KR20240051844A - Apparatus and method for providing positional signal for visually impaired person - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing location signals for the visually impaired.
A method of providing a location signal for the visually impaired according to the present invention includes the steps of: a satellite signal receiver receiving satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites; A satellite navigation information storage unit storing reference satellite navigation information for a plurality of GNSS satellites; A step of selecting a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to reference satellite navigation information based on the satellite signal received by the GNSS satellite selection unit; A satellite signal generation unit generating a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selection unit; and a step of the satellite signal transmitting unit transmitting the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generating unit to the outside.
By regenerating and providing satellite signals whose signal strength is weak or blocked while the visually impaired are moving underground or indoor spaces, the existing user's receiving device that receives and determines satellite signals can operate normally. Even while moving underground or indoor spaces, you can accurately determine your current location.

Description

System and method for providing positional signal for visually impaired person {Apparatus and method for providing positional signal for visually impaired person}

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing location signals for the visually impaired. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing location signals to the visually impaired by regenerating and providing satellite signals with weak signal strength or blocked while the visually impaired are moving underground or indoor spaces. This relates to a system and method for providing location signals to visually impaired people that can accurately determine their current location even while moving underground or indoor spaces.

Intelligent cane products for the visually impaired have been introduced. These are smart devices that help prevent falls and other accidents for the visually impaired by identifying and recognizing surrounding geographical information and guiding them to dangerous objects or stairs. However, most visually impaired people must carry additional equipment, and there are limits to accurate positioning.

In open outdoor areas with a view of the sky, satellite navigation systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System) and GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) are the basis for various location-based services, including navigation.

However, since the satellite signal must be received by the terminal's antenna, it cannot be received indoors in buildings, underground spaces, or tunnels, and in dense urban environments, errors are severe due to the multi-path problem. Therefore, GG (GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Generating) technology that simulates GPS signals has been introduced, and inertial navigation-based DR (Dead Reckoning) has also been used.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1597437 (Patent Document 1) discloses an “indoor positioning system and method using relative reception intensity ratio information of wireless signals,” and the relative reception intensity ratio information of wireless signals accordingly is disclosed. An indoor positioning system using at least two reference nodes installed indoors and each transmitting a wireless signal; a mobile node that measures the received signal strength indicator (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of wireless signals received from each of the reference nodes; And an indoor positioning server that measures the location of the mobile node using at least one relative reception strength ratio information of the wireless signal between the reference nodes and the reception strength of the wireless signal of each of the reference nodes measured at the mobile node. However, the wireless signal relative reception strength ratio information has a relative relationship between the reception strengths of wireless signals transmitted from two reference nodes arranged in a straight line in a 1:1 ratio among the reference nodes, depending on the position on the straight line. It is characterized by an attenuation rate.

In the case of Patent Document 1 as described above, the advantage of being able to simply measure the position of a mobile node moving indoors is by using the relative reception strength ratio information of wireless signals that change depending on the position on a straight line between reference nodes installed indoors. However, this is a technology for guardians or related persons to measure the location of mobile nodes moving indoors (for example, lost children, elderly people with dementia, etc.), and it is difficult to apply it to directly provide location signals to visually impaired people. There is.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1597437 (announced on February 24, 2016)

The present invention was created by comprehensively considering the above matters, and provides positioning by receiving satellite signals by regenerating and providing satellite signals with weak signal strength or blocked while visually impaired people are moving underground or indoor spaces. The purpose is to provide a system and method for providing location signals for the visually impaired so that the existing user's receiving device can operate normally so that the visually impaired can accurately determine their current location even while moving underground or indoor spaces. .

In order to achieve the above object, the location signal providing system for the visually impaired according to the present invention,

Receives satellite signals from multiple GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites, selects GNSS satellites that satisfy predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to standard satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signals, and selects the selected GNSS satellite a GPS signal generator that generates and transmits satellite signals for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information;

Checks the status and controls the operation of the GPS signal generator and the power supply unit that supplies power to the GPS signal generator, provides and updates satellite information necessary for signal generation of the GPS signal generator, and sets the location of the GPS signal generator. and a control unit that transmits a control signal for time synchronization and adjustment of the strength of the signal transmitted from the GPS signal generator; and

It is characterized in that it includes a power supply unit that supplies driving power to the GPS signal generator and the control unit.

Here, the GPS signal generating device,

A satellite signal receiver that receives satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites;

a satellite navigation information storage unit that stores reference satellite navigation information for the plurality of GNSS satellites;

a GNSS satellite selection unit that selects a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to the reference satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signal;

a satellite signal generation unit that generates a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selection unit; and

It may be configured to include a satellite signal transmission unit that transmits the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generation unit to the outside.

