[go: up one dir, main page]

DE29800598U1 - Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired - Google Patents

Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired

Info

Publication number
DE29800598U1
DE29800598U1 DE29800598U DE29800598U DE29800598U1 DE 29800598 U1 DE29800598 U1 DE 29800598U1 DE 29800598 U DE29800598 U DE 29800598U DE 29800598 U DE29800598 U DE 29800598U DE 29800598 U1 DE29800598 U1 DE 29800598U1
Authority
DE
Germany
Prior art keywords
distance
blind
orientation aid
visually impaired
aid according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
DE29800598U
Other languages
German (de)
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to DE29800598U priority Critical patent/DE29800598U1/en
Priority to DE59810279T priority patent/DE59810279D1/en
Priority to EP98933453A priority patent/EP0984754B1/en
Priority to PCT/DE1998/001249 priority patent/WO1998048749A2/en
Priority to ES98933453T priority patent/ES2212314T3/en
Priority to US09/423,060 priority patent/US6298010B1/en
Priority to DE19820176A priority patent/DE19820176A1/en
Publication of DE29800598U1 publication Critical patent/DE29800598U1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
    • A61H3/068—Sticks for blind persons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
    • A61H3/061—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D7/00—Indicating measured values
    • G01D7/007—Indication of measured value by tactile means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D7/00—Indicating measured values
    • G01D7/12—Audible indication of meter readings, e.g. for the blind
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/08—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/481—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
    • G01S7/4811—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements common to transmitter and receiver
    • G01S7/4813—Housing arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/51—Display arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/06—Walking aids for blind persons
    • A61H3/061—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means
    • A61H2003/063—Walking aids for blind persons with electronic detecting or guiding means with tactile perception
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Magnetic Heads (AREA)

Description

BeschreibungDescription

Orientierungshilfe für Blinde und SehbehinderteOrientation aid for blind and visually impaired people

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Orientierungshilfe für Blinde und Sehbehinderte. Blinde oder stark sehbehinderte Personen orientieren sich in ihrer Umgebung in der Regel mit dem bekannten weißen Blindenstock. Mit diesem sind nur Hindernisse in Bodenhöhe und einem Radius von ca. 1,2 m ertastbar. Es sind eine Anzahl von Orientierungshilfen und Leitgeräten für Blinde bekannt, die sämtlich als Zusatzgeräte zum Blindenstock bei Objekten in Kopf- und Bauchhöhe warnen sollen. Diese Warnsignale sind, soweit bekannt, entweder akustischer Art oder erfolgen als vibronische Signale, wobei die Frequenz der Signale, bzw auch die Lautstärke bei akustischen Signalen, gegebenenfalls entsprechend der Entfernung zum Hindernis variiert wird. Insbesondere akustische Signale werden von den Blinden eher als störend denn als hilfreich empfunden, da die Wahrnehmung der Umwelt bei Blinden stark über das Gehör erfolgt und somit ein zusätzliches Geräusch beachtet werden muß. Auch vibronische Signale, die durch unterschiedliche Frequenzen die Entfernung zu einem erfaßten Objekt übermitteln, sind aufgrund der indirekten Beziehung zwischen einer Entfernung und der Frequenz eines vibrierenden Teils, irgendwo am Körper des Blinden, schwer interpretierbar.The invention relates to an orientation aid for blind and visually impaired people. Blind or severely visually impaired people usually orient themselves in their surroundings using the familiar white cane. With this, only obstacles at ground level and within a radius of approx. 1.2 m can be felt. A number of orientation aids and guidance devices for the blind are known, all of which as additional devices to the cane are intended to warn of objects at head and stomach height. These warning signals are, as far as is known, either acoustic or as vibronic signals, whereby the frequency of the signals, or the volume of acoustic signals, is varied according to the distance to the obstacle. Acoustic signals in particular are perceived by the blind as more disturbing than helpful, since blind people perceive their environment largely through their hearing and therefore an additional noise must be taken into account. Even vibronic signals, which use different frequencies to convey the distance to a detected object, are difficult to interpret due to the indirect relationship between distance and the frequency of a vibrating part somewhere on the blind person's body.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht daher in der Schaffung einer Orientierungshilfe, dieThe object of the present invention is therefore to create a guidance aid that

