TWM655653U - Navigation assistance system and white cane device for visually impaired people - Google Patents

Abstract

A navigation assistance system for the visually impaired and a white cane device. The navigation assistance system for the visually impaired includes a white cane device. The white cane device includes a global satellite positioning module for generating current location information, a white cane storage module installed with a navigation application, and a white cane processing module with a voice recognition function. After converting the branch name voice data into the branch name text message, the white cane processing module executes the navigation application and inputs the branch name text message into the navigation application, and the navigation application generates route planning information based on the current location information and the branch address location information corresponding to the branch name text message, and then converts the route planning information into navigation voice data for output. This allows the visually impaired to reach the branch address according to the instructions of the navigation voice data, thereby helping the visually impaired to move to their destination accurately and safely.

Description

Navigation assistance system and white cane device for the visually impaired

The invention relates to a navigation assistance system for visually impaired persons, in particular to a navigation assistance system for visually impaired persons using a white cane device.

Even if visually impaired people have participated in walking training courses and learned how to use a white cane to help themselves walk safely to their desired destination, they may still be injured due to losing their direction, not knowing the location of their destination, or colliding with obstacles during the movement. In addition, although visually impaired people can use navigation applications (e.g., Google Map APP) in their mobile phones to assist in navigation to a destination such as a bank branch, and input the name of the bank branch by voice to set the destination in the navigation application, there may be many different public and private banks in the same area, and the branch names of each bank may be the same due to the region, such as: Taiwan Bank Sanchung Branch, Land Bank Sanchung Branch, DBS Bank Sanchung Branch, etc., resulting in incorrect location of the navigation destination, which is extremely inconvenient to use.

Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a white cane device that can help visually impaired people to move to a destination accurately and safely.

Therefore, the novel white cane device is suitable for a visually impaired person and comprises a cane body, a global satellite positioning module, a white cane storage module and a white cane processing module. The cane body is suitable for the visually impaired person to hold. The global satellite positioning module is arranged on the cane body and is used to generate a current position information. The white cane storage module is arranged on the cane body and is installed with a navigation application.

The white cane processing module is disposed on the cane body and is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane storage module. The white cane processing module has a voice recognition function and is capable of converting a branch name voice data about a branch name into a branch name text message. After converting the branch name text message, the white cane processing module executes the navigation application and inputs the branch name text message into the navigation application, and the navigation application generates a route planning information according to the current location information and a branch address location information corresponding to the branch name text message. After the navigation application establishes the route planning information, the white cane processing module converts the route planning information into a navigation voice data output.

In some embodiments, the white cane device further includes a global satellite positioning switch button. The global satellite positioning switch button is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane processing module. The global satellite positioning switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the global satellite positioning module to cycle between an on state and an off state. After the global satellite positioning switch button is pressed, the white cane processing module turns on the global satellite positioning module, and after the global satellite positioning module is turned on, the white cane processing module outputs a global satellite positioning on prompt voice data corresponding to the on state of the global satellite positioning module. After the global satellite positioning switch button is pressed again, the white cane processing module outputs a global satellite positioning closing prompt voice data corresponding to the closing state of the global satellite positioning module, and the white cane processing module turns off the global satellite positioning module after the global satellite positioning closing prompt voice data is output.

In some embodiments, the white cane device is suitable for a headset capable of wireless communication worn by a visually impaired person. The white cane device further comprises a white cane communication module. The white cane communication module is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and can establish wireless communication with the headset. After the white cane processing module converts the navigation voice data, the navigation voice data is transmitted to the headset through the white cane communication module to be played to the visually impaired person.

In some embodiments, the white cane device further includes a wireless communication switch button. The wireless communication switch button is electrically connected to the white cane communication module and the white cane processing module. The wireless communication switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the white cane communication module to cycle between a connection establishment state and a disconnection state. After the wireless communication switch button is pressed, the white cane processing module establishes a connection between the white cane communication module and the headset, and after the white cane communication module and the headset are connected, the white cane processing module outputs a wireless communication start prompt voice data corresponding to the connection establishment state of the white cane communication module. After the wireless communication switch button is pressed again, the white cane processing module outputs a wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data corresponding to the disconnection state of the white cane communication module, and after the wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data is output, the white cane processing module disconnects the white cane communication module from the headset.

In some embodiments, the white cane device further comprises a speaker unit. The speaker unit is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module and is used to play sound. After the white cane processing module converts the navigation voice data, the speaker unit plays the navigation voice data to the visually impaired person.

In some embodiments, the stick body includes a plurality of speaker holes formed on the surface of the stick body and extending through the inside of the stick body and aligned with the speaker unit.

In some embodiments, the white cane device further includes a built-in microphone. The built-in microphone is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module. The built-in microphone is used to receive sound and can transmit the branch name voice data to the white cane processing module. The white cane processing module can convert the branch name voice data from the built-in microphone into a branch name text message.

