that it cannot be received by a general FM radio and reproduced as sound. In the extended operation example, if this RFID is installed near the call button on the wall of the elevator, the location of the button can be determined. This is not the case, and the operation stops with the assistance of the extent that the positional information of the button can be understood.

Also, details such as the radio wave format are unknown, but according to the explanation, radio waves are emitted all around, and it is necessary to take measures to avoid interference with adjacent transmitters. There is a risk that the information provided may be misidentified.

For operators, the development of programs to link with large-scale systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System using satellites) and the installation of dedicated communication equipment on roads, etc., incur costs, and for people who do not have dedicated terminals. However, it is not a system that can provide a wide range of convenience, so it cannot be said to be a safe and convenient means of information.

Similarly, this is a navigation system for the visually impaired that guides the wearer to their destination by vibrating a different part of the device built into the shoe based on GPS data and linking it with a map application on a smartphone each time the direction of travel is changed. has been developed (Non-Patent Document 3), but it is difficult to deal with obstacles that cannot be captured on the map, such as road potholes and small steps. If so, if you listen directly to the voice guidance such as right and left turn directions for each point from the navigation system of the smartphone through earphones etc., you can get almost the same function even if you walk in ordinary shoes without this device. Therefore, it cannot be said to be a safe and convenient means of information.

A system consisting of a transmitter for the visually impaired that transmits infrared data, which is audio data with an identification code, diagonally from an embedded guidance block for the visually impaired, and a receiver for the visually impaired embedded in a white cane ( Patent document 3) requires advance data input work and preparation of dedicated equipment such as an optical fiber for sending original data, a digital data processing device, or a receiver for visually impaired people with an infrared light receiving function, so it is safe and easy to use information. I can't say it's a tool.

Publicly available information states that optical or infrared data is used, but this cannot be understood as a frequency-modulated radio wave with a frequency band of approximately 76 to 90 MHz or 95 MHz, and cannot be received by FM radio.

Even if it were possible to receive infrared data in which an identification code was added to voice data by FM radio, the data could not be demodulated, so it cannot be said to be a safe and convenient means of information.

Radio waves are emitted from the oscillator in the guidance block for the visually impaired by magnets embedded in the bottom of shoes or the tip of a white cane, which are said to have the effect of reducing the user's burden on the equipment and avoiding the consumption of the power supply that operates the receiver. A guidance device for the visually impaired (Patent Document 4), which emits an identification signal and receives it, has been registered as a utility model. It is not a safe and convenient means of information because people who do not have a magnet that acts as a triggering tool for processing and transmitting radio waves that convey information cannot easily listen to it.

A system has been published in which a large number of RFIDs with address information are embedded in a block for guiding the visually impaired, and the RFID information emitted by each is analyzed to inform pedestrians of the orientation of the body and the direction of walking (Patent Document 5). However, it requires complicated system investment such as input of address information to many RFIDs, its management and analysis equipment, and users also need devices such as RFID tag readers. I can not say.

A voice information communication device using infrared light driven by solar cells is incorporated into a block for guiding visually impaired people and a white cane, which are said to have been newly devised by improving existing technology, and red light is emitted in multiple directions from the block side. A system (Patent Document 6) that receives external light with a device built into the inside of a white cane and conveys information on straight ahead, right and left turns to the user as voice (Patent Document 6) has been disclosed. In addition to the need for solar cells to convert signals, a large amount of infrared LEDs, and data processing equipment, the infrared light emitted from the ridges of the blocks, which are easily damaged by the soles of pedestrians' shoes, degrades communication quality due to dirt and scratches. need to be careful.

Furthermore, the details are unknown because there are few descriptions of the block-side power supply that drives these, but if the power supply method is to be procured from the outside, the procurement location and wiring work procedure from there, and when incorporating a self-powered solar power generation element In order to avoid the LED light emitting unit, it is necessary to install a power generation panel in the recessed part of the block, so it is possible that it will be necessary to take countermeasures against power shortages due to mud, etc. The system cannot be used by visually impaired people who do not have walking sticks, so it cannot be said to be a safe and convenient means of information.

Regarding the development of a navigation system for the visually impaired using passive RFID, in the journal of the Information Processing Society of Japan, a special educator from the Japan Society for Engineering Education reported that beacon radio waves, which act as wireless beacons, were directly received by some smartphones. It is a new mechanism that overcomes the drawbacks of existing technologies, such as a guidance system that identifies one's own position by using an antenna and a system that uses a special white cane with an antenna built into the tip to read information from RFID. The content of the preliminary experiment has been published in writing under the title of Development of a Pedestrian Navigation System for Visually Impaired People Using UHF Band RFID and Its Application to Exhibitions (Non-Patent Document 4).