At this time, the satellite signal generator,

a delay information generator that generates delay information from the selected GNSS satellite to the satellite signal generator;

an IF data generator that generates intermediate frequency (IF) data for the selected GNSS satellite by reflecting the delay information in reference satellite navigation information for the selected GNSS satellite; and

It may be configured to include an RF signal conversion unit that converts the generated IF data into an RF (radio frequency) signal in a band in which the selected GNSS satellite transmits satellite signals.

In addition, the control unit communicates with a second GPS signal generating device that is different from the GPS signal generating device, so that when a terminal owned by a visually impaired person receives a signal from the second GPS signal generating device, the control unit communicates with a second GPS signal generating device that is different from the GPS signal generating device. A control signal to temporarily stop transmission can be transmitted to the GPS signal generator.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the method for providing a location signal for the visually impaired according to the present invention,

a) a satellite signal receiving unit receiving satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites;

b) a satellite navigation information storage unit storing reference satellite navigation information for the plurality of GNSS satellites;

c) a GNSS satellite selection unit selecting a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to the reference satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signal;

d) a satellite signal generation unit generating a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selection unit; and

e) The satellite signal transmission unit is characterized in that it includes a step of transmitting the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generation unit to the outside.

Here, the process of the satellite signal generator generating a satellite signal in step d) is,

d-1) a delay information generating unit generating delay information from the selected GNSS satellite to the satellite signal generating unit;

d-2) an IF data generation unit reflecting the generated delay information in reference satellite navigation information for the selected GNSS satellite to generate IF (Intermediate frequency) data for the selected GNSS satellite; and

d-3) The RF signal conversion unit may be configured to include the step of converting the generated IF data into an RF (Radio Frequency) signal in a band in which the selected GNSS satellite transmits satellite signals.

In addition, in step e), when the satellite signal transmitting unit transmits the satellite signal to the outside, if the terminal owned by the visually impaired person receives the signal from the second GPS signal generating device, the control unit is different from the GPS signal generating device. By communicating with the second GPS signal generating device, a control signal that temporarily stops signal transmission from the GPS signal generating device may be transmitted to the GPS signal generating device.

According to the present invention, by regenerating and providing satellite signals with weak signal strength or blocked while visually impaired people are moving underground or indoor spaces, the existing user's receiving device that receives and determines satellite signals operates normally. It has the advantage of being able to operate so that visually impaired people can accurately determine their current location even while moving underground or indoor spaces.

Additionally, since satellite signals can be provided to smart devices (e.g., smartphones) that visually impaired people always carry, there is an advantage in that accurate location information can be provided indoors even in spaces without separate facilities.

In addition, in some cases, satellite signals are provided with a fixed satellite signal generator (GG) placed on the guidance block in the subway station or on top of the subway power door, but the signal from the fixed satellite signal generator is not transmitted through a terminal carried by a visually impaired person. In the case of reception, there is an advantage in that the signal transmission of the GPS signal generating device is at least temporarily stopped, thereby preventing satellite signals from interfering with each other or causing confusion to the terminal, and reducing power consumption of the GPS signal generating device.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a location signal providing system for the visually impaired according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the GPS signal generating device of the location signal providing system for the visually impaired according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the satellite signal generator of the GPS signal generator.
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the execution process of a method for providing a location signal for the visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the process by which the satellite signal generator generates a satellite signal.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing an outline of providing a location signal from a GPS signal generator or a second GPS signal generator installed inside a Braille block to a terminal for a visually impaired person.

Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms to explain his or her invention in the best way. It should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on principles.

Throughout the specification, when it is said that a part “includes” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In addition, terms such as "...unit", "...unit", "module", and "device" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which refers to hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. It can be implemented as:

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a location signal providing system for the visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the location signal providing system 100 for the visually impaired according to the present invention includes a GPS signal generating device 110, a control unit 120, and a power supply unit 130.

The GPS signal generator (GG) 110 is installed inside the Braille block 150 for guidance for the visually impaired within a subway (train) station, and is equipped with a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites 201. (see Figure 2) receives satellite signals, selects GNSS satellites that satisfy predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to standard satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signals, and performs standard satellite navigation for the selected GNSS satellites. Based on the information, a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite is generated and transmitted. Such a GPS signal generator (GG) 110 will be described again with reference to FIG. 2 later.

The control unit 120 controls the status check and operation of the GPS signal generator 110 and the power supply unit 130 that supplies power to the GPS signal generator 110, and controls the status and operation of the GPS signal generator 110 and the power supply unit 130 that supplies power to the GPS signal generator 110. It transmits control signals for providing and updating satellite information, setting the position of the GPS signal generator, adjusting the strength of the signal transmitted from the GPS signal generator, and synchronizing the time. Here, a microprocessor, microcontroller, etc. may be used as the control unit 120.