In some embodiments, the built-in microphone is disposed inside the stick body. The stick body includes a plurality of voice receiving holes. The voice receiving holes are formed on the surface of the stick body and pass through the inside of the stick body and are aligned with the built-in microphone.

In some embodiments, the white cane device further comprises an obstacle detection unit. The obstacle detection unit is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and is used to detect objects in the external environment. The obstacle detection unit can perform object detection when the navigation application is executed. When the obstacle detection unit detects the object, the white cane processing module outputs an obstacle prompt voice data.

In some embodiments, the obstacle detection unit includes a camera and a rangefinder. The camera is used for shooting. The rangefinder is used for measuring distance. When the camera shoots an object in the external environment, the white cane processing module measures the distance of the object through the rangefinder and outputs the obstacle prompt voice data corresponding to the distance between the object and the cane body.

In some embodiments, the cane body includes a plurality of rod sections connected in series in pairs, and a connecting member that is bendable and sequentially inserted through the rod sections. The cane body can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. When the cane body is in the unfolded state, the rod sections are connected in series in pairs to form a long rod shape, and the connecting member is straightened. When the cane body is in the folded state, the rod sections are parallel and the connecting member is bent.

In some embodiments, the white cane device further includes a power supply unit. The power supply unit is disposed on the cane body and includes a rechargeable battery and a power detector. The battery is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane processing module and is used to provide electrical energy. The power detector is electrically connected to the battery and is used to detect the capacity stored in the battery. When the cane body is in the folded state and the power detector detects that the capacity stored in the battery is less than 50% of the maximum capacity of the battery, the white cane processing module outputs a voice data indicating that the power is less than 50%.

In some implementations, when the power detector of the white cane processing module detects that the power capacity stored in the battery is less than 30% of the maximum power capacity of the battery, the white cane processing module outputs a voice data indicating that the power capacity is less than 30%.

In some embodiments, the power supply unit further includes a charging port electrically connected to the battery. The charging port is suitable for being electrically connected to an external charger to charge the battery. When the power detector detects that the capacity stored in the battery is the same as the maximum capacity of the battery, the white cane processing module outputs a voice message indicating that the battery is fully charged and the power supply should be unplugged.

In some embodiments, the built-in microphone can convert a sound about the current remaining power into a power inquiry voice data. The white cane processing module can convert the power inquiry voice data from the built-in microphone into a power inquiry text command. After the white cane processing module converts the power inquiry text command, the white cane processing module outputs a current remaining power voice data about the power stored in the battery.

Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a navigation assistance system for the visually impaired that is easy to use and has high accuracy.

Therefore, the new navigation assistance system for the visually impaired is applicable to a bank and a mobile electronic device of a visually impaired person, and includes a bank-side server and the aforementioned white cane device. The bank-side server includes a bank-side storage module, a bank-side communication module and a bank-side processing module. The bank-side storage module stores multiple branch information with different contents. Each branch information includes a branch name and a branch address. The bank-side communication module can establish a network connection with the mobile electronic device. The bank-side processing module is electrically connected to the bank-side storage module and the bank-side communication module, and has a voice recognition function. The white cane device also includes a white cane communication module. The white cane communication module is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and can establish wireless communication with the mobile electronic device.

After the bank-side processing module receives the branch name voice data about the branch name from the mobile electronic device through the bank-side communication module, the bank-side processing module transmits the branch address corresponding to the branch name stored in the bank-side storage module to the white cane processing module through the mobile electronic device. After the branch address stored in the bank-side storage module is transmitted to the white cane processing module, the white cane processing module inputs the branch address into the navigation application and establishes the route planning information through the navigation application.

In some embodiments, the cane body includes a plurality of detachable rod sections connected in series in pairs, and a bendable connector that is sequentially inserted through the rod sections. The cane body can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. When the cane body is in the unfolded state, the rod sections are connected in series in pairs to form a long rod shape, and the connector is straightened. When the cane body is in the folded state, the rod sections are arranged in parallel and the connector is bent. The white cane device also includes a global satellite positioning switch button, a wireless communication switch button, a built-in microphone and a direction sensor. The global satellite positioning switch button is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane processing module. The global satellite positioning switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the global satellite positioning module to cycle between an on state and an off state. The wireless communication switch button is electrically connected to the white cane communication module and the white cane processing module. The wireless communication switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the white cane communication module to cycle between a connection establishment state and a disconnection state. The built-in microphone is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and is used to receive sound. The direction sensor is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and is used to sense the direction change of the cane body. When the cane body is in the unfolded state and the direction sensor changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state, the white cane processing module outputs a voice data indicating whether an accident has occurred. When the white cane device outputs the voice data indicating whether an accident has occurred and the built-in microphone does not receive sound within one minute or either the global satellite positioning switch button or the wireless communication switch button is not pressed within one minute, the white cane processing module sends out a distress message or makes a distress call through the mobile electronic device.