This is an indoor experiment for constructing a navigation system in which RFID tags with a communication range of about 10 meters in the UHF band are embedded under the tactile blocks. A hand-held reader has a reading distance of up to 3 meters, and multiple RFID tags are installed on the floor after knowing the installation positions in advance. In addition, the current position and walking direction derived by the three-sided guessing method are linked to the coordinates of the floor plan, and the visually impaired person is notified by voice.

In this system, heavy equipment such as a battery and its control board for adding electromagnetic induction by radio waves to the RFID from the outside, a special device called an RFID reader, and a smartphone with application software are attached to the body and used for control at hand. It is necessary to prepare a complicated and large-scale system separately, such as the need to operate buttons, and considering the physical burden on people with disabilities and the cost of installation and operation, it cannot be said to be a safe and simple information means. .

A walking support system for visually impaired people has been devised that does not primarily use RFID, and as a demonstration experiment limited to the subway station premises area, the purpose is to use a smartphone to photograph a two-dimensional barcode affixed to a guide block for the visually impaired. A system (Non-Patent Literatures 5, 6, 7 and 8) that provides voice guidance to the ground has been introduced. In addition to the cumbersome pre-procedures such as being given an authentication key only after the check-in, the visually impaired person can hold a smartphone with the other hand holding a white cane, even when there is a lot of passengers getting on and off, as well as when it is not busy. Since it is dangerous to continue photographing the target two-dimensional barcode, it cannot be said to be a safe and convenient means of information, and even after three years have passed, it remains at the stage of examination and operation at some stations.

Then there is the road information providing system already in operation to provide information to car radios that are equipped in many cars and capable of receiving AM/FM radio band broadcasts, and car navigation systems that have become popular in recent years. We added a study to see if it could be applied to pedestrians.

Highway radio, which makes it easy to obtain information even when traveling on road-related facilities at high speed, uses 1620-kilohertz AM radio waves and broadcasts for a relatively wide area, so visually impaired people can obtain information about the narrow surroundings where they are currently walking. It is difficult to utilize as a means.

Furthermore, considering the widespread use of AM radio receivers and the reception environment after the termination of radio wave transmission for AM radio, which is scheduled in the near future, there remains concern about utilizing this system.

The next-generation highway radio, which can display the data received by a smartphone loaded with application software or a car navigation system on the screen and grasp the road conditions, etc., is the improvement of the network communication environment, the receiving device such as a smartphone, and the processing device of digital data. Not only is it necessary separately, but it is not a safe and convenient means of information for visually handicapped people because they cannot listen to the information within walking distance with their ears through a simple device.

Advanced PICS (pedestrian support) that uses digital technology and wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication standards to transmit pedestrian signal information to smartphones, etc., and enables extension of green lights by operating smartphones, etc. Information communication system) has been in operation since 2020 (Non-Patent Document 9), but smartphones, which are mainly used for screen operations that are difficult for visually impaired people to operate, are used as the main receiving devices. In addition, it is not a safe and convenient means of information, as it is necessary to install a compatible application on a smartphone or the like in advance.

In addition to the above examples, we have analyzed and considered the content of patents and utility models related to walking support for the visually impaired, etc., but when constructing a walking support system using state-of-the-art electronic technology and design concepts, digital technology is used as a system. As long as it is used as the center of information, it is difficult to eliminate inconveniences for both users such as visually impaired people who want a safe and simple means of information and operators, so we have no choice but to give up. Arrived.

In order to eliminate these shortcomings, it is essential to create an analog general-purpose system that does not use digital technology at the center. It will bring benefits not only to visually impaired people in Japan, who are said to exceed the standard, but also to foreigners who are unfamiliar with the area, and to many visually impaired people overseas who do not have infrastructure such as advanced communication networks.

JP-A-2003-91794 JP-A-7-334076 Japanese Patent No. 2673258 Utility Model No. 3019026 JP 2019-75024 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-50191

April 2, 2005 Yomiuri Shimbun Evening edition, Leave the directions to the IC June 30, 2005 Nikkan Kensetsu Sangyo Shimbun, Utilizing ubiquitous technology Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "News release dated June 11, 2021" Information Processing Society of Japan Transactions on Consumer Devices & Systems, January 2017, Development of navigation system for visually impaired people using UHF band RFID and application to exhibitions IPSJ-TCDS0701006. pdf Links Inc. shikAI website Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. January 18, 2021 News Release Asahi Shimbun, "Two-dimensional Barcode Guidance System for the Visually Impaired," May 15, 2021 evening edition J-CAST News "2D Barcode on Braille Block" July 10, 2021 National Police Agency and Prefectural Police 2021 Homepage Public Relations on Advanced PICS

For people with visual impairments, there was no system that would allow them to safely and easily obtain information about their living areas, especially walking support when walking on roads and evacuation support in the event of a large-scale disaster.

