VISIONARY GUIDANCE: WEARABLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR BLIND

Abstract

Visionary Guidance is a wearable navigation system designed to empower individuals with visual impairments. With a comfortable, adjustable neckband, users can wear it for long periods without discomfort, all while looking stylish. The system uses ultrasonic sensors to map surroundings in real time, providing clear audio cues and gentle vibrations to help users navigate safely. High-accuracy GPS offers step-by-step navigation tailored to personal preferences, while object recognition alerts users to important features like curbs and doors. With voice commands and an accessible app, interacting with Visionary Guidance feels natural and intuitive. It also connects to smartphones, allowing users to share their location with loved ones and receive vital traffic and weather updates. Ultimately, Visionary Guidance is more than a navigation tool. It is a supportive companion that fosters confidence and independence in exploring the world.

Specification

This invention is part of the exciting field of assistive technology, specifically designed to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired navigate their world more easily.At its core, this wearable navigation system utilizes technologies like ultrasonic sensors, GPS, and cameras to provide real-time guidance. The ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles, helping users avoid potential hazards, while GPS ensures they know their exact location. The camera modules recognize objects, giving users helpful information about their environment. This system aims to enhance mobility and independence, offering users intuitive support through sounds, gentle vibrations.
Whether indoors or outdoors, it serves as a reliable companion, helping users move confidently and safely in their everyday lives.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
(001]
Cane Navigation Author: James Biggs Year: 1920 Patent Number: US1341132 Description: It mainly detects obstacles at ground level and doesn't provide information about hazards like low ceilings or crowds, which can lead to risky situations. Users often need to remain highly alert, causing fatigue, and the cane doesn't assist with route planning, making new environments feel intimidating. To overcome this, Wearable Navigation uses advanced sensors to detect the obstacles in front of the user and gives output as voice feedback to the user
[002]
OrCam MyEye Authors: Amnon Shashua , Ziv Aviram Year: 2015 Patent Number: US9695257 Description: It is much too expensive for most users to afford, and the incompatibility due to constant need for recharging also presents a problem. It may be inconvenient and embarrassing to wear next to glasses for some users and used only for low vision. To tackle this problem, Wearable Navigation is inexpensive, easy to use for visually impaired people and instant recharging is not required.

Users need to stay aware of their surroundings since the cane can't fully replace their own vigilance. Additionally, some people might find the design uncomfortable, as it may not always feel ergonomic during extended use.To resolve this, Wearable Navigation comprises an ergonomic neckband made from flexible, lightweight material for comfort during extended wear, an adjustable mechanism for a secure fit, and a customizable exterior in various colors and materials.

The device relied on technology that was not always reliable, leading to inconsistencies in reading accuracy. The size and weight of the Optacon made it less portable, further complicating its use in everyday situations. To find a solution for this more advanced sensor technologies, such as ultrasonic sensors, will further increase the accuracy of obstacle detection and mapping. The emphasis on lightweight and ergonomic design will further enhance the portability and usability of the product in everyday life.



The device may require users to adapt to interpreting haptic feedback, which could take time for some individuals. Battery life can also be a concern, as frequent recharging may disrupt usage. To handle this, Wearable Navigation uses auditory cues alongside haptic feedback that will aid spatial awareness, and customizable alerts can enhance user experience. Improving battery life with energy-efficient designs and wireless charging options is crucial. A user-friendly interface featuring voice commands and tactile controls can simplify navigation.
1. Real-time Environmental Awareness: Offer gentle, intuitive feedback to help users sense and avoid obstacles, making navigation through their surroundings feel natural and safe.
2. User-Centric Design: Designed for everyday comfort, it's adaptable to each person's needs, fitting seamlessly into daily life without being intrusive. 3. Accurate Spatial Orientation: Helps guide users with reliable GPS and route planning, ensuring they stay on track, whether indoors or out. 4. Contextual Social Integration: Makes navigating crowded streets or busy areas easier, recognizing signals, crosswalks, and moving obstacles to keep users safe in dynamic environments.
5. Natural Communication: Offers gentle voice prompts or soft vibrations to guide users, making them feel supported and confident without being overwhelmed by too much information.
6. Battery Efficiency: Built to keep up with a busy day, it runs efficiently with minimal charging, so users can depend on it throughout their day without the worry of losing power.
SUMMARY:
This invention aims to give users the confidence they need to navigate their surroundings by offering real-time feedback that's easy to understand. It prioritizes comfort and customization, ensuring that the device fits each person's unique needs and preferences, helping them feel more independent. Equipped with GPS and smart route planning, it smoothly guides users through complex environments, providing clear navigation instructions and helping them avoid obstacles. The system is also adept at recognizing everyday scenarios, like busy intersections or crosswalks, to enhance safety with timely alerts. Importantly, it learns from users' habits and experiences over time, continually improving its guidance to create a more intuitive and personalized navigation experience, ultimately making everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING:
Figure 1: Wearable Device System Architecture Figure 2: Blind Aid System Components Figure 3 Smart Guidance System for Blind Navigation