The effect of the present invention is that the white cane device is provided with the global satellite positioning module and the navigation application is installed, so that the white cane device can be used not only for the visually impaired person to detect the surrounding environment, but also for the visually impaired person to reach the branch address location according to the instructions of the navigation voice data, thereby achieving the effect of helping the visually impaired person to move to the destination accurately and safely. On the other hand, the branch navigation webpage provided by the bank-side server automatically inputs the branch address corresponding to the branch name as the destination into the navigation application, thereby avoiding the occurrence of destination input errors, thereby achieving the effect of ease of use and high accuracy. In addition, through the voice recognition function of the white cane processing module or the bank-side processing module, the visually impaired person can input the information about the branch name into the navigation application by voice input, which can save the action of manually inputting text and achieve the effect of ease of use.

Refer to FIG. 1, which is an embodiment of the new navigation assistance system 100 for the visually impaired. The navigation assistance system 100 for the visually impaired is applicable to a bank (not shown), a mobile electronic device 200 of a visually impaired person (not shown), and a wireless communication headset 300 worn by the visually impaired person. The bank provides a homepage and a branch navigation webpage. The mobile electronic device 200 is, for example, a smart phone or a smart watch, which can receive and play sound and has wireless communication functions such as Bluetooth connection, wireless network connection, etc., but is not limited to this. The headset 300 is, for example, a Bluetooth headset 300, but is not limited to this.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , the navigation assistance system 100 for the visually impaired includes a bank-side server 10 and a white cane device 20. The bank-side server 10 belongs to the bank and includes a bank-side storage module 101, a bank-side communication module 102 and a bank-side processing module 103. The bank-side storage module 101 is, for example, a hard disk but not limited thereto, and stores a plurality of branch information with different contents. Each branch information includes a branch name and a branch address corresponding to a branch of the bank. The bank-side communication module 102 is, for example, an Ethernet chip or a wireless network device but not limited thereto, and is used to provide a networking function so as to establish a network connection with the mobile electronic device 200. The bank-side processing module 103 is, for example but not limited to, a central processing unit, and is electrically connected to the bank-side storage module 101 and the bank-side communication module 102. The bank-side processing module 103 has a voice recognition function.

1 and 2 , the white cane device 20 is suitable for the visually impaired person to use to detect the surrounding environment, and includes a cane body 201, a global satellite positioning module 1a, a global satellite positioning switch button 1b, a white cane storage module 2, a built-in microphone 3, a white cane processing module 4, a speaker unit 5, a white cane communication module 6a and a wireless communication switch button 6b.

Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the stick body 201 is in the shape of a hollow long rod and is suitable for the visually impaired person to hold. Specifically, the stick body 201 is provided with a sensor not shown in the figure, and includes a plurality of rod sections 202 that are separably connected in series in pairs, a connecting member 203 that can be bent and sequentially penetrated through the rod sections 202, a plurality of speaker holes 204 and a plurality of voice receiving holes 205. The rod sections 202 are in the shape of a hollow short rod. The connecting member 203 is, for example, an elastic rope and is used to connect the rod sections 202 in series. The speaker holes 204 are formed on the surface of the stick body 201 and pass through the interior of the stick body 201 and are aligned with the speaker unit 5. The voice receiving holes 205 are formed on the surface of the stick body 201 and extend through the inside of the stick body 201 and are aligned with the built-in microphone 3.

The cane 201 can be switched between an unfolded state as shown in FIG3 and a folded state as shown in FIG4. When the cane 201 is in the unfolded state, the rod sections 202 are connected in series in pairs to form a long rod shape, and the connecting member 203 is straightened. When the cane 201 is in the folded state, the rod sections 202 are arranged in a row and the connecting member 203 is bent and can be folded. The sensor is electrically connected to the white cane processing module 4 and is used to sense whether the cane 201 is in the unfolded state or the folded state. For example, the sensor is a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor, and is disposed between the joints of two rod sections 202 connected in series. When the two rod sections 202 connected in series are connected to each other and force is applied to the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor senses that the rod body 201 is in the unfolded state. Conversely, when the pressure sensor is not subjected to force, the pressure sensor senses that the rod body 201 is in the folded state. Alternatively, when the two rod sections 202 connected in series are connected to each other and block the infrared sensor, the infrared sensor senses that the rod body 201 is in the unfolded state. On the contrary, when the infrared sensor is not blocked, the infrared sensor senses that the rod body 201 is in the folded state. The sensor may also be a tension sensor disposed on the connector 203; when the connector 203 is straightened, the tension of the tension sensor increases, and senses that the rod body 201 is in the unfolded state. On the contrary, when the connector 203 is bent, the tension of the tension sensor decreases, and senses that the rod body 201 is in the folded state. The implementation of the sensor is not limited to the above description.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the global satellite positioning module 1a is, for example, a GPS module and is provided with components not shown in the figure, such as an antenna and a receiver. The global satellite positioning module 1a is disposed inside the stick body 201 and is used to receive satellite signals and generate current position information indicating the real-time position coordinates of the white stick device 20.

