Patent · US Active

White cane navigational device for the visually impaired

US9789024B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
7References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 3, 2015
Grant dateOct 17, 2017
Priority date—
Expiry dateNov 3, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61H2201/5097
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved white cane includes an elongate body having a proximal end adapted to be held by or secured to a human user and a distal tip, and a noise generator located proximate the distal tip, the noise generator being configured to generate sound within a range of frequencies audible to humans. The user is able to interpret differences in reflected sound as the white cane is moved about the user's surroundings to obtain more information about the surroundings than could be obtained using a normal white cane. Additionally, the information about the surroundings may become available to the user before that information might otherwise have been available to the user using a standard white cane.

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