White cane with integrated electronic travel aid using 3D TOF sensor
US8922759B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2201/5092
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention describes an electronic travel aid (ETA) for blind and visually impaired persons implemented in a detachable handle of a white cane. The device enhances the functionality of the white cane giving the user more detailed information about the environment within a defined corridor of interest in front of the user with an extended range of a few meters up to 10 m. It provides a reliable warning if there is a risk of collision with obstacles including those at trunk or head height, which are not recognized by a conventional white cane. Additional sensors are integrated to delimit the defined corridor during the cane sweeping thereby reducing the amount of information that is transmitted to the user via the tactile interface. Alternatively, the device can be used independently from the cane as an object recognition and orientation aid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.