The global satellite positioning switch button 1b is disposed on the surface of the stick body 201 and electrically connects the global satellite positioning module 1a and the white stick processing module 4. The global satellite positioning switch button 1b can be repeatedly pressed to allow the global satellite positioning module 1a to cycle between an on state and a off state. When the global satellite positioning switch button 1b is pressed and the global satellite positioning module 1a is in the on state, the global satellite positioning module 1a establishes a connection with the satellite and generates the current position information; when the global satellite positioning switch button 1b is pressed and the global satellite positioning module 1a is in the off state, the connection between the global satellite positioning module 1a and the satellite is disconnected and the satellite signal cannot be received.

The white cane storage module 2 is, for example, a hard drive but not limited thereto, and is disposed inside the cane body 201. The white cane storage module 2 is used to store data and is installed with a navigation application. The navigation application is, for example, a Google Map App but not limited thereto. The built-in microphone 3 is disposed inside the cane body 201 and is electrically connected to the white cane processing module 4. The built-in microphone 3 is used to receive the sound emitted by the visually impaired person speaking and convert it into voice data. The sound emitted by the visually impaired person speaking can be transmitted from the outside to the inside through the voice receiving holes 205 to the built-in microphone 3, so that the sound received by the built-in microphone 3 is clearer.

The white cane communication module 6a is disposed inside the cane body 201 and is electrically connected to the white cane processing module 4. The white cane communication module 6a is, for example, a Bluetooth transmission chip, and can establish wireless communication (Bluetooth connection) with the mobile electronic device 200 and the headset 300. The wireless communication switch button 6b is disposed on the surface of the cane body 201 and is electrically connected to the white cane communication module 6a and the white cane processing module 4. The wireless communication switch button 6b can be repeatedly pressed to allow the white cane communication module 6a to cycle between establishing a connection state and disconnecting a connection state. When the wireless communication switch button 6b is pressed and the white cane communication module 6a is in the connection establishment state, the white cane communication module 6a establishes a Bluetooth connection with the mobile electronic device 200 and the headset 300 and is able to receive data; when the wireless communication switch button 6b is pressed and the white cane communication module 6a is in the disconnection state, the Bluetooth connection between the white cane communication module 6a and the mobile electronic device 200 and the headset 300 is disconnected and cannot receive data.

The speaker unit 5 is provided with circuit components and speakers not shown in the figure, and is used to play sound. The speaker unit 5 is arranged inside the stick body 201 and is electrically connected to the white stick processing module 4. The sound played by the speaker unit 5 can pass through the speaker holes 204 from the inside to the outside so that the visually impaired person can hear it more clearly.

The white cane processing module 4 is, for example but not limited to, a central processing unit and is disposed inside the cane body 201. The white cane processing module 4 is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module 1a and the white cane storage module 2. The white cane processing module 4 has a voice recognition function and is used to convert the voice data from the built-in microphone 3 into text messages.

The following specifically describes the process of using the navigation assistance system 100 for the visually impaired to guide the visually impaired to the branch of the bank. First, when the visually impaired carries the mobile electronic device 200 and the white cane device 20 at the same time, the mobile electronic device 200 can be operated by the visually impaired to select and execute the branch navigation webpage provided by the bank through the homepage provided by the bank. After the branch navigation webpage is executed, the mobile electronic device 200 can be operated by the visually impaired to input a branch name voice data into the bank-side processing module 103 through the branch navigation webpage by voice (i.e., the visually impaired speaks), and the branch name voice data corresponds to the branch name of the branch that the visually impaired person wants to go to. When the branch name voice data is input to the bank-side processing module 103, the bank-side processing module 103 converts the branch name voice data about the branch name into a branch name text message, and the bank-side processing module 103 notifies the mobile electronic device 200 of a message whether to open the navigation application program through the branch navigation webpage. After the mobile electronic device 200 notifies the visually impaired person of the message whether to open the navigation application program in a voice playback manner and the visually impaired person hears it, the branch navigation webpage can be opened or closed by the visually impaired person. When the mobile electronic device 200 is operated by the visually impaired person and the navigation application installed in the white cane storage module 2 is selected to be executed through the branch navigation webpage, the bank-side processing module 103 will transmit the branch address corresponding to the branch name text message and stored in the bank-side storage module 101 to the white cane processing module 4 through the branch navigation webpage and the Bluetooth connection between the mobile electronic device 200 and the white cane processing module 4. After the branch address stored in the bank-side storage module 101 is transmitted to the white cane processing module 4, the white cane processing module 4 executes the navigation application and inputs the branch address into the navigation application, and the navigation application generates a route planning information according to the current location information generated by the global satellite positioning module 1a and the branch address location information corresponding to the branch address. The branch address location is obtained by the navigation application performing a search using the branch address as a search condition. In this way, the branch navigation webpage automatically substitutes the branch address stored in the bank storage module 101 into the navigation application to retrieve the correct branch address location, which can reduce the probability of navigation destination setting errors and achieve the effect of accurately moving to the destination. In addition, the voice recognition function of the bank processing module 103 can save the visually impaired from manually inputting text, thereby achieving an effect of ease of use.

