Patent · US Expired

Ultrasonic distance detection for visually impaired pedestrians

US6469956B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
19References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 27, 2000
Grant dateOct 22, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 27, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S367/909
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Ultrasound is used to determine, by echo ranging, the distance of objects in front of a user for allowing a visually impaired pedestrian to walk safely. A double circuit allows two simultaneous measurements. Distances measured are converted into human paces or steps. Then each ear of the human receives measurement information. The user can calibrate the apparatus for his or her own stride.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.