- zum einen durch eine geeignete Sende- und Empfangseinrichtung die Entfernung zu Objekten in der Umgebung in einem, im Vergleich zum Blindenstock, deutlich erweiterten Radius zuverlässig messen kann, wobei auch Objekte in jeder Höhe erfaßbar sein sollen und die- on the one hand, by means of a suitable transmitting and receiving device, the distance to objects in the surrounding area can be reliably measured in a radius that is significantly larger than that of a blind cane, whereby objects at any height can also be detected and the

- zum anderen die ermittelte Entfernung in einer leicht und deutlich für den Blinden wahrzunehmenden Weise darstellt.- on the other hand, it presents the determined distance in a way that is easy and clear for the blind person to perceive.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch eine Orientierungshilfe, die ausgestattet mit einem elektro-optischen Entfernungsmesser - vorzugsweise einem Laser und einer Auswerteeinrichtung, die die Laufzeitdifferenz von ausgesandtem und reflektiertem Laserstrahl ermittelt - und einem beweglichen, mit dem Daumen erfühlbaren Abtastknopf, der wie ein linearer Zeiger die gemessene Entfernung darstellt.This object is achieved according to the invention by an orientation aid which is equipped with an electro-optical distance meter - preferably a laser and an evaluation device which determines the difference in the travel time of the emitted and reflected laser beam - and a movable scanning button which can be felt with the thumb and which represents the measured distance like a linear pointer.

Die Orientierungshilfe ist als Handgerät ausgeführt, an deren vorderen Ende sich die Sende- und Empfangseinrichtung befindet. Hierbei handelt es sich vorzusweise um einem Diodenlaser (1), der mit schwacher Leistung (die die Ungefährlichkeit für andere Personen gewährleistet) im nahen Infrarotbereich emittiert und einer geeignete Photodiode (2) die den reflektierten Strahl empfängt.The orientation aid is designed as a handheld device, at the front end of which is the transmitting and receiving device. This is primarily a diode laser (1) that emits low power (which ensures that it is not dangerous for other people) in the near infrared range and a suitable photodiode (2) that receives the reflected beam.

Die Verwendung eines Laserstrahls zur Entfernungsbestimmung hat zwei wesentliche Vorteile:Using a laser beam to determine distance has two major advantages:

1) aufgrund dessen geringer Strahlaufweitung lassen sich in der Richtung in die man mit dem Gerät zeigt auch noch sehr feine Strukturen, wie z.B. Seile abtasten. Hierzu wird das Gerät leicht hin und her bewegt.1) Due to its low beam expansion, very fine structures, such as ropes, can be scanned in the direction in which the device is pointed. To do this, the device is moved slightly back and forth.

2) die mögliche Reichweite ist sehr hoch.2) the possible range is very high.

Die durch die Laufzeitdifferenz von emittierten und gestreutem Strahl bestimmte Entfernung wird an der oberen Seite des Gerätes durch einen kleinen Knopf (3) angezeigt. Dieser Knopf bewegt sich linear über eine Distanz von ca. 3 cm und kann mit dem Daumen erfühlt werden.The distance determined by the difference in the time of flight between the emitted and scattered beam is displayed on the top of the device by a small button (3). This button moves linearly over a distance of approx. 3 cm and can be felt with the thumb.