Then, after the navigation application creates the route planning information, the white cane processing module 4 converts the route planning information into a navigation voice data output. Specifically, when the visually impaired person wears the headset 300, the white cane communication module 6a establishes wireless communication (Bluetooth connection) with the headset 300. Thus, after the white cane processing module 4 converts the navigation voice data, the white cane communication module 6a transmits the navigation voice data to the headset 300, so that the headset 300 plays the sound of the navigation voice data to the visually impaired person, thereby guiding the visually impaired person to the branch. However, when the visually impaired person does not wear the headset 300, the white cane processing module 4, after converting the navigation voice data, plays the sound of the navigation voice data to the visually impaired person in a loudspeaker manner through the speaker unit 5, so that the visually impaired person can also be guided to the branch.

When the visually impaired person only carries the white cane device 20 and is unable to execute the branch navigation webpage through the mobile electronic device 200 to automatically substitute the branch address into the navigation application, the built-in microphone 3 of the white cane device 20 can receive the sound of the branch name spoken by the visually impaired person (i.e., voice input) and convert it into the branch name voice data and transmit it to the white cane processing module 4. After receiving the branch name voice data, the white cane processing module 4 converts the branch name voice data into the branch name text message. After converting the branch name text message, the white cane processing module 4 executes the navigation application and inputs the branch name text message into the navigation application, and generates the route planning information by the navigation application according to the current location information generated by the global satellite positioning module 1a and the branch address location information corresponding to the branch name text message, and the branch address location is obtained by the navigation application performing a search with the branch name text message as a search condition. After the navigation application creates the route planning information, the white cane processing module 4 converts the route planning information into a navigation voice data output. The white cane device 20 may output and play the navigation voice data by playing it through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5 as described above, thereby guiding the visually impaired person to the branch. In this way, the visually impaired person can navigate to the branch by using the white cane device 20 even if he does not carry the mobile electronic device 200 with him or the white cane device 20 does not establish a Bluetooth connection with the mobile electronic device 200.

Preferably, the white cane processing module 4 turns on the global satellite positioning module 1a after the global satellite positioning switch button 1b is pressed and the global satellite positioning module 1a is in the on state, and after the global satellite positioning module 1a is turned on, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a global satellite positioning on prompt voice data corresponding to the on state of the global satellite positioning module 1a and plays it through the headset 300 or the speaker unit 5. After the global satellite positioning switch button 1b is pressed again, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a global satellite positioning closing prompt voice data corresponding to the closing state of the global satellite positioning module 1a, and plays it through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5, and the white cane processing module 4 turns off the global satellite positioning module 1a after the global satellite positioning closing prompt voice data is output. By the white cane processing module 4 outputting the global satellite positioning opening prompt voice data or the global satellite positioning closing prompt voice data, the visually impaired person can know the opening or closing state of the global satellite positioning module 1a, so as to facilitate the use of the visually impaired person.

Preferably, after the wireless communication switch button 6b is pressed and the white cane communication module 6a is in the connection establishment state, the white cane communication module 6a establishes a Bluetooth connection with the headset 300, and after the white cane communication module 6a establishes a Bluetooth connection with the headset 300, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a wireless communication start prompt voice data corresponding to the connection establishment state of the white cane communication module 6a, and plays it through the headset 300 or the speaker unit 5. After the wireless communication switch button 6b is pressed again, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data corresponding to the disconnection state of the white cane communication module 6a, and plays it through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5. After the wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data is output, the white cane processing module 4 disconnects the connection between the white cane communication module 6a and the earphone 300. By the white cane processing module 4 outputting the wireless communication opening prompt voice data or the wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data, the visually impaired person can be informed of the connection state of the white cane communication module 6a, so as to facilitate the use of the white cane communication module 6a.

Preferably, the white cane device 20 further comprises an obstacle detection unit 7. The obstacle detection unit 7 is disposed on the cane body 201 and electrically connected to the white cane processing module 4, and is used to detect objects in the external environment. The obstacle detection unit 7 can perform object detection when the navigation application is executed. Specifically, the obstacle detection unit 7 comprises a camera 71 and a rangefinder 72. The camera 71 is disposed on the surface of the cane body 201 and is used for shooting. The rangefinder 72 is disposed on the surface of the cane body 201 and is used for measuring distance. When the white cane device 20 is used by the visually impaired person to detect the surrounding environment and guide the visually impaired person to walk by the navigation voice data, the obstacle detection unit 7 performs object detection at the same time. When the obstacle detection unit 7 detects the object, that is, when the camera 71 captures the object in the external environment, the white cane processing module 4 measures the distance of the object by the rangefinder 72, and outputs an obstacle prompt voice data corresponding to the distance between the object and the cane body 201, and plays it through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5, so that the visually impaired person can avoid obstacles (the object) to achieve the effect of moving to the destination safely.