The neckband is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring an ergonomic shape that fits snugly around the neck. This thoughtful design helps balance weight distribution, preventing discomfort during long periods of wear. It's also adjustable, making it easy to fit different neck sizes and ensuring that everyone can find a secure and comfortable fit. Plus, with a variety of colors and styles available, users can wear it confidently, whether they're in casual or professional settings. 2. Obstacle Detection
This innovative navigation system uses ultrasonic sensors that send out signals to continuously map the surrounding environment. By identifying obstacles in real-time, the device creates a detailed 3D representation of what's around the user. This helps them recognize different objects and their spatial relationships, significantly improving situational awareness. As users move, the device updates its understanding of the environment, quickly identifying any new obstacles that may arise. 3. Real-Time Feedback The feedback system is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It includes sound alerts that signal the presence of obstacles with different tones, where a higher pitch indicates closer obstacles. Gentle vibrations also convey information about the urgency or type of obstacle; for instance, rapid pulses may warn of an immediate hazard, while a steady pulse suggests a safe distance. Over time, users can learn to associate specific sounds and vibrations with different obstacles, enhancing their independence in navigating their environment. 4. Navigation Assistance Equipped with high-accuracy GPS, this system provides real-time location tracking and route guidance. Users receive clear, step-by-step audio instructions, allowing them to focus on their surroundings rather than the device itself. The system also offers custom route planning, enabling users to input their preferences, such as avoiding busy streets or selecting wheelchair-accessible routes, making navigation easier and more tailored to individual needs. 5. Object Recognition
With built-in cameras, the device captures live video feeds that are processed by advanced algorithms to recognize and classify various objects. It features an alert system that informs users about important nearby elements, like curbs, benches, doors, or approaching people, providing crucial context to their surroundings.

Advanced Al and Scene Interpretation This wearable system includes sophisticated scene analysis capabilities, interpreting dynamic environments such as busy intersections or crowded areas to offer context-specific advice. If the device detects a crowded space, it suggests alternative routes, taking into account safety and accessibility. The Al continually learns from user interactions and environmental data, enhancing its responses over time to better meet users' needs. 7. Voice-Activated Command System Thanks to advanced voice recognition technology, the device can accurately understand user commands, even in noisy settings. Users can give a variety of commands for navigation, adjustments, or inquiries about the environment without needing to look at a screen. They can also personalize their voice command settings, ensuring the system responds effectively to their unique speech patterns. 8. Natural Language Speech Recognition The system supports a conversational interface, allowing users to engage in natural dialogue. They can ask questions like "What's nearby?" or "Help me find a bank," and receive appropriate, detailed responses. This capability ensures that users feel supported during their explorations, while context-aware responses help deliver timely and relevant information. 9. User-Centric App Interface The app is designed to be intuitive, featuring a simple layout that prioritizes accessibility. This allows users to navigate easily, even without visual aids. They can view past routes, save frequently visited locations, and access them quickly, making navigation more efficient. Accessibility features like voice feedback and haptic responses ensure that users can effectively use the app, regardless of their sight. 10. Connectivity and Integration The wearable navigation system connects seamlessly via Bluetooth with smartphones and other devices, providing easy access to additional features and services. Users can share their location in real-time with caregivers or loved ones, offering peace of mind for everyone involved. Moreover, the device can relay important traffic and weather updates, empowering users to make informed decisions about their routes.


A wearable navigation system for the blind, comprising an ergonomic neckband made from flexible, lightweight material for comfort during extended wear, an adjustable mechanism for a secure fit, and a customizable exterior in various colors and materials.
Claim 2: As described in claim 1, further including a multi-sensor fusion system that combines LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and thermal imaging for enhanced obstacle detection and real-time 3D mapping of the surroundings.
Claim 3: According to claim 2, wherein the system includes an object classification module that recognizes specific objects, such as curbs and doors, and provides detailed descriptions to enhance situational awareness.
Claim 4: As mentioned in claim 1, further comprising a real-time feedback system utilizing haptic feedback for proximity alerts and audio cues for navigation prompts, both customizable to user preferences.
Claim 5: As outlined in claim 1, further featuring a navigation assistance module that integrates indoor positioning systems (IPS) and global positioning systems (GPS) and optimizes routes based on user preferences and real-time conditions.
Claim 6: The wearable navigation system of claim 2, wherein the system includes object recognition features like semantic segmentation and object tracking for real-time alerts regarding moving hazards.
Claim 7: As detailed in claim 1, further comprising an advanced Al module that enhances scene interpretation and adapts to complex environments while providing social navigation features.
Claim 8: As specified in claim 1, including a voice-activated command system that uses natural language processing for hands-free interaction and operates offline for continuous usability.
Claim 9: As referenced in claim 1, further featuring a user-centric app interface that integrates voice commands and haptic feedback for intuitive navigation.
Claim 10: The wearable navigation system of claim 1, ensuring data privacy and security measures are in place to protect user information from unauthorized access.

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