Der Anzeigebereich wird durch vier Taster (4) an der Unterseite des Geräts eingestellt. So wird z.B. mit dem ersten Taster ein Bereich von 0 - Im gewählt. Das bedeutet, daß der reale Anzeigenbereich von 3 cm einer gemessenen Entfernung von Im entspricht. Wird der Strahl innerhalb dieser Entfernung nicht reflektiert, so befindet sich der Abtastknopf am vorderen Anschlag. Nun wird der nächste Bereich, z.B. 0 - 3 m gewählt. Wird der Strahl nun nach 1,5 m reflektiert, so ist die Position des Abtastknopfs in der Mitte des Anzeigebereichs.The display range is set using four buttons (4) on the underside of the device. For example, the first button selects a range of 0 - Im. This means that the actual display range of 3 cm corresponds to a measured distance of Im. If the beam is not reflected within this distance, the scanning button is at the front stop. Now the next range, e.g. 0 - 3 m, is selected. If the beam is now reflected after 1.5 m, the position of the scanning button is in the middle of the display range.

In einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform wird die Distanz in logarithmischem Maßstab dargestellt. In diesem Fall ist die Auflösung im Nahbereich automatisch deutlich höher als in weiterer Entfernung. Somit sind weniger Anzeigebereiche notwendig oder sie erübrigen sich sogar ganz.In another possible embodiment, the distance is shown in logarithmic scale. In this case, the resolution at close range is automatically significantly higher than at a greater distance. This means that fewer display areas are necessary or they are even unnecessary altogether.

Um die Gewöhnung an das neue Gerät zu erleichtern und als Sicherheit z.B. bei abfallender Batteriespannung (Warnton) wird in das Gerät ein Teleskopstab (5) integriert, der als gewöhnlicher Blindenstock benutzt werden kann.To make it easier to get used to the new device and as a safety measure, e.g. if the battery voltage drops (warning tone), a telescopic rod (5) is integrated into the device, which can be used as a normal cane.

Der Blinde hat somit die Möglichkeit sich durch die Richtungsinformation, nämlich die Richtung in die mit dem Gerät gezeigt wird, und die Entfernungsinformation in einer Umgebung zu orientieren, ohne daß sein Gehör zusätzlich belastet wird.The blind person is thus able to orient themselves in an environment using the directional information, namely the direction in which the device is pointed, and the distance information, without putting additional strain on their hearing.

Claims (4)

SchutzansprücheProtection claims 1. Orientierungshilfe für Blinde und Sehbehinderte1. Orientation aid for blind and visually impaired people dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die durch ein Laserentfernungsmesser ermittelte Distanz zum reflektierenden bzw. streuenden Gegenstand in eine dazu proportionale Bewegung bzw. Stellung eines, z.B. mit dem Daumen, zu ertastenden Elements (3) umgesetzt wird. Die Distanzdarstellung kann entweder in linearem oder logarithmischem Maßstab erfolgen.characterized in that the distance to the reflecting or scattering object determined by a laser rangefinder is converted into a proportional movement or position of an element (3) that can be felt, e.g. with the thumb. The distance representation can be either in a linear or logarithmic scale. Orientierungshilfe nach Anspruch 1.Orientation aid according to claim 1. 2. dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mit Tastern (4) der Vollausschlag des die Entfernung anzeigenden Elements ausgewählt werden kann. Diese Bereiche sind einstellbar. 2. characterized in that the full deflection of the element indicating the distance can be selected using buttons (4). These ranges are adjustable. Orientierungshilfe nach Anspruch 1. und 2.Orientation aid according to claims 1 and 2. 3. dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß bei abfallender Batteriespanung eine deutliche, vorzugsweise akustische Warnung erfolg.3. characterized in that when the battery voltage drops, a clear, preferably acoustic, warning is given. Orientierungshilfe nach Anspruch 1. und 2. und 3.Orientation aid according to claims 1 and 2 and 3. 4. dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in dem Gerät ein Teleskopstab (5) integriert ist.4. characterized in that a telescopic rod (5) is integrated in the device.
DE29800598U 1997-04-30 1998-01-09 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired Expired - Lifetime DE29800598U1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE29800598U DE29800598U1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-01-09 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired
DE59810279T DE59810279D1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 ORIENTATION GUIDE FOR THE BLIND AND VISIBLE
EP98933453A EP0984754B1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 Orientation aid for the blind and the visually disabled
PCT/DE1998/001249 WO1998048749A2 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 Orientation aid for the blind and the visually disabled
ES98933453T ES2212314T3 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 APPARATUS FOR GUIDANCE ASSISTANCE FOR VISUAL DEFICIENTS.
US09/423,060 US6298010B1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 Orientation aid for the blind and the visually disabled
DE19820176A DE19820176A1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 Orientation aid for blind and partially sighted persons

