Geospatial data can be converted into audio outputs. For example, a system can receive a dataset indicating geospatial locations of objects within a region. Based on the dataset, the system can generate a virtual map representing the region and including virtual points representing the objects. The virtual points can be spatially positioned at locations in the virtual map corresponding to the geospatial locations of the objects in the region. The system can receive a user input via a user input device for interacting with a particular virtual point among the virtual points in the virtual map. The system can determine one or more sound characteristics for a sound based on receiving the user input. The system can then transmit an audio signal to an audio device for causing the audio device to generate the sound having the one or more sound characteristics, which may assist with exploring the virtual map.

The present invention relates to tactile warning panels, and in particular to tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multi-function/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology by integrating tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

An illuminated walking assistance apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an elongated staff having a ground-engaging tip portion at a first end and a handle at an opposing second end. The staff provides a light pipe positioned proximal the tip portion and having a light-emitting member disposed therein to selectively illuminate the ground proximal the tip portion. The staff further provides a red nightlight which is always on so as to facilitate locating the apparatus in a dark environment.

A cane apparatus may include a body portion, a handle at a top end of the body portion, a proximity detector coupled to the body portion, an alert mechanism, and a processor communicatively coupled to the proximity detector and the alert mechanism. The processor may be configured to: determine, based on a signal received from the proximity detector, that the proximity detector is within a threshold distance of an obstacle; and based on the determination, activate the alert mechanism.

Gait facilitation and feedback methods and systems capable of providing automatic external cues to facilitate improved gait patterns and increased safety with ambulation. During ambulation of a user over a surface, the system generates and simultaneously projects multiple light beams on the surface in front of the user's line of progression. The light beams project multiple illuminated lines in front of and perpendicular to the user's line of progression during ambulation to thereby project a field projection on the surface that is continuously seen by the user during ambulation and is not dependent on stepping of the user during ambulation.

Aspects of the present disclosures relate aids for the visually impaired.

Devices and methods for assisting and guiding a person with visual and/or hearing impairment. In various embodiments there is a computer-guided, motorized walking stick. Preferably, at least one wheel at the distal end of the stick, and in contact with the ground, can be steered or pivoted over a range of angles, and thus establish a desired direction. In yet other embodiments there are one or more powered wheels that further drive the walking stick in the desired direction. Various algorithms are disclosed for providing instructions to the computer controller by way of various input devices. Still further embodiments include various types of sensors that provide data to the computer with regards to objects proximate to the walking stick.

An illuminated walking assistance apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an elongated staff having a ground-engaging tip portion at a first end and a handle at an opposing second end. The staff provides a light pipe positioned proximal the tip portion and having a light-emitting member disposed therein to selectively illuminate the ground proximal the tip portion. The staff further provides a red nightlight which is always on so as to facilitate locating the apparatus in a dark environment.

A device for ultrasonic object detection, having at least two independent transducers that are able to emit at least two ultrasonic signals respectively in order to produce reflected ultrasonic signals in return, and able to receive the reflected ultrasonic signals, wherein it has an electronic processing unit configured so as to convert the received reflected ultrasonic signals into respective spectrograms, in an audible frequency band, and form respective audible temporal signals through an inverse Fourier transform of the spectrograms.

A method for providing information to a user, preferably including: determining environmental information; determining a set of features based on the information; determining output parameters based on the features; and controlling a sensory output system to generate outputs based on the output parameters. A sensory output device, preferably including a plurality of sensory output actuators. A system for providing information to a user, preferably including one or more: sensory output devices, sensors, and computing systems.