Preferably, the white cane device 20 further includes a power supply unit 8. The power supply unit 8 is disposed on the cane body 201 and includes a rechargeable battery 81, a power detector 82, and a charging port 83 electrically connected to the battery 81. The battery 81 is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module 1a, the built-in microphone 3, the white cane processing module 4, the speaker unit 5, the white cane communication module 6a, the obstacle detection unit 7 and the direction sensor 9, and is used to provide power. The power detector 82 is electrically connected to the battery 81 and is used to detect the amount of power stored in the battery 81. The charging port 83 is, for example, a Type-C connector and is suitable for being electrically connected to an external charger (not shown) to quickly charge the battery 81 .

When the stick body 201 is in the folded state and the power detector 82 detects that the power stored in the battery 81 is less than 50% of the maximum power of the battery 81, the white stick processing module 4 outputs a power less than 50% prompt voice data, which is played through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5. When the power detector 82 detects that the power stored in the battery 81 is less than 30% of the maximum power of the battery 81, the white stick processing module 4 outputs a power less than 30% prompt voice data, which is played through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5. When the power detector 82 detects that the power stored in the battery 81 is the same as the maximum power of the battery 81, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a voice message indicating that the battery 81 is fully charged and the power supply should be unplugged, and the voice message is played through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5. When the power detector 82 detects that the power stored in the battery 81 is in different states, the white cane processing module 4 reminds the visually impaired person with voice, so that the visually impaired person can charge the battery in time when the power is insufficient, which is convenient for the visually impaired person to use.

Preferably, the built-in microphone 3 can convert a sound about the current remaining power into a power inquiry voice data. The white cane processing module 4 can convert the power inquiry voice data from the built-in microphone 3 into a power inquiry text command. After the white cane processing module 4 converts the power inquiry text command, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a current remaining power voice data about the power stored in the battery 81, and plays it through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5. In this way, the visually impaired person can know the power state of the battery 81 at any time, which is convenient for use.

Preferably, the white cane device 20 further comprises a direction sensor 9. The direction sensor 9 is disposed inside the cane body 201 and electrically connected to the white cane processing module 4, and is used to sense the direction change of the cane body 201. The direction sensor 9 generates a force change signal after the direction change of the cane body 201, thereby obtaining the direction change of the cane body 201. When the visually impaired person falls while walking and the white cane handle falls to the ground, that is, when the cane body 201 is in the unfolded state and the direction sensor 9 changes from a vertical state (the cane body 201 stands upright on the ground) to a horizontal state (the cane body 201 tilts and is placed horizontally) to change the direction of the cane body 201, the white cane processing module 4 outputs a voice data indicating whether an accident has occurred, and plays it through the earphone 300 or the speaker unit 5. When the white cane device 20 outputs the voice data indicating whether an accident has occurred, and the built-in microphone 3 does not receive any sound within one minute or the global satellite positioning switch button 1b and the wireless communication switch button 6b are not pressed within one minute, the white cane processing module 4 sends a distress message (such as an SOS message) or makes a distress call through the mobile electronic device 200, and the white cane processing module 4 plays a gradually louder distress alarm tone through the speaker unit 5. In this way, the visually impaired person can be rescued to improve safety.

In summary, by providing the global satellite positioning module 1a and installing the navigation application on the white cane device 20, the white cane device 20 can be used not only for the visually impaired person to detect the surrounding environment, but also for the visually impaired person to reach the branch address location according to the instructions of the navigation voice data, thereby achieving the effect of helping the visually impaired person to move to the destination accurately and safely. On the other hand, by automatically inputting the branch address corresponding to the branch name as the destination into the navigation application through the branch navigation webpage provided by the bank-side server 10, the situation of incorrect destination input can be avoided, thereby achieving the effect of ease of use and high accuracy. In addition, by using the voice recognition function of the white cane processing module 4 or the bank-side processing module 103, the visually impaired person can input the information about the branch name into the navigation application by voice input, which can save the action of manually inputting text and can also achieve the effect of ease of use, so the purpose of this novel invention can be achieved.

However, the above is only an example of the implementation of the present invention, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of the implementation of the present invention. All simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present invention and the content of the patent specification are still within the scope of the present patent.

