A software application and system may be configured to enable a smartphone or other device to be used by a visually impaired person to receive voice navigation guidance during a directed exploration of an area. Directed exploration uses combinations of location data, directional data, and orientation data from the configured device to determine a direction that user wishes to explore, and only providing narrated results for streets, businesses, and other points of interest in that direction. The system may also utilize sets of wireless indicators positioned within indoor areas to provide accurate positioning to particular locations and floors within buildings.

To provide improved guidance for visually impaired passengers in lavatory situations on-board of vehicles, a vehicle guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle is provided. The vehicle guidance system includes an interior space on-board the vehicle with at least one lavatory with enclosing cabin walls, and at least one guiding sanitary-handrail. The guiding sanitary-handrail is mounted along at least a