Many walking support systems for the visually impaired have been developed using digital technology, which enables the instantaneous exchange of various information, as the central means of the system. For visually impaired people who have one hand blocked by a white cane, a system that operates something with the other hand creates fear that both hands will be blocked, and further complicated pre-registration and complicated data processing such as personal information. In addition to the need for equipment and software, the use of smartphones has the drawback of increasing communication and maintenance costs.In addition, there is a risk that information will not be exchanged due to disconnection or confusion of communication networks during large-scale disasters. rice field.

For this reason, a simple information transmission device that is compatible with existing infrastructure and can operate steadily even when an external power supply is lost due to a large-scale disaster, etc., can be used to distribute local information such as road conditions to areas that need it. Developing and providing a low-cost, sustainable transmission system that can be reliably heard by people with a simple reception method will be a beneficial and sustainable means of ensuring the safety of people with visual impairments when walking.

The problem to be solved is that in the advanced information society, which is becoming more convenient in recent years, digital technology is treated as if it is essential to use it, and it is a walking support system for people with visual impairments. As long as we try to use it as a central means, visually impaired people will have to pay high fees for using smartphones and dedicated terminals, be forced to pre-register personal information, and be bothered by unfamiliar equipment and difficult-to-see operations. Not only that, the operator also incurs various costs related to development and maintenance.

For this reason, we aimed to make it a safe and simple information means by utilizing conventional analog technology without using digital technology as the core part of the system.

As a walking support tool for the visually impaired that does not use digital technology, in addition to guide blocks for the visually impaired and a white cane, speakers installed on pillars at intersections provide analog information such as whether or not the pedestrian crossing you are currently standing on can be used. There is a device that directly tells you by the voice of the formula, but it is also important to develop and provide a safe and simple information means that can guide the visually impaired to the intersection.

Therefore, based on known technologies and ideas, we added our own ideas and formulated methods for providing safe and simple information means for each item.

Users such as the visually impaired can obtain necessary information without the need for complicated pre-registration of personal information or operating complicated equipment. It is good to have an information provision method that minimizes the maintenance burden of equipment.

In order to make the format of information provided to visually impaired users easier for users to understand, it is better to use voice guidance that reaches the ears directly, as if listening to the radio, instead of screen displays of characters and graphics. .

As a means of providing information, it is preferable to use a wireless system that can receive information as long as radio waves reach it without encountering difficulty in reception due to network disconnection or access complications even in the event of a large-scale disaster, and that there is no limit on the number of receivers.

In order to realize this, we are thinking of a mechanism that allows users to easily obtain information without having to go through troublesome pre-registration, as long as they have a small radio that does not incur usage fees.

The type of radio wave does not require complicated equipment such as data processing, and it is an analog radio wave that can be heard by ear as long as the frequency is matched with general radios that are widely used not only in Japan but also around the world. good.

The radio waves must have excellent straightness in order to reduce interference, be suitable for short-distance communication, be able to be received by radio that can receive public broadcasting regardless of whether it is normal or during a large-scale disaster, and have good reception quality. In light of the conditions such as the fact that the emission of radio waves in the relevant frequency band of the relevant modulation system will not stop in the near future, full-scale test broadcasting was carried out in Japan in the 1950s, and NHK-FM in the 1960s. Consider the use of frequency radio waves in the FM radio broadcasting band, which has had a wide reception environment since its opening.

Two-way communication that usually exchanges information such as personal information with the operator when users such as visually impaired people try to obtain individual information at their own request under the control of systems centered on digital technology The system is used, but if it is an information provision system that uses frequency waves in the FM radio broadcast band, desired information can be obtained just by turning on the power of the receiver and tuning the channel like general radio broadcasting or television broadcasting.

In order to achieve this, even in a system that has multiple channels of transmission frequencies or uses only a single frequency, the radio wave structure that emits only a narrow range in terms of direction and distance should be used from a location close to the receiver. Consider a structure that allows users to receive only the content they need by selectively receiving incoming radio waves.

The radio wave strength and transmission range shall be such that the output and transmission range do not affect existing public broadcasting.

Therefore, the system should be operated within the range of weak radio waves specified by the Radio Law.

For receiving information radio waves, visually impaired people, the elderly, and people living in foreign countries can also listen to FM radios that are used in daily life without any discomfort in their possession and operation. If you have an FM radio, you don't have to carry around a separate radio, but you can usually listen to public broadcasts through one-ear earphones. I can hear the broadcast.