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE29708128U DE29708128U1 (en) 1997-04-30 1997-04-30 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired
DE29800598U DE29800598U1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-01-09 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
DE29800598U1 true DE29800598U1 (en) 1998-09-10

Family

ID=8040017

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
DE29708128U Expired - Lifetime DE29708128U1 (en) 1997-04-30 1997-04-30 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired
DE29800598U Expired - Lifetime DE29800598U1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-01-09 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired
DE59810279T Expired - Fee Related DE59810279D1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 ORIENTATION GUIDE FOR THE BLIND AND VISIBLE

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
DE29708128U Expired - Lifetime DE29708128U1 (en) 1997-04-30 1997-04-30 Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
DE59810279T Expired - Fee Related DE59810279D1 (en) 1997-04-30 1998-04-30 ORIENTATION GUIDE FOR THE BLIND AND VISIBLE

Country Status (1)

Country Link
DE (3) DE29708128U1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE511947C2 (en) 1997-08-15 1999-12-20 Peltor Ab Hearing protection with control buttons immersed in one hearing cap

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE29708128U1 (en) 1997-08-14
DE59810279D1 (en) 2004-01-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0984754B1 (en) Orientation aid for the blind and the visually disabled
DE10004841A1 (en) White stick contains devices for detecting objects by emitting and receiving laser beams, and a display that shows the presence/absence of an object
DE68920627T2 (en) Device actuated by radiation.
EP1747483B1 (en) Tracking device and method for calibrating a tracking device
DE19932779A1 (en) Reversing aid
DE102005009110A1 (en) Device for communicating environmental information to a visually impaired person
EP0464263A2 (en) Device for obstacle detection for pilots of low flying aircrafts
WO2004057367A1 (en) Radar-assisted sensing of the position and/or movement of the body or inside the body of living beings
DE10341548A1 (en) Optoelectronic detection device
EP0635731B1 (en) Method for determining visibility distance in thick fog and visibility sensor
DE69504957T2 (en) VISUAL AID FOR THE BLIND
EP0363614A1 (en) Distance-measuring device including contactless distance and angle detection
DE2156063C3 (en) Arrangement for measuring the visibility in changing weather conditions
DE29800598U1 (en) Orientation guide for the blind and visually impaired
DE3743696C2 (en)
DE102011009960A1 (en) Ultrasound-based orientation device for detection of obstructions, and for use as blind guiding device and as guide device for visually impaired people, has ultrasound-transmission-receiving-system, which is attached to cloth piece
EP0770321A1 (en) Device for locating the position of asparagus plants
DE102010014795A1 (en) Device for detecting and locating explosives in body to be examined, has contact unit connected with transmission- and receiving unit, where flexible surface area of contact unit is adapted to contour of body
EP0924535A2 (en) Opto-electronic sensor
DE19619308A1 (en) Combination light scanner for detecting objects in monitoring field, e.g. on conveyor
DE102016103898A1 (en) Optical measuring device for motor vehicles and method for operating such
DE102014210619A1 (en) Endoscope with non-contact distance measurement
DE102021115198B4 (en) security scanner
DE2908905A1 (en) Contactless optical measurement or filling material level - using optical receiver detecting max. reflection from material exposed to rotatable light sources
DE102007036632B4 (en) Optical sensor and method for detecting objects in a surveillance area

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
R207 Utility model specification

Effective date: 19981022

R156 Lapse of ip right after 3 years

Effective date: 20011101