KR20160028872A - Walking guiding device for blind person - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a walking guidance device for a blind person, comprising: a stick main body extended to have a certain length; a DGPS sensor which has an ultrasonic sensor for sensing an obstacle which is installed in the stick main body and has route guidance information; an elastic band which is joined to the stick main body and is worn on a user′s wrist; a vibration generation means which is installed in a circumferential direction of the elastic band; and an operation switch which controls and operates the vibration generation means. Accordingly, the walking guidance device can provide route guidance about projected obstacles, moving obstacles and a new destination to blind people and also can provide feedback of non-visual signals for use of public transportation to the blind people. Therefore, the walking guidance device can minimize a situation which causes a blind person to be troubled or confused.

Description

[0001] WALKING GUIDING DEVICE FOR BLIND PERSON [0002]

The present invention relates to a gait guide device for a visually impaired person, and more particularly, to a gait guide device for a visually impaired person who can guide a walker to a destination safely by informing a position and a movement route of a surrounding obstacle by using a vibration sensor will be.

Generally, blind people have common difficulties in walking. Particularly, when a new obstacle is formed in the path even if the user travels on a road that he or she does not know, a confusion arises in the original location information and direction of the path, thereby increasing the restriction of movement.

To solve this problem, there are braille walkway block, a gait signal guiding device installed beside the traffic light, elevator number buttons in braille, guide dogs, and a folding cane for the visually impaired.

However, there are disadvantages in that the range of activity of the visually impaired is limited because the above-mentioned things are not provided in the range of life activities of the visually impaired.

In addition, there are still accidents that are encountered due to the location of obstacles other than anticipated, and there are many cases of being injured while walking. Also, the supply of guide dogs can not keep up with the demands of the visually impaired, making them less versatile.

Recently, various prior literature has been set up to improve the problem of walking for the visually impaired.

The configuration disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2014-0000480 and 2004-0111969 relates to an obstacle or a stick using an ultrasonic sensor and an optical sensor, and uses an ultrasonic sensor installed on the stick It detects obstacles and informs them of the vibration so that the user can avoid obstacles.

However, the conventional method as described above has a problem in that it can not provide the route guidance to the destination in the walking, the feedback as to whether or not the destination is reached, the obstacle in the walking route in the route guidance, and convenience for the public transportation.

In addition, in the configuration disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0683018, a walking problem for a visually impaired person can be improved by wearing a direction guiding device for generating a vibration stimulus on the forehead, When the wearer wears the wearer's head on the forehead for a long time, there is a problem in that the wearer wears a hat all the time, and the direction guiding device tries to move to a specific position while the blind person memorizes the distance and direction. It has the disadvantage that direction can not be presented when moving to a new destination.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-0000480 (Apr. 1, 2013) Korean Patent Publication No. 2004-0111969 (2006.06.28) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0683018 (Mar. 2, 2007)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for guiding a safe walking to a destination by informing a position and a moving route of a peripheral obstacle of a walkway using a vibration sensor, The present invention provides a walking guide apparatus for a visually impaired person.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a gait guide device for a visually impaired person according to the present invention comprises: a cane body extending to a predetermined length; A DGPS sensor having an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle and guidance information installed on the cane body; An elastic band connected to the wand body and worn on the user's wrist; A vibration generating means provided in a circumferential direction of the elastic band; And an operation switch for controlling the vibration generating means.

The vibration generating means includes a plurality of first vibration units connected to the ultrasonic sensor and arranged in the outer circumferential direction of the cuff on the basis of the cuff of the user and vibrating in accordance with the direction of the obstacle, And a plurality of second vibrating units which are arranged in an inner circumferential direction of the cuff and vibrate in order to induce a direction change according to the path guide information.

The first vibrating unit and the second vibrating unit are characterized in that the intensity of vibration and the number of vibrations gradually increase as an obstacle or a direction switching distance approaches.

The cane main body further includes a braille input switch for inputting a ground line number and a station number of the bus so as to grasp a bus ride position when using public transportation, a public traffic information unit, and a voice output speaker.

And the elastic band is provided with a holding frame provided with a receiving groove for receiving the vibration generating means in a state of wrapping the vibration generating means.

According to the present invention having the above-described constitution, the ultrasonic sensor, the DGPS sensor and the vibration generating means capable of stereoscopically recognizing the surrounding environment using the non-visual signal are constituted so that the obstacle obstructed by the visually impaired, Visual feedback on the use of roads and public transportation can be fed back so that the situation in which the visually handicapped can be wandered or confused can be minimized.