Furthermore, in addition to walking support information for people with visual impairments, etc., information on the nearest evacuation site in the event of a disaster, tourist information on scenic spots, safety guidance information on factory premises, etc. If the information is broadly classified and broadcasted at different frequencies for each content, the user can easily obtain the information of the necessary categories.

If visually impaired people can grasp the direction in which the received radio waves are emitted in order to grasp the direction of walking or the direction of movement such as the forward direction and the reverse direction in addition to the current position information. Even better.

For the operator, the system can be operated in a narrow area so that the maintenance cost for new system development and permanent maintenance will not be a burden. It is considered that the device is provided with a function to easily update the contents of the provided information from the outside without greatly changing the cost.

In addition, as a new idea to differentiate from systems that can be easily devised from existing technology, it is sufficient to make a system that uses analog technology in today's world where digital technology is thought to be omnipotent. However, for further differentiation, the method of transmitting radio waves is devised.

All of the devices of the present invention are constructed on the assumption that they will be incorporated into a guiding block for the visually impaired with a plan projection size of approximately 30 cm square. hereinafter referred to as small size).

FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitters have long been wireless microphones that can receive FM radio, and in recent years they have been used as FM transmitters operated by wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication standard technology for communication between audio equipment, car radios, and wireless earphones. It is not a particularly new technology because it is used, but it is used for communication between specific devices, and because of the ease of reception, the wavelength of the transmitted radio waves, and the structural restrictions of the antenna, all A directional antenna is not attached to the small transmitter.

In addition, the FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitter used for the purpose of local community broadcasting station broadcasts using an omnidirectional antenna so that as many receivers as possible can hear it. Broadcast stations equipped with directional antennas for the purpose of emitting radio waves to the public in a specific direction are not seen, much less are compact transmitters equipped with directional antennas.

This is because the wavelength of radio waves used in the FM radio broadcasting band is approximately 3 to 4 meters. Since it is necessary to add two antenna-like structures for interference called a reflector in the rear and a director in front of the main antenna, which is set to have a length of at least a quarter of the wavelength or a half of the wavelength, This is because neither the necessity nor the economic feasibility of making a compact directional antenna, which substantially reduces the efficiency (hereinafter referred to as gain) of the radiation power or electric field intensity sent from the antenna with respect to the output from the transmitter, was found. be.

Therefore, I thought that a small directional antenna could be made by intentionally excluding its mission as an antenna that can transmit radio waves over long distances with a small amount of power. I placed the FM radio in front of it and confirmed that it could be received. We thought that it would be possible to create a compact directional antenna that controls the transmission range while keeping the weak radio waves within the range stipulated by the Radio Law.

In other words, this case is the first FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitter equipped with one or more small directional antennas made after accepting that the gain of the radio wave sent from the transmitter is greatly attenuated. There are many advantages such as avoidance of radio wave interference with adjacent transmitters and selective reception of desired content on FM radio.

As a result of summarizing the guidelines for resolving the above issues, the basic idea is to combine conventional technologies and existing equipment as much as possible in order to make it a safe and convenient means of information for the visually impaired and the operators. Although it was a development concept, the walking support system for the visually impaired, etc., which was devised earlier by others, including the development and adoption of a small directional antenna, was at least digital as far as the technical literature after the 1990s was concerned. Since technology is the center of the system, it is an original idea that cannot be easily focused on or devised from existing analog technology.

However, since digital technology has excellent expandability and applicability, the system of this invention is used as a basis, and as a supplementary or extended function to this, a function to prevent malicious rewriting when updating transmitted information and analysis of GPS data It can be used as a control function or to change the reception frequency in conjunction with the walking direction of the robot.

Based on the above-mentioned direction, the present invention is a FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitter, which is a conventional analog technology with a transmission and reception infrastructure, so that it can be a safe and convenient information means for both users and operators. , A device that combines a directional transmitting antenna that can control the direction of transmitting radio waves to the FM radio held by a person who wants to hear information, a recording and reproducing device that can update information such as the transmitted voice from the outside, and a power supply device. (hereinafter referred to as this transmitter) is incorporated in road facilities such as blocks for guiding the visually impaired.

The present invention regards the weakness of weak radio waves that reach only a narrow range as a strength as radio waves for information transmission in a narrow area, and uses FM type radio waves with strong straightness for information transmission using a directional antenna. By using it, even if multiple weak radio transmitters of the same frequency are installed in a small area, there is no interference, and by selectively receiving those radio waves, you can obtain the information you need without going through complicated procedures. It has the advantage of being heard.

Furthermore, since it is a system that allows users to listen to FM radio, there is no need for users to install smartphones or new receiving devices that require communication and maintenance costs. It can also contribute to infrastructure development in Japan.