100: Navigation assistance system for the visually impaired 10: Bank-side server 101: Bank-side storage module 102: Bank-side communication module 103: Bank-side processing module 20: White cane device 201: Cane body 202: Rod section 203: Connector 204: Speaker hole 205: Voice receiving hole 1a: Global satellite positioning module 1b: Global satellite positioning switch button 2: White cane storage module 3: Built-in microphone 4: White cane processing module 5: Speaker unit 6a: White cane communication module 6b: Wireless communication switch button 7: Obstacle detection unit 71: Camera 72: Rangefinder 8: Power supply unit 81: Battery 82: Battery detector 83: Charging port 9: Direction sensor 200: Mobile electronic device 300: Headphones

Other features and functions of the present invention will be clearly presented in the implementation method with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the connection relationship between an embodiment of the navigation assistance system for visually impaired persons of the present invention and an electronic device and a headset; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a white cane device of the embodiment; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a plurality of rod sections of the cane body and a connecting member when a cane body of the white cane device is in an unfolded state; and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the rod sections and the connecting member when the cane body is in a folded state.

100: Navigation assistance system for the visually impaired

10: Bank server

101: Bank storage module

102: Bank communication module

103: Bank processing module

20: White cane device

1a: Global satellite positioning module

1b: Global satellite positioning switch button

2: White Cane Storage Module

3:Built-in microphone

4: White cane processing module

5: Speaker unit

6a: White Cane Communication Module

6b: Wireless communication switch button

7: Obstacle detection unit

71: Camera

72: Rangefinder

8: Power supply unit

81:Battery

82: Power detector

83: Charging port

9: Direction sensor

200: Mobile electronic devices

300: Headphones

Claims (17)

