KR102025832B1 - Smart cane - Google Patents

Abstract

Smart wand of the present invention is a detachable portion detachable to a white cane (white cane); And a receiving part corresponding to an empty space formed inside the detachable part, wherein the receiving part may be provided with a guide module for guiding the user of the white cane.

Description

Smart Cane {SMART CANE}

The present invention relates to a smart wand for guiding a user's walking.

In general, visually impaired people go out by recognizing a braille block installed on the floor by relying on a blind dog or a cane to overcome visual impairment.

In other words, the visually impaired people walk along a braille block guide line consisting of a plurality of braille blocks, by touching the edge component of each braille block several times with a stick or recognizing through the soles of the feet.

However, it takes a lot of time for visually impaired people to walk and recognize the Braille block with their own senses through their canes or soles. .

In recent years, a device for photographing the surroundings of the visually impaired by a camera, analyzing the photographing information, and providing walking information corresponding to a braille block by voice has been proposed.

However, the pedestrian information guide system for the visually impaired typically provides only a walking direction based on a braille block formed on the bottom surface photographed by a camera. Because it does not provide information, it is somewhat dangerous for the blind to walk freely.

Korean Patent Publication No. 1665053 discloses an ambient information guidance system that outputs voice guidance information about a surrounding obstacle using a stereo vision.

However, there is no plan to enhance the function of the cane that is essential for the visually impaired.

Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 1665053

The present invention is to provide a smart walking stick that can guide the user walking and protect the user from dangerous situations.

Technical problems to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Could be.

Smart wand of the present invention is a detachable portion detachable to a white cane (white cane); And a receiving part corresponding to an empty space formed inside the detachable part, wherein the receiving part may be provided with a guide module for guiding the user of the white cane.

According to the smart wand of the present invention, a detachable part detachable to a white cane used by a pedestrian may be provided.

By using the detachable part, the user can easily install various kinds of guide modules in the existing white canes. In this case, when the guide module selected according to the user's situation is mounted on the detachable part, an optimal white can be provided only for a specific user.

According to the smart wand of the present invention, it is possible to lower the incidence of accidents of the user who is uncomfortable.

In addition, according to the present invention, various information of the smart wand can be provided to the guardian of the user. The guardian can use the information provided through the terminal to confirm the user's safety or to promptly perform appropriate follow-up.

1 is a schematic view showing a smart wand of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing a smart wand of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a smart wand with the receiving portion open.
4 is a schematic view showing a smart wand installed with a guide module.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the smart wand installed guide module.
6 is a schematic view showing the position measuring means.
7 is a schematic view showing a sensing means.
8 is a schematic view showing photographing means.
9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery.
10 is a front perspective view showing another smart wand of the present invention.
11 is a rear perspective view showing another smart wand of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the size or shape of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. In addition, terms that are specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Definitions of these terms should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

1 is a schematic view showing a smart wand of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view showing a smart wand of the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a smart wand with the receiving portion 190 is open. 4 is a schematic view showing a smart wand installed with a guide module. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the smart wand installed guide module.

The smart wand of the present invention may refer to a smart module that is additionally mounted to the white cane, or may refer to a white cane equipped with the smart module.

The smart wand 100 shown in the drawing may include a detachable part 110, a receiving part 190, and a guide module 150.

The detachable part 110 may be formed to be detachable from the white cane 10. The white cane can be formed to be foldable or foldable.

The accommodating part 190 may correspond to an empty space formed in the detachable part 110.

The accommodation unit 190 may be provided with a guide module for guiding the user of the white cane. The guide module may guide the user's walking or provide guide information related to the safety of the user to a safety manager such as a fire station, a user, a protector of the user, and the like.

The detachable part 110 of the present invention can be easily detached from an existing white cane and can be formed to be firmly fixed when mounted to the white cane.

For example, through-holes 170 through which white kane is installed may be formed on one surface and the other surface of the detachable portion 110 with the receiving portion 190 interposed therebetween.