Here, the control unit 120 as described above includes a second GPS signal generating device (for example, a fixed satellite signal (GPS signal) generating device disposed at the top of a subway power door) that is different from the GPS signal generating device 110. When the terminal 140 held by a visually impaired person receives a signal from the second GPS signal generator, a control signal to temporarily stop signal transmission from the GPS signal generator 110 is sent to the GPS signal. It can be transmitted to the generating device 110. This is to prevent satellite signals from interfering with each other or causing confusion to the terminal 140.

The power supply unit 130 supplies driving power to the GPS signal generator 110 and the control unit 120. As such a power supply unit 130, a DC power supply or a rechargeable battery that receives commercial alternating current power (AC 220V), converts it into direct current power (DC 5V, or DC 12V) and outputs it can be used. .

Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the GPS signal generating device of the location signal providing system for the visually impaired according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the GPS signal generator 110 includes a satellite signal receiver 111, a satellite navigation information storage unit 112, a GNSS satellite selection unit 113, a satellite signal generator 114, and a satellite signal transmitter. It is composed including (115).

The satellite signal receiver 111 receives satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites 201.

The satellite navigation information storage unit 112 stores reference satellite navigation information for the plurality of GNSS satellites 201.

The GNSS satellite selection unit 113 selects a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among the GNSS satellites 201 corresponding to the reference satellite navigation information based on the satellite signal received by the satellite signal receiver 111.

The satellite signal generator 114 generates a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selector 113.

The satellite signal transmitting unit 115 transmits the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generating unit 114 to the outside.

Here, the satellite signal generator 114 includes a delay information generator 114a that generates delay information from the selected GNSS satellite to the satellite signal generator 114, as shown in FIG. 3, An IF data generator 114b that generates IF (Intermediate frequency) data for the selected GNSS satellite by reflecting the delay information in the reference satellite navigation information for the selected GNSS satellite, and the generated IF data It may be configured to include an RF signal conversion unit 114c that converts the selected GNSS satellite into an RF (radio frequency) signal in the band in which the satellite signal is transmitted.

Then, hereinafter, a method for providing a location signal for the visually impaired based on the location signal providing system for the visually impaired according to the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

Figures 4 to 6 show a method for providing a location signal for the visually impaired according to the present invention. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the execution process of the method for providing a location signal for the visually impaired according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a satellite It is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the process in which the signal generator generates a satellite signal, and Figure 6 is a GPS signal generator installed inside the Braille block or a second GPS signal generator (fixed satellite signal (GPS signal) placed at the top of the subway power door). This is a diagram showing the outline of providing a location signal from a generating device) to a visually impaired terminal.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the method of providing a location signal for the visually impaired according to the present invention, first, the satellite signal receiver 111 receives satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites 201 (step S401). .

And the satellite navigation information storage unit 112 stores reference satellite navigation information for the plurality of GNSS satellites 201 (step S402).

The GNSS satellite selection unit 113 selects a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among the GNSS satellites corresponding to the reference satellite navigation information based on the satellite signal received by the satellite signal receiver 111 (step S403). .

Then, the satellite signal generation unit 114 generates a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on the reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selection unit 113 (step S404). . Here, the process of the satellite signal generator 114 generating a satellite signal is as shown in FIG. 5, where the delay information generator 114a transmits data from the selected GNSS satellite to the satellite signal generator 114. In the step of generating delay information (S404-1), the IF data generation unit 114b reflects the generated delay information in the reference satellite navigation information for the selected GNSS satellite to generate IF for the selected GNSS satellite. (Intermediate frequency) data generating step (S404-2) and the RF signal conversion unit 114c converts the generated IF data into an RF (radio frequency) signal in the band in which the selected GNSS satellite transmits satellite signals. It may be configured to include a step (S404-3).

When a satellite signal is generated by the satellite signal generator 114 as described above, the satellite signal transmitter 115 transmits the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generator 114 to the outside (step S405).

Here, when the satellite signal transmitting unit 115 transmits the satellite signal to the outside, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal 140 owned by the visually impaired person uses a second GPS signal generating device (e.g., When receiving a signal from a fixed satellite signal (GPS signal) generating device located at the top of a subway power door, the control unit 120 communicates with the second GPS signal generating device that is different from the GPS signal generating device 110 to generate the GPS signal. A control signal that temporarily stops signal transmission from the signal generating device 110 may be transmitted to the GPS signal generating device 110. This is to prevent satellite signals from interfering with each other or causing confusion to the terminal 140.

As described above, the system and method for providing location signals for the visually impaired according to the present invention provides satellite signals with weak signal strength or are blocked while the visually impaired are moving underground or indoor spaces, thereby providing the satellite signals. It has the advantage of allowing visually impaired people to accurately determine their current location even while moving underground or indoor spaces by allowing the existing user-side receiving device that receives and determines positioning to operate normally.