As an advantage related to the installation and operation costs of the present invention, the cost of laying a guide block for the visually impaired with this transmitting device incorporated is lower than that of laying a conventional guide block for the visually impaired without additional functions. There are advantages that do not change significantly.

Furthermore, it has the advantage of being able to emit stable radio waves for a long period of time without requiring special maintenance, not only outdoors in sunlight, but also in places where there is an external energy supply environment such as lighting or electromagnetic waves. .

The main work of the operator caused by using the guidance block for the visually impaired (hereafter referred to as the information transmission block) that incorporates this transmission device is to input information such as road conditions and installation location in advance, or It is to update the information in the information transmission block, and when updating the information, electromagnetic induction and RFID compatible with the external input interface incorporated in this transmission device, or wireless LAN and short-range wireless communication standards, etc. Complementary use of digital communication technology eliminates malicious rewriting and enables safe and rapid updates.

Regarding the information update work, the general name of the location in question linked with GPS and other location data is automatically converted into audio data, and the information transmission block's recording and playback device is updated in a timely manner. Complementary use of technology can greatly reduce information entry and updating work.

Furthermore, if the digital voice data transmitted by the advanced PICS pedestrian support information communication system according to the short-range wireless communication standard is converted into an analog signal by the external input interface and immediately broadcast from the information transmission block, It has the advantage of being a safe and convenient means of information that can be listened to on FM radio, even for those who do not carry a smartphone and have gone through complicated pre-application procedures.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for comparing the appearance of an existing block for guiding the visually impaired and a block for transmitting information. (Example 1) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing three-direction cross sections of the information transmission block. (Example 2) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the structural concept of a small transmitting antenna for controlling the range of radio waves transmitted from this transmitting device. (Example 3) FIG. 4 is an image explanatory view of the range of radio waves transmitted from the guidance block type information transmission block viewed from the side. (Example 4) Fig. 5 shows an image of a pocket radio for receiving radio waves sent from FM radio stations and information transmission blocks, and a screen for selectively receiving FM radio waves sent from FM radio stations and information transmission blocks. It is an image explanatory diagram of a white cane with a built-in FM radio to which individual antennas and switches are added. (Example 5) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an image of laying a plurality of information transmission blocks to transmit information to a visually impaired person or the like and using the information. (Example 6) Figure 7 shows how the advanced PICS, which has been developed mainly by police organizations as a support measure for the elderly and visually impaired to use pedestrian crossings and railways safely and securely, is linked with blocks for transmitting information. , is an image explanatory diagram of a system improved to be a safe and convenient information means.

A safer and simpler means of providing information has been realized by improving the functions of guidance blocks for the visually impaired defined in JIS T9251-2001 without changing their external dimensions, appearance, or construction procedures.

Figure 1 shows two types of guiding blocks for the visually impaired: guidance blocks (linear blocks) and warning blocks (dotted blocks). It is a view of the existing block of the type seen from two directions, from above and from the side. In FIG. FIG. 3 is an image diagram of each block viewed from above.

Number 1 in Figure 1-2 is the power supply unit. In this example, the peripheral part is colored yellow, and the surface is covered with a sufficiently hard protective material after taking care not to impair the color design of the block as much as possible. It is an image of incorporating a photovoltaic panel and a storage battery.

Number 5 in the figure is a contactless method from the outside of this transmitting device when recording the message transmitted by this transmitting device into the storage device, when updating the contents after laying, or when checking the function status. It is an interface for exchanging information embedded inside near the surface of the block in order to update or confirm the contents.

The number 6 in the figure represents the position of a port for transmitting weak radio waves upwards of the information transmission block, which is provided inside the block near the surface.

Number 7 in the figure represents the position of a port that emits weak radio waves horizontally or slightly upward (hereinafter referred to as horizontal upward direction) such as front, back, left, and right of the block for information transmission, and is provided inside the block near the surface. .

It should be noted that any of Nos. 1, 5, 6, and 7 in the figure can be exposed to the surface of the block if it is waterproof, damaged, and has a structure that prevents pedestrians from stumbling over it.

FIG. 2 shows a type of information transmission block called a guidance block, which was explained with reference number 41 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view and an explanatory view showing respective side cross-sections from two directions;

Number 1 in FIG. 2 is the power supply device described with the same number in FIG.

Number 2 in the figure is the main board of this transmitter (main body of FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitter equipped with a recording/reproducing device that can update information such as voice to be transmitted as needed), and number 1 in this embodiment It has a function to receive power supply from the solar panel and power storage device and transmit information such as voice as FM radio waves, update the recorded content through the interface, control the power supply, or change the transmission frequency and transmission power. It also has the control function of

Reference numeral 3 in the figure denotes an antenna having a structure for mainly focusing the radio waves emitted from the transmitter in the upward direction.