According to the method of inserting the white cane into the through-hole 170 that is already drilled, the detachable part 110 may flow unintentionally from the white cane. This is because the white cane is formed in a thinner structure as it moves away from the handle.

The detachable part 110 may include a first detachable member 111, a second detachable member 112, and a hinge 113 so that the detachable part 110 is securely fixed to the white cane when mounted on the white cane. .

The first detachable member 111 and the second detachable member 112 may take the shape of each member divided by cutting the middle of the three-dimensional structure having an empty space therein.

In this case, a part of the through hole 170 may be formed in the first detachable member 111, and the rest of the through hole 170 may be formed in the second detachable member 112.

The hinge 113 may pivotally connect the first detachable member 111 and the second detachable member 112.

Due to the hinge 113, one side of the first detachable member 111 and one side of the second detachable member 112 are connected to each other, and the other side of each detachable member is coupled to or spaced apart from each other while rotating about the hinge 113. Can be.

When the first detachable member 111 and the second detachable member 112 are coupled to each other via the white cane, the white cane may be fixed to the through hole 170.

One or more stoppers having a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole 170 may be formed at the specific location so that the detachable part 110 may not accidentally flow down from the white cane.

Meanwhile, according to the first detachable member 111 and the second detachable member 112 connected to each other by the hinge 113, an accommodation part formed between the first detachable member 111 and the second detachable member 112 is provided. 190 may be easily exposed to the outside. The guide module may be easily installed in the receiving portion 190 exposed to the outside.

For example, at least one of an inner surface of the first detachable member 111 facing the accommodating part 190 and an inner surface of the second detachable member 112 facing the accommodating part 190 may be detachable from a plurality of types of guide modules. Can be formed.

For example, guide holes 151, 152, 153, and 154 may be formed in the first detachable member 111 or the second detachable member 112 to expose a part of the guide module to the outside. When the guide module is installed to be aligned with the guide hole, even when the accommodating part 190 is closed according to the combination of the first detachable member 111 and the second detachable member 112, the guide module may be operated from the outside.

Each detachable member may have a plurality of guide holes formed at different positions such that various kinds of guide modules are selected and installed according to a user's selection.

The guide modules 210, 220, 230, 300, 400, and 500 may be modularized so that different types of guide modules may be mounted at positions facing the specific guide holes.

In this case, cases 219, 229, and 239 covering the guide module may be provided.

The detachable part 110 may be formed to open and close the receiving part 190 by the hinge 113 or the like. In this case, the case may be detachably formed on the inner surface of the detachable part 110 through the opened receiving part 190. In this case, a first coupling part (not shown) coupled to the case may be provided on the inner surface of the detachable part 110, and a second coupling part (not shown) coupled to the first coupling part may be provided on the case.

The size and shape of the case may vary depending on the type of guide module. At this time, the position and size of the second coupling portion formed in the case may be standardized to match the first coupling portion. Due to the case having a standardized second coupling part, the guide module may be modularized to be easily mounted to the detachable part 110.

The case may be provided with module connectors 217, 227, 237 electrically connected to the drive power and signal lines so that the guide module closed from the outside due to the case can communicate with other guide modules.

The guide module may include a generation unit 210, 220, 230, an input unit 311, 313, 330, an output unit 400, and a communication unit 500.

In the accommodating part 190, a battery 600 for supplying driving power of the guide module may be installed together with the guide module.

The detachable part 110 may be provided with a charging connector (not shown) electrically connected to the battery.

For example, the battery may be charged through a charging connector such as an Android 5-pin connector.

The generation unit may generate information for guiding the user or may generate various information for the safety of the user.

For example, the generation unit position measuring means 210 for generating the position information of the detachable unit 110, the detection unit 220 for generating the detection information of the object around the detachable unit 110, the video around the detachable unit 110 It may include at least one of the photographing means 230 for generating a.