1 is a perspective view of a gait guide device for a visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the elastic band of Fig. 1 is worn.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the wand body of FIG. 1 and a bundled state using the elastic band.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vibration generating means of Fig. 1;
5 is an exemplary view showing a route guidance route using the vibration generating means of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall function of the gait guide for the visually impaired according to the embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating an obstacle avoidance algorithm of a gait guide for a visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating a route guidance algorithm of a gait guide for a visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a traffic information guidance algorithm of a gait guide for a visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 attached hereto.

As shown in the figure, the gait guide device for the visually impaired according to the present invention includes a wand body 100 extending to a predetermined length, an obstacle detection ultrasonic sensor 110 installed on the wand body 100, A vibration generating means 300 installed in the circumferential direction of the elastic band 200, and a vibration generating means 300 installed in the circumferential direction of the elastic band 200. The DGPS sensor 120 includes an elastic band 200 connected to the wand body 100, , And an operation switch (400) for controlling the vibration generating means (300).

First, the cane body 100 has a rod shape extending in a predetermined length, and allows the blind person to determine whether or not an obstacle is present in front of the pedestrian through a shock vibration transmitted from the blind end to the other end Tool.

The cane body 100 may be made of various materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and synthetic resin.

Here, it is preferable that the cane body 100 is made of a foldable structure that can be easily carried and stored (see Fig. 3).

The wand body 100 according to the present invention is provided with an ultrasonic sensor 110 for detecting obstacles and a DGPS sensor 120 for providing guidance information.

That is, the ultrasonic sensor 110 detects whether there is an obstacle in a walking path in the process of walking by a visually impaired person, and the DGPS sensor 120 guides a walking path to a destination .

Since the object detection function using the ultrasonic sensor 110 and the route guidance system using the DGPS sensor 120 are well known and widely used, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Of course, a battery pack 130 for supplying current to the ultrasonic sensor 110, the DGPS sensor 120, and a vibration generating means 300, which will be described later, is mounted on the handle side of the cane body 100 Of course.

In addition, the cane body 100 includes a braille input switch 140 for inputting a ground line number and a station number of a bus so as to grasp a bus ride position when using public transportation, a public traffic information unit 150, ).

That is, when the visually impaired person is located on the bus platform, if the line number or the station number of the bus is input by operating the braille input switch 140, the public transportation information unit is operated in conjunction with the DGPS sensor 120, And then notify the visually impaired person of the information on the bus boarding position through the audio output speaker 150.

Meanwhile, the elastic band 200 is connected to the knob of the wand body 100, so that the elastic band 200 can be elastically worn around the user's wrist.

For this purpose, the elastic band 200 is made of a synthetic resin material having good stretchability.

In addition, the elastic band 200 can be used as a tool to hold the cane body 100 while folding the cane body 100 (refer to FIG. 3).

The elastic band 200 is formed with a fixed frame 210 having a receiving groove 211 for accommodating the vibration generating unit 300 to be described later.

The fixed frame 210 plays a role of safely protecting the vibration generating means 300 from external impacts.

The fixing frame 210 is formed on the outer side of the elastic band 200 in the circumferential direction and has a plurality of protrusions protruding at regular intervals.

Meanwhile, the vibration generating means 300 is installed in the fixed frame 210 of the elastic band 200, and transmits the position of the obstacle during the walking and the time point of the direction change to the user through the wrist vibration .

Specifically, the vibration generating means 300 is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 110 and includes a plurality of first vibrating units 310 (first and second vibrating units) 310 and 320 which are arranged in the outer circumferential direction of the cuff, A plurality of second vibration units 320 connected to the DGPS sensor 120 and arranged in the inner circumferential direction of the cuff on the basis of the cuff of the user and vibrating to induce a direction change according to the path guide information, .

That is, the first vibrating unit 310 is activated when notifying the position of the obstacle, and the second vibrating unit 320 is activated when the direction is changed.

The first vibrating unit 310 and the second vibrating unit 320 are each composed of four unit vibrators.

In addition, the first vibration unit 310 and the second vibration unit 320 increase the intensity and vibration frequency of the vibration as the obstacle or the direction switching distance approaches, thereby allowing the blind person to react and respond quickly.

The operation switch 400 is installed in the elastic band 200 and controls the vibration generating means 300.

This is to enable the disabled to selectively use the functions they need. The operation switch 400 is divided into a first operation unit 410 and a second operation unit 420

The operation switch 400 is installed between the first vibration unit 310 and the second vibration unit 320 and maintains the electric conduction state with the battery pack 130.

