A method for providing directions to a blind user of a smart device is described. The method includes detecting, by at least two sensors and in response to a selection of a find mode of the smart device, image data corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart device and positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart device. The method also includes receiving, by an input device, the desired object or the desired location. The method also includes determining, by a processor, the initial location of the smart device based on the image data, the positioning data and map data stored in a memory of the smart device. The method also includes providing, by the output device, the directions to the desired object based on the initial location of the smart device and the map data.

According to some aspects, a wearable device for estimating a location of the device within a space is provided, the device comprising a plurality of cameras mounted to a structure, at least a portion of the structure being adapted to facilitate a user wearing the device, the plurality of cameras having substantially fixed positions and orientations on the structure relative to each other, and at least one processor configured to receive image data from the plurality of cameras, perform feature detection on the image data to obtain a first plurality of features from the image data, and determine an estimate of the location of the device in the space based, at least in part, on a location associated with a second plurality of features obtained from image data previously captured of the space that matches the first plurality of features.

The present disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for the creation of an acoustic field for providing tactile sensations. More particularly, but not exclusively, this disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for the creation of an acoustic field providing tactile sensations for use with an interactive device. The disclosure provides a method of generating a tactile sensation. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of acoustic transducers arranged to generate a predetermined distribution of pressure patterns, wherein the pressure patterns comprise a first region providing a first tactile sensation and a second region providing a second, different, tactile sensation.

Methods and apparatus relating to location-based haptic direction finding are described. In an embodiment, logic (e.g., included in a mobile computing device) redirects one or more navigational hints to one or more trembler devices instead of a display device and/or speakers of the mobile computing device in response to a request to provide haptic directional cues. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

A device designed to be worn on the human body includes attachment means which place the device such that it rests directly against a body part, and at least one functional module which is connected to the attachment means, wherein the functional module comprises a wireless receiver and at least one tactile stimulation module. The stimulation module is designed to forward tactile stimuli to the body part to which it is attached. The wireless receiver is designed to receive instructions and to activate the stimulation module.

A method for guiding the blind is disclosed. The method includes: determining a target direction; and controlling a mechanical device to shift its center of gravity toward the target direction according to the target direction; wherein the mechanical device comprises a balance weight, a connecting rod, and a rotating axis, the connecting rod is connected to the rotating axis, and the balance weight is located on the connecting rod.

A wearable device and a method for controlling the same, the wearable device including: a device main body and a wearing part for having the device main body worn on a human body, and the device main body is provided with a micro-controlling unit for controlling operation of the wearable device; and the wearing part is provided with one or more linear motors, each of the linear motors is connected to the micro-controlling unit by a controlling wire, and when the linear motor receives a specified signal of the micro-controlling unit, the linear motor correspondingly vibrates. The wearable device provides one or more linear motors on the wearing part, and controls the linear motors to, upon receiving the specified signal, vibrate, thereby providing the user with a solution of portable vibration tactile feedback and enhancing the user usage experience of the wearable device.

Systems and methods for directing foot traffic are disclosed. Crowd data is gathered from one or more crowd data sources to monitor crowd densities of a geographic area. Locations are received for pedestrian client devices within the geographic area. Augmented reality commands are determined and supplied to the pedestrian client devices to direct movement of users, generally away from more dense zones and toward less dense zones within the geographic area. The augmented reality commands may direct haptic augmented reality output by a pedestrian client device and/or an accessory associated therewith.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for providing directions haptically such that sight and hearing can continue unimpeded. In one exemplary embodiment, a wearable device (such as earphones, ear rings, gloves, glasses, or other wearable objects) configured as disclosed herein receives directions to an intended destination for a user, the directions comprising a movement action and a distance to the movement action. The wearable device has multiple haptic output units and generates, through one of those units, a haptic output based on the directions. This allows the user to receive the directions through touch rather than looking at their mobile device or from audio.

An example vehicle can include a sensor platform and a controller that is configured to determine an object that is in front of the vehicle, determine the object as a hazard by at least one of determining, using dead reckoning, that the object is in a path of travel of the vehicle that will cause the object to travel under a restricted zone of the vehicle and/or the object has a height that is higher than a vehicle ride height.