The input unit may include first buttons 311 and 313 for turning on / off the generator and a second button 330 for generating an emergency signal. Braille may be formed on the first and second buttons for the convenience of the user. The input unit may be formed separately from the generator, or may be integrally formed with the generator.

The output unit may include at least one of voice output means for outputting the position information or the sense information as a voice, and vibration means for vibrating the detachable unit 110 using the position information or the sense information.

The communication unit may wirelessly transmit the information generated by the generation unit to a predetermined server or terminal. The communication unit may be formed integrally with the generation unit.

When the center of gravity is biased toward either side of the white cane penetrating the center of the detachable part 110, the usability of the white cane may be deteriorated.

Therefore, the guide module may be equally disposed on one side and the other side based on the white kine penetrating the detachable part 110.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the generation unit is installed at the first detachable member 111 with the white kine therebetween, the output unit, the communication unit, and the battery are disposed at the second detachable member 112 side with the white kine therebetween. Can be installed.

According to this embodiment, since the center of gravity is formed coaxially with the white cane, inconvenience such as unintentional rotation of the white cane can be improved.

6 is a schematic view showing the position measuring means.

The position measuring means 210 may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module.

The GPS module may be closed from the outside by the position measuring case 219. On the outer surface of the position measuring case 219, a position measuring module connector 217 electrically connected to an internal GPS or the like may be provided.

The position measuring case 219 may be provided with a position measuring first button 311 for turning the GPS module on and off.

The position measuring case 219 may be provided with a second button 330 for generating an emergency signal.

The position measuring first button and the second button may be formed to face the position measuring guide hole 151 formed in the detachable part 110. Even when the receiving portion 190 is closed, the user may operate the position measurement first button 311 and the second button 330 through the position measurement guide hole 151.

If the position measuring means is turned on by operating the first button for position measuring, the position measuring means may generate current position information. The generated location information may be transmitted to the communication unit through the module connector, and may be transmitted to a safety server such as a fire station or a terminal of a guardian by the communication unit.

In addition, when the current location information is a dangerous area, for example, near the water, the location measuring means may generate a warning signal and transmit the warning signal to the output unit through the module connector. The output unit may warn the user by outputting a warning signal through the voice output means or the vibration means.

When the second button is pressed for a predetermined time or more, the position measuring means may generate an emergency signal together with the position information. The emergency signal may be transmitted together with the location information to a safety server such as a fire station, a hospital, a police station, or a terminal of a guardian.

According to the position measuring means, the user can tell his position with the rescue request only by pressing the second button in an emergency.

7 is a schematic view showing a sensing means.

The sensing means 220 may include a radar sensor module, an infrared sensor module, a distance measuring sensor module, and the like.

The sensor module may be covered and protected by the sensing case 229.

A sensing module connector 227 may be provided on an outer surface of the sensing case 229.

The sensor module may include a first member 221 that transmits light or radio waves, and a second member 223 that receives light or radio waves reflected by surrounding objects.

The sensor module may sense a surrounding object by using the first member and the second member, and generate sensing information corresponding to the sensing result. The sensing information may be transmitted to the output unit via the sensing module connector 227. In particular, when the distance between the sensor module and the surrounding object satisfies the set distance, the sensor module may transmit the sensing information including the warning signal to the output unit. The output unit where the warning signal is received may output a warning sound or a warning vibration.

The sensing means may be provided in plural to detect surrounding objects located in various directions. In this case, each sensing means may be installed to detect surrounding objects present in different directions, and may generate sensing information to distinguish each direction.

In the detachable part 110, a sensing guide hole 152 may be formed at a position facing the first member 221 and the second member.

In this case, the sensing guide holes 152 forming two pairs may be provided in plurality in different directions.

For example, the detachable part 110 includes a sensing guide hole 152 facing the front sensing means, a sensing guide hole 152 facing the right sensing means, and a sensing guide hole facing the sensing means for the left. 152 may be provided.