Numeral 4 in the figure is a directional antenna devised for transmitting radio waves transmitted from this transmitting device mainly to a narrow range in the horizontal upward direction.

Reference numeral 5 in the figure denotes an interface indicated by the same reference numeral in FIG. 1, and reference numerals 6 and 7 denote weak radio wave transmission ports.

Reference numeral 23 in the figure denotes a ground plate installed on the bottom surface of the information transmission block.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a small directional transmitting antenna for controlling the direction and range of radio waves transmitted from this transmitting device and the concept of radio wave intensity for each transmission direction. , the antenna of the same number 3 shown in FIG. 2 installed for the purpose of focusing in the upward direction, and FIG. It is a sexual antenna.

Numerals 6 and 7 in the figure are protective materials on the surface of the block for preventing dust and the like from entering the antenna housing, and serve as outlets for weak radio waves.

Numeral 8 in the figure is a small antenna for transmitting FM radio waves from this transmitter.

Number 9 in the figure is a housing for significantly attenuating radio waves transmitted in directions other than the tube tip direction by interfering with the FM radio waves transmitted from the antenna of number 8 or by absorbing energy on the metal surface. is.

FIG. 4 is an image explanatory diagram of the range of radio waves transmitted from the information transmission block viewed from the front and back and from the horizontal direction.

1, 2 and 3, the radio waves sent from number 6 in FIG. are focused in the horizontal upward direction facing forward and backward.

In this figure, the guide block (linear block) type information transmission block image shown as number 41 in FIG. 1 is used for explanation. The information transmission block should preferably have a structure that transmits radio waves not only in the front and rear directions, but also in the left and right horizontal directions.

For the sake of convenience, number 20 of FIG. Although divided, the radio waves in multiple directions (three directions in this example) are controlled to be sent out so that they do not overlap each other, or as a characteristic of FM radio waves, strong radio waves cancel out weak radio waves, so there is no major confusion due to interference. .

Therefore, upward radio waves, forward radio waves, and backward radio waves represented by numbers 20, 21, and 22 in FIG. , backward radio waves, all of which have the same frequency and different broadcast contents, or upward radio waves, forward radio waves, and backward radio waves, all of which have different frequencies and different broadcast contents.

For example, the frequency transmitted from the information transmission block is set in advance as two channels, one for upward radio waves and one for horizontal upward radio waves directed forward and backward (including left and right in the case of dotted blocks). If you use the upward radio wave channel, anyone who carries an FM radio can hear information about the location where the information transmission block is laid, and the horizontal upward radio wave channel pointing forward and backward If the direction of going away is broadcasted, if you receive it with an FM radio that has a structure that allows selective reception of the direction from which the radio waves come, you can judge the direction you are heading.

In addition, since the information transmission block of the present invention also has a function of receiving digital radio waves such as wireless LAN and short-range wireless communication standards, by broadcasting this as analog FM radio waves, walking support information such as visually impaired people will not necessarily be available. Not only that, information necessary for healthy people such as evacuation site information, sightseeing spot information, and temporary news in the event of large-scale disasters such as wind and flood damage and earthquakes can be provided even when the Internet environment is complicated due to a major disaster or power outage. It can be used as a system that can be listened to as long as you have a radio, so if you have many transmission channels and notify the transmission frequency in advance, the range of use will expand.

Figure 5 shows a device for receiving radio waves transmitted from FM radio stations and information transmission blocks. Figure 5-2 is an image diagram of a so-called pocket-sized FM radio, number 11, and a white cane, number 13, which has a built-in FM radio capable of selectively receiving radio waves of various incident directions and frequencies.

Number 10 in the figure indicates the white cane currently used by the visually impaired, and there is no need to purchase a new white cane when using this system, and walking support information can be received from the radio while walking with the familiar white cane. It is an image diagram that can be heard.

FM radio has the function of receiving radio waves from all directions and reproducing and reproducing sound, so as explained in Fig. 4, when walking on the road surface where this transmitter is laid, it is announced in advance. As long as you match the frequency, there is an advantage that you can listen to the guidance voice without difficulty without complicated pre-procedures.

Number 12 in the figure is an image of the reception frequency preset button, but if the radio is equipped with this function, it will be even easier if you set the frequency for information reception, which will be a dedicated channel for walking assistance, etc., which has been announced in advance. Walking assistance information is available.

An inner-ear hearing-aid-sized FM radio with squelch-like functionality capable of receiving single or multiple preset channels, and capable of reproducing only signals from strong channels or directions, and clothes without pockets. There is an advantage that you can easily put it on and go out.