A white cane device, suitable for a visually impaired person, comprising: a cane body, suitable for the visually impaired person to hold; a global satellite positioning module, arranged on the cane body and used to generate current position information; a white cane storage module, arranged on the cane body and equipped with a navigation application; and A white cane processing module is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane storage module. The white cane processing module has a voice recognition function and can convert a branch name voice data about a branch name into a branch name text message. After converting the branch name text message, the white cane processing module executes the navigation application and inputs the branch name text message into the navigation application, and the navigation application generates a route planning information according to the current location information and a branch address location information corresponding to the branch name text message. After the navigation application establishes the route planning information, the white cane processing module converts the route planning information into a navigation voice data output. The white cane device as described in claim 1 further comprises a global satellite positioning switch button, wherein the global satellite positioning switch button is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane processing module, the global satellite positioning switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the global satellite positioning module to cycle between an on state and an off state, and the white cane processing module turns on the global satellite positioning module after the global satellite positioning switch button is pressed, and the white cane processing module After the global satellite positioning module is turned on, a global satellite positioning on prompt voice data corresponding to the on state of the global satellite positioning module is output; after the global satellite positioning switch button is pressed again, the white cane processing module outputs a global satellite positioning off prompt voice data corresponding to the off state of the global satellite positioning module, and after the global satellite positioning off prompt voice data is output, the white cane processing module turns off the global satellite positioning module. The white cane device as described in claim 1 is suitable for a headset capable of wireless communication worn by a visually impaired person. The white cane device also includes a white cane communication module, wherein the white cane communication module is arranged on the cane body and is electrically connected to the white cane processing module and is capable of establishing wireless communication with the headset. After the white cane processing module converts the navigation voice data, the navigation voice data is transmitted to the headset through the white cane communication module to be played to the visually impaired person. The white cane device as described in claim 3 further comprises a wireless communication switch button, wherein the wireless communication switch button is electrically connected to the white cane communication module and the white cane processing module, the wireless communication switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the white cane communication module to cycle between a connection establishment state and a disconnection state, and the white cane processing module establishes a connection between the white cane communication module and the headset after the wireless communication switch button is pressed, and the white cane processing module is in the white cane processing module. After the cane communication module establishes a connection with the headset, a wireless communication opening prompt voice data corresponding to the connection establishment state of the white cane communication module is output; after the wireless communication switch button is pressed again, the white cane processing module outputs a wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data corresponding to the disconnection state of the white cane communication module, and after the wireless communication disconnection prompt voice data is output, the white cane processing module disconnects the white cane communication module from the headset. The white cane device as described in claim 1 further comprises a speaker unit, wherein the speaker unit is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module and is used to play sound; after the white cane processing module converts the navigation voice data, the speaker unit plays the navigation voice data to the visually impaired person. A white cane device as described in claim 5, wherein the cane body includes a plurality of speaker holes, the speaker holes are formed on the surface of the cane body and penetrate into the interior of the cane body and are aligned with the speaker unit. The white cane device as described in claim 1 further includes a built-in microphone, wherein the built-in microphone is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, the built-in microphone is used to receive sound and can transmit the branch name voice data to the white cane processing module; the white cane processing module can convert the branch name voice data from the built-in microphone into a text message of the branch name. A white cane device as described in claim 7, wherein the built-in microphone is disposed inside the cane body; the cane body includes a plurality of voice receiving holes, which are formed on the surface of the cane body and penetrate into the interior of the cane body and are aligned with the built-in microphone. The white cane device as described in claim 1 further includes an obstacle detection unit, wherein the obstacle detection unit is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and is used to detect objects in the external environment. The obstacle detection unit can perform object detection when the navigation application is executed. When the obstacle detection unit detects the object, the white cane processing module outputs an obstacle prompt voice data. A white cane device as described in claim 9, wherein the obstacle detection unit includes a camera and a rangefinder, the camera is used for shooting, and the rangefinder is used for measuring distance. When the camera shoots an object in the external environment, the white cane processing module measures the distance of the object through the rangefinder and outputs the obstacle prompt voice data corresponding to the distance between the object and the cane body. A white walking stick device as described in claim 7, wherein the stick body includes a plurality of rod sections that are detachably connected in pairs, and a connecting member that is bendably and sequentially inserted through the rod sections, and the stick body can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. When the stick body is in the unfolded state, the rod sections are connected in pairs to form a long rod shape, and the connecting member is straightened; when the stick body is in the folded state, the rod sections are arranged in parallel and the connecting member is bent. The white cane device as described in claim 11 further comprises a power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit is arranged on the cane body and includes a rechargeable battery and a power detector, the battery is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane processing module and is used to provide electrical energy, the power detector is electrically connected to the battery and is used to detect the capacity stored in the battery, and when the cane body is in the folded state and the power detector detects that the capacity stored in the battery is less than 50% of the maximum capacity of the battery, the white cane processing module outputs a voice data prompting that the power is less than 50%. As described in claim 12, when the power detector of the white cane processing module detects that the capacity stored in the battery is less than 30% of the maximum capacity of the battery, the white cane processing module outputs a voice prompt data indicating that the power is less than 30%. A white cane device as described in claim 13, wherein the power supply unit further includes a charging connection port electrically connected to the battery, and the charging connection port is suitable for being electrically connected to an external charger to charge the battery; when the power detector detects that the capacity stored in the battery is the same as the maximum capacity of the battery, the white cane processing module outputs a voice message prompting that the battery is fully charged and the power supply should be unplugged. A white cane device as described in claim 14, wherein the built-in microphone is capable of converting a sound regarding a current remaining power into a power inquiry voice data; the white cane processing module is capable of converting the power inquiry voice data from the built-in microphone into a power inquiry text command; after the white cane processing module converts the power inquiry text command, the white cane processing module outputs a current remaining power voice data regarding the power stored in the battery. A navigation assistance system for visually impaired persons, applicable to a bank and a mobile electronic device of a visually impaired person, and comprising: A bank-side server, including a bank-side storage module, a bank-side communication module and a bank-side processing module, the bank-side storage module stores a plurality of branch information with different contents, each branch information includes a branch name and a branch address, the bank-side communication module can establish a network connection with the mobile electronic device, the bank-side processing module is electrically connected to the bank-side storage module and the bank-side communication module, and has a voice recognition function; and The white cane device as described in claim 1 further comprises a white cane communication module, which is disposed on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module and is capable of establishing wireless communication with the mobile electronic device. After the bank-side processing module receives the branch name voice data about the branch name from the mobile electronic device through the bank-side communication module, the bank-side processing module transmits the branch address corresponding to the branch name stored in the bank-side storage module to the white cane processing module through the mobile electronic device; after the branch address stored in the bank-side storage module is transmitted to the white cane processing module, the white cane processing module inputs the branch address into the navigation application and establishes the route planning information through the navigation application. A navigation assistance system for the visually impaired as described in claim 16, wherein the stick body includes a plurality of rod sections that are detachably connected in pairs, and a connecting member that is bendably and sequentially inserted through the rod sections, and the stick body can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. When the stick body is in the unfolded state, the rod sections are connected in pairs to form a long rod, and the connecting member is straightened; when the stick body is in the folded state, the rod sections are arranged in parallel and the connecting member is bent. The white cane device further comprises a global satellite positioning switch button, a wireless communication switch button, a built-in microphone and a direction sensor. The global satellite positioning switch button is electrically connected to the global satellite positioning module and the white cane processing module. The global satellite positioning switch button can be repeatedly pressed to allow the global satellite positioning module to cycle between an on state and an off state. The wireless communication switch button is electrically connected to the white cane communication module and the white cane. The wireless communication switch button can be repeatedly pressed to make the white cane communication module cycle between establishing a connection state and disconnecting a connection state; the built-in microphone is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and is used to receive sound; the direction sensor is arranged on the cane body and electrically connected to the white cane processing module, and is used to sense the direction change of the cane body; the white cane processing module is in the unfolded state and the direction sensor is in the unfolded state. When the white cane device changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state, the white cane processing module outputs a voice data indicating whether an accident has occurred; when the white cane device outputs the voice data indicating whether an accident has occurred, and the built-in microphone does not receive sound within one minute or either the global satellite positioning switch button or the wireless communication switch button is not pressed within one minute, the white cane processing module sends a distress message or makes a distress call through the mobile electronic device.

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