In this case, the sensing information generated by the front sensing means, the right branch means, and the left sensing means may be formed to distinguish each sensing means.

For example, the sensing information generated by the front sensing unit may continuously vibrate the detachable unit 110 through the output unit.

On the other hand, the sensing information generated by the sensing means for the right may vibrate the detachable part 110 twice through the output part and then rest for a while again. The sensing information generated by the sensing means for the left may periodically vibrate the detachable unit 110 once through the output unit.

The user can easily discern which direction the surrounding object is close to through different vibrations of the detachable part 110.

Since it is inconvenient to turn on and off a plurality of sensing means, respectively, the sensing first button may be integrated into one. At this time, the one sensing first button may be exposed to the outside through the sensing button guide hole 154 of the detachable part 110.

8 is a schematic view showing photographing means.

The photographing means 230 may include a camera, a black box, or the like, which photographs the detachable portion 110.

The photographing means may include a photographing case 239 covering and protecting the camera.

A photographing module connector 237 may be provided on an outer surface of the photographing case 239. In addition, a first button 313 for photographing and a lens barrel 231 may be provided on an outer surface of the photographing case.

The detachable part 110 may be provided with a photographing guide hole 153 facing the first button 313 and the lens barrel 231.

The video generated by the photographing means 230 may be transmitted to the terminal of the safety server or the guardian through the module connector and the communication unit in order, or may be stored in a memory card (not shown) mounted on the photographing means 230.

According to the photographing means 230, similar to a vehicle black box, a moving picture capable of accurately determining a situation when an accident occurs may be provided. In addition, the remote guardian can directly check the user's comfort through the video.

9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery.

The battery 600 may supply power to a guide module such as a generation unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a communication unit.

The battery 600 is protected by the battery case 609 and may be electrically connected to each guide module through a battery module connector 607 and a wire connected to the module connector.

The battery 600 may receive and store power of an external power source through a charging connector (not shown) formed in the detachable part 110.

Smart wand of the present invention can reduce the incidence of accidents of the user who is uncomfortable, and can reduce the worry of the caregiver. When an accident occurs, the user can solve the unpleasant situation by using the video of the photographing means.

10 is a front perspective view showing another smart wand of the present invention. 11 is a rear perspective view showing another smart wand of the present invention.

The optical axis of the lens provided in the photographing means 230 is directional. Therefore, if the optical axis of the lens is directed in a different direction from the accident scene when the accident occurs, it is difficult to obtain an image of the accident scene despite the photographing means 230.

For a module that needs to be adjusted at various angles with respect to the white cane 10 of the guide module, the detachable part 110 may include a fixing member 116 and a moving member 115.

The fixing member 116 may be fixed to the white cane 10 by the detachable means 260. For example, the detachable means 260 may be formed on one surface of the fixing member 116, and the detachable means 260 may be provided with a through hole 270 through which the white cane 10 is installed.

After passing the white kine through the through hole 270 and tightening the fastening means 261 such as a bolt, the white kane may be constrained in the through hole 270. The diameter of the through hole 270 formed in the attaching and detaching means 260 may be reduced by tightening the silver fastening means 261, and the white cane 10 may be tightly gripped. Accordingly, according to the detachable means 260 and the fastening means 261, the detachable part may be installed at various positions of the white cane 10.

The moving member 115 may be formed to be linearly movable or may be rotatable based on the fixing member 116.

For example, the moving member 115 may be formed to be movable on the fixing member 116 by the hinge 113.

The fixing member 116 may be provided with a position measuring means 210 having no special orientation, a sensing means 220 covering a wide direction, or the like.

Referring to the drawings, the first button 311 or the second button 330 for position measurement installed in the position measuring means 210 is installed in the fixing member 116.

The first member 221 and the second member 223 of the sensing means 22 are also provided in the fixing member 116.

The moving member 115 may be provided with a photographing means 230 or the like that needs to face a specific direction.