Hereinafter, the operation of the gait guide for the visually impaired according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, when the visually impaired person moves to a state of being familiar with the passage, the second vibration unit 320 using the DGPS sensor 120 is turned off and the first vibration unit 310 is activated, (400).

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, if an obstacle is formed on the front, left, or right side of the walking path when the user is walking while holding the wand body 100 and wearing the elastic band 200, The vibrator corresponding to the sensed position sensed by the ultrasonic sensor 110 vibrates to notify the visually impaired person of the direction in which the obstacle is formed.

Further, in the case of the vibrator in which the vibration is generated, the reaction speed and intensity increase as the distance from the obstacle becomes closer.

For example, if the distance between the obstacle and the obstacle is 3 m, the vibrator vibrates once per second. When the distance is reduced to 2 m, the vibrator vibrates twice per second. When the distance is reduced to 1 m, Distance information can be clearly notified.

On the other hand, when the user desires to move to another destination not understood by the blind person, both the first vibration unit 310 and the second vibration unit 320 are activated.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the visually impaired person is required to rotate in the rightward direction at a distance of 50 m in the course of moving toward the destination, if the DGPS sensor 120 recognizes the position of the visually impaired person, 2 vibrator in the right direction among the vibrating units 320 vibrates and can move in the right direction.

Likewise, the closer to the turning point, the greater the reaction speed and intensity of the vibrator.

In the case of directing the visually impaired person, the vibrator located at the center vibrates according to the pattern of the predetermined time, and the vibrator vibrates from the turning point of about 3 m.

For example, when the distance of the turning point is 3 m, the vibrator oscillates at 1 Hz. When the turning point is within 2 m, the vibrator vibrates at 2 Hz. When the turning point is located within 1 m, It can recognize and guide you safely to your destination.

In addition, when the blind person wants to use the bus as a public transportation means, the braille input switch 140 installed in the second vibration unit 320 and the wand body 100, the public traffic information unit and the voice output speaker 150 ) Can help you get on the bus.

That is, when the blind person reaches the position of the bus platform, the power switch for determining whether the function of informing the bus riding position is activated, and when the bus line number and the destination address are input to the braille input switch 140, The traffic information unit operates so that the elevation position of the bus can be output to the speaker 150 and can be transmitted through the vibration of the second oscillation unit 320. [

When the bus to be ridden arrives, the second oscillation unit 320 is operated to recognize that the waiting bus and the position of the door to be ridden are in front.

As described above, since the gait guide device for the visually impaired according to the present invention transmits information on obstacles, route guidance and public transportation usage through the tactile sense of the wrist, it can be delivered promptly and can be delivered to the visually impaired person more safely do.

According to the present invention configured as above, the ultrasonic sensor 110, the DGPS sensor 120, and the vibration generating means 300 capable of stereoscopically recognizing the surrounding environment using the non-visual signal can be configured, Visual feedback on road guidance and public transportation for new destinations as well as dynamic obstacles can be fed back, minimizing the situation in which the visually impaired can experience wandering or confusion.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, Should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

100: cane body
110: Ultrasonic sensor
120: DGPS sensor
140: Braille input switch
150: Speaker for audio output
200: elastic band
210:
300: means for generating vibration
310: first vibrating unit
320: second oscillation unit
400: Operation switch

Claims (5)

A cane body extending to a predetermined length;
A DGPS sensor having an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle and guidance information installed on the cane body;
An elastic band connected to the wand body and worn on the user's wrist;
A vibration generating means provided in a circumferential direction of the elastic band; And
And an operation switch for controlling the vibration generating means.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vibration generating means comprises:
A plurality of first vibrating units connected to the ultrasonic sensor and arranged on the outer circumferential direction of the cuff on the basis of the cuff of the user and vibrating corresponding to the direction of the obstacle,
And a plurality of second vibrating units connected to the DGPS sensor and arranged in an inner circumferential direction of the cuff on the basis of a cuff of a user and vibrating to induce a direction change according to the path guide information, Guide device.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first oscillation unit and the second oscillation unit gradually increase in intensity and vibration as the obstacle or the direction switching distance approaches.
The method of claim 3,
The wand body further comprises a braille input switch for inputting a branch number and a station number of the bus so as to grasp the bus ride position when using public transportation, a public traffic information unit, and a voice output speaker Walking guidance device for the disabled.
5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
Wherein the elastic band is provided with a fixed frame provided with a receiving groove for receiving the vibration generating means in a state of wrapping the vibration generating means.

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