Additionally, since satellite signals can be provided to smart devices (e.g., smartphones) that visually impaired people always carry, there is an advantage in that accurate location information can be provided indoors even in spaces without separate facilities.

In addition, in some cases, satellite signals are provided with a fixed satellite signal generator (GG) placed on the guidance block in the subway station or on top of the subway power door, but the signal from the fixed satellite signal generator is not transmitted through a terminal carried by a visually impaired person. In the case of reception, there is an advantage in that the signal transmission of the GPS signal generating device is at least temporarily stopped, thereby preventing satellite signals from interfering with each other or causing confusion to the terminal, and reducing power consumption of the GPS signal generating device.

Above, the present invention has been described in detail through preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes and applications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Self-explanatory to technicians. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

100: (Present invention) Location signal providing system for the visually impaired
110: GPS signal generator 111: Satellite signal receiver
112: satellite navigation information storage unit 113: GNSS satellite selection unit
114: Satellite signal generation unit 115: Satellite signal transmission unit
120: control unit 130: power supply unit
140: Terminal (smart phone) 150: Braille block
201: GNSS satellite

Claims (7)

Receives satellite signals from multiple GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites, selects GNSS satellites that satisfy predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to standard satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signals, and selects the selected GNSS satellite a GPS signal generator that generates and transmits satellite signals for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information;
Checks the status and controls the operation of the GPS signal generator and the power supply unit that supplies power to the GPS signal generator, provides and updates satellite information necessary for signal generation of the GPS signal generator, and sets the location of the GPS signal generator. and a control unit that transmits a control signal for time synchronization and adjustment of the strength of the signal transmitted from the GPS signal generator; and
A location signal providing system for the visually impaired, including a power supply unit that supplies driving power to the GPS signal generator and the control unit.
According to paragraph 1,
The GPS signal generator,
A satellite signal receiver that receives satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites;
a satellite navigation information storage unit that stores reference satellite navigation information for the plurality of GNSS satellites;
a GNSS satellite selection unit that selects a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to the reference satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signal;
a satellite signal generation unit that generates a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selection unit; and
A location signal providing system for the visually impaired including a satellite signal transmitting unit that transmits the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generating unit to the outside.
According to paragraph 2,
The satellite signal generator,
a delay information generator that generates delay information from the selected GNSS satellite to the satellite signal generator;
an IF data generator that generates intermediate frequency (IF) data for the selected GNSS satellite by reflecting the delay information in reference satellite navigation information for the selected GNSS satellite; and
A location signal providing system for the visually impaired including an RF signal conversion unit that converts the generated IF data into an RF (radio frequency) signal in a band in which the selected GNSS satellite transmits satellite signals.
According to paragraph 1,
The control unit communicates with a second GPS signal generating device that is different from the GPS signal generating device, and transmits signals from the GPS signal generating device when a terminal owned by a visually impaired person receives a signal from the second GPS signal generating device. A location signal providing system for the visually impaired, characterized by transmitting a control signal to temporarily stop the GPS signal generation device.
a) a satellite signal receiving unit receiving satellite signals from a plurality of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites;
b) a satellite navigation information storage unit storing reference satellite navigation information for the plurality of GNSS satellites;
c) a GNSS satellite selection unit selecting a GNSS satellite that satisfies predetermined conditions among GNSS satellites corresponding to the reference satellite navigation information based on the received satellite signal;
d) a satellite signal generation unit generating a satellite signal for the selected GNSS satellite based on reference satellite navigation information for the GNSS satellite selected by the GNSS satellite selection unit; and
e) A method of providing a location signal for the visually impaired, including the step of a satellite signal transmission unit transmitting the satellite signal generated by the satellite signal generation unit to the outside.
According to clause 5,
The process of the satellite signal generator generating a satellite signal in step d) is,
d-1) a delay information generating unit generating delay information from the selected GNSS satellite to the satellite signal generating unit;
d-2) an IF data generation unit reflecting the generated delay information in reference satellite navigation information for the selected GNSS satellite to generate IF (Intermediate frequency) data for the selected GNSS satellite; and
d-3) A method of providing a location signal for the visually impaired, comprising the step of an RF signal conversion unit converting the generated IF data into an RF (radio frequency) signal in a band in which the selected GNSS satellite transmits satellite signals.
According to clause 5,
In step e), when the satellite signal transmitting unit transmits the satellite signal to the outside, if the terminal owned by the visually impaired person receives the signal from the second GPS signal generating device, the control unit transmits the satellite signal to the outside. 2 A method of providing a location signal for the visually impaired, characterized in that it communicates with the GPS signal generating device and transmits a control signal to temporarily stop signal transmission from the GPS signal generating device to the GPS signal generating device.