For example, the white cane 10 may be used in a state inclined to the ground. In this case, the fixing member 116 fixed to the white cane 10 may maintain a state inclined to the ground together with the white cane 10.

At this time, when the photographing means 230 is installed on the fixing member 116, the lens optical axis of the photographing means 230 is directed toward the sky, so only an image of the sky is obtained.

According to the present embodiment, the photographing means 230 may be installed in the movable member 115 which is rotatably formed with respect to the fixing member 116. Therefore, when the moving member 115 is rotated with respect to the fixing member 116 by a predetermined angle, the optical axis of the photographing means 230 can be maintained parallel to the ground. As a result, even if the white cane 10 is tilted, the photographing means 230 can reliably acquire the front image.

Although embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, these are merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent embodiments of the present invention are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the following claims.

10 ... White Cane 110 ... Removal
111 ... first removable member 112 ... second removable member
113 Hinge 115 Moving member
116 ... fixed member 151 ... guide hole for position measurement
152 ... Guide hole for detection 153 ... Guide hole for shooting
154 ... Detection button guide hole 170 ... Through
190 ... Acceptor 210 ... Position measuring means
217 ... Modular connector for position measurement
219 Position measuring case 220 Sensing means
221 ,, first member 223 ... second member
227 sensing module connector 229 sensing case
230 ... shooting means 231 ... lens barrel
237 ... shooting module connector 239 ... shooting case
260 Detachment means 261 Fastening means
311 ... First button for position measurement 313 ... First button for shooting
330 ... 2nd button 400 ... Output
500 ... Communications 600 ... Battery
607 Battery module connector 609 Battery case

Claims (9)

A detachable part detachable from a white cane;
It includes; the receiving portion corresponding to the empty space formed inside the removable portion,
The accommodation unit is provided with a guide module for guiding the user of the white kane,
The guide module includes a plurality of sensing means for generating sensing information of the object around the detachable portion,
Each sensing means is installed to detect surrounding objects in different directions, and generates sensing information to distinguish each direction,
Each sensing information generated by each sensing means vibrates the detachable part differently,
Through different vibrations of the detachable portion, it is possible to discriminate in the direction in which the surrounding objects are close,
On one side and the other side of the detachable portion with the accommodation portion therebetween, through-holes through which the white kane is installed are formed, respectively.
The detachable part includes a first detachable member having a portion of the through hole, a second detachable member having a remainder of the through hole, a hinge connecting the first detachable member and the second detachable member to be rotatable,
When the first detachable member and the second detachable member are coupled with the white kine therebetween, the white kane is fixed to the through hole,
The guide module includes a generation unit, an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit,
The generating unit may include at least one of position measuring means for generating position information of the detachable part, sensing means comprising a plurality of sensor modules for generating sensing information of objects around the detachable part, and photographing means for generating a video around the detachable part. Including,
The input unit includes a first button for turning on and off the generator, a second button for generating an emergency signal,
The output unit includes at least one of voice output means for outputting the position information or the sensing information as a voice, and vibration means for vibrating the detachable part using the position information or the sense information,
The communication unit transmits the information generated by the generation unit to a predetermined server or terminal,
The lower part of the first detachable member is formed of a curved surface, and the plurality of sensor modules provided in the first detachable member are configured to receive light or radio waves reflected by a plurality of first members that emit light or radio waves and reflected by surrounding objects. Including a plurality of second members,
The plurality of first member and the second member is a smart wand disposed radially to face each other with respect to the through hole.
delete The method of claim 1,
The detachable part includes a first detachable member and a second detachable member rotatably connected by a hinge,
At least one of the inner surface of the first detachable member facing the receiving portion and the inner surface of the second detachable member facing the receiving portion is formed smart detachably formed in the guide module of the plurality.
The method of claim 1,
The detachable portion is formed to open and close the receiving portion,
A case covering the guide module is provided,
The case is formed detachably on the inner surface of the detachable portion through the open receiving portion,
The guide module is a smart wand modularized by the case.
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