Number 13 in the figure is a white cane with a built-in FM radio that can selectively receive radio waves of various incident directions and frequencies in the grip part of number 14, and the grip is shaped so that the front and back direction that this white cane is facing can be grasped. ing.

Numeral 15 in the figure denotes various switch units for turning on/off power, adjusting volume, switching antennas used for reception, presetting reception channels, and the like.

The number 16 in the figure indicates the part where the omnidirectional antenna is installed inside. Although it has the advantage of being able to catch the weak FM radio waves sent out to the front and back, it also receives horizontal upward radio waves from the information transmission blocks installed in the front and rear, so the reception sensitivity for these radio waves is reduced. Considering the case of lowering operation and the case of listening to general public broadcasting in public transportation, etc., it is assumed to be built in the position of number 16 for convenience.

Number 17 in the figure is a receiving antenna with a structure that is provided with a shield for the purpose of attenuating radio waves from directions other than the front direction of walking. is adjusted to

As a future expansion function, in preparation for the spread of collision avoidance systems between pedestrians coming from the side by transmitting radio waves etc. to other people's white canes, selective reception of radio waves transmitted from the side or the rear. You may install an antenna in the direction which can be done.

Numbers 18 and 19 in the figure are an earphone jack and an earphone. becomes unnecessary.

FIG. 6 shows the direction of radio wave transmission when a plurality of information transmission blocks described with reference number 41 in FIGS. It is an image diagram showing not only the operation method and its advantages, but also the problems and solutions regarding radio wave interference and crosstalk.

The symbols a and b attached to the end of the number represent convenient symbols for specifying and pointing to the information transmission block that transmits the radio wave for convenience, or represent the position where the block is laid. there is

The numbers 20a, 21a, 22a, 20b, 21b, and 22b in FIGS. 6-1, 6-2, and 6-3 indicate the same radio waves sent in the same direction. The display is changed to explain the direction of transmission and the image of the transmitted radio wave.

FIG. 6-1 is a three-dimensional image diagram of the upward radio waves described in FIG. 4 and the horizontal upward radio waves forward and backward, and shows the intersecting state of the forward and backward horizontal upward radio waves between adjacent blocks.

To prevent interference at the intersection of horizontal upward waves that can occur with FM radios that receive waves from all directions, the frequencies of the forward and backward horizontal upward waves should be different. Alternatively, if the same frequency is used, it is conceivable to lay the adjacent information transmission blocks apart from each other to the extent that interference that would greatly interfere with reception does not occur. If there is an FM radio that has the function of selectively receiving radio waves from a specific direction, such as the walking direction, like a cane, it is possible to receive radio waves only from the front of the direction of travel, so that the radio can be heard without interference. can.

Even with an FM radio that does not have the function of selectively receiving signals according to the direction of incidence, the position where interference occurs is a short period of time when moving between blocks a and b, and after that it is at point a or point b. The strong radio waves cancel out the weak radio waves, so it doesn't cause much confusion.

Fig. 6-2 shows a sidewalk with Edafugo numbers 41a and 42b sandwiching a plurality of guiding blocks for the visually impaired, and two blocks for transmitting information. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a person numbered 24 who has a white cane and walks while listening to walking support information on an FM radio numbered 11;

For example, assuming that the frequencies of radio waves transmitted in all directions shown in FIG. In the horizontal upward direction radio wave, the content is that it is heading to point a or away from point a. In the horizontal upward radio waves of numbers 21b and 22b, it is heading to point b or moving away from point b. If a person with number 24 who has an FM radio set to this channel walks from point b in the direction of point a, he or she will first move toward point b or move away from point b. Then you hear that you are at point b, then you hear that you are heading to point b or moving away from point b, then you hear that you are heading to point a or moving away from point a. , and then hears the content of being at point a. As a result, the person with number 24 knows that he or she has walked from point b to point a.

In other words, the person with number 24 uses a white cane that he is accustomed to using and walks as before, and without any complicated pre-procedures, he can see where he is and the direction he is walking from the FM radio. You can hear information that you can grasp.

Figure 6-3 shows a person numbered 25 who walks on a sidewalk in the same environment as shown in Figure 6-2 while listening to walking support information using a white cane with a built-in FM radio explained as number 13 in Figure 5-2. It is an image figure.

In the operation example shown in Fig. 6-2, the radio waves in the horizontal upward direction receive both the radio waves from the front direction and the back direction of the walk, so it is difficult to determine whether the vehicle is moving towards or away from a certain point. A phase occurs, but in the operation example of Fig. 6-3, if the forward radio wave and the backward radio wave are broadcasted to indicate that they are heading to the next destination, the person with number 25 will receive the horizontal upward radio wave. Of these, only the radio waves emitted from the front of the person walking can be heard, so when walking from point b to point a, the person first hears the message that the person is heading to point b, and then he or she is at point b. He hears the content, then hears the content that he is going to the point a, and then hears the content that he is at the point a, so he knows that he is walking from the point b to the point a.

In other words, as explained with the image diagrams of FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, it is possible to prevent confusion due to double hearing of information regarding the walking direction due to receiving radio waves from behind the walking direction. Grasping of direction, position information, etc. becomes more reliable.

If we manage the radio wave frequency and the content of the broadcast according to the direction of transmission, we will be able to lay out information about stairs and drops ahead, information on the side where there is a handrail, platform taxiway guidance for each destination, and guidance blocks for the visually impaired. Visually handicapped people can grasp important information such as directions before the fork in the passageway.

In other words, it is a safe system that can inform visually impaired people of their walking direction and local information without using complex coordinate processing or digital technology such as RFID for processing GPS data in the core of this system. It is a convenient means of information.

Figure 7 shows how this transmission device or information transmission block is linked with an existing system to develop a system that uses analog technology at its core so that people with visual impairments can use pedestrian crossings more safely. It is an image diagram, number 26 indicates this transmitting device or information transmission block, number 27 is upward radio wave, number 28 and number 29 is horizontal upward radio wave, number 43 is a warning block type installed in front of the pedestrian crossing Block for transmitting information, number 30 is radio waves sent from number 43, number 31 is an antenna for information transmission and reception of the advanced PICS pedestrian support information communication system, number 32 is from number 31 by wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication standard A digital radio wave of crosswalk-related information that is received and transmitted, and number 33 is a crosswalk switch.

For pedestrian crossings that have already laid white blocks to guide visually impaired people and set up taxiways, if the blocks are appropriately replaced with information transmission blocks that can withstand the weight of passing vehicles, the operation will be the same. For installation on conventional pedestrian crossings without a taxiway, information transmission blocks with flat top surfaces that can withstand the weight of passing vehicles, or asphalt-like construction materials that allow radio waves to pass through are used. This transmitting device, which has a structure to be protected, can be laid by aligning the upper surface level during road maintenance work.

FIG. 7-1 shows digital voice data about intersections and traffic lights of number 32 sent from number 31 to smartphones on which compatible application software has been pre-installed via wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication standards, and information of number 43. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing the upward radio waves of number 30 broadcasting the voice received by the transmission block and converted to analog;

In this case, upward radio waves are used so that the range of radio waves transmitted by the information transmission block of number 43 does not become narrower than the range of radio waves of the wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication standard of number 32 being transmitted to the smartphone. It is also possible to transmit radio waves over a wide range without shielding control of the transmission range of , or to broadcast the same content not only by upward radio waves but also by horizontally upward radio waves in four directions, front, rear, left, and right.

In this case, visually impaired people such as number 34 who use the intersection do not have smartphones with high communication and basic maintenance costs, but even FM radios with long battery life and no costs for reception. Since all basic information about intersections and crosswalks can be heard, this information provision system can be said to be a safe and convenient means of information.

Figure 7-2 shows that the visually impaired person (number 35) listens directly to the electronic sound or narration that flows after pressing the pedestrian crossing switch (number 33) from this transmitting device (number 26) or the information transmitting block. It is an image diagram of listening to walking support information such as the distance to cross the sidewalk from the transmitted upward radio waves of number 27 or horizontal upward radio waves of numbers 28 and 29 on the FM radio of number 11.

With this type of installation, it can be installed in crosswalk areas where blocks are not normally installed to guide visually impaired people. If, for example, the distance to the crossing to the destination plane can be heard from the radio wave of number 27, the driver can safely cross the pedestrian crossing without feeling rushed.

In addition, as an extended operation of this laying form, along the center line of the pedestrian crossing, this transmitting device or information transmission block of number 26 with a reduced transmission range or transmission output of radio waves can be connected or laid in close proximity. , No. 35 visually handicapped can be relieved because they know that they are not walking off the pedestrian crossing as long as they hear the taxiway announcement.

The advanced PICS pedestrian support information communication system has functions that are said to be convenient, such as green light extension control by personal smartphones, but the number of intersections installed for trial operation by each prefectural police is not increasing. As far as I can see, it is reasonable to think that visually impaired people and deployment operators are not greatly attracted to the convenience of this system.

Claims (1)

An FM radio broadcast band weak radio wave transmitter, a directional transmitting antenna that can control the direction of transmitting radio waves to the FM radio held by a person who wants to hear information, and a recording and reproducing device that can update information such as transmitted voice from the outside. and road equipment such as blocks for guiding the visually impaired, characterized by a structure in which a power supply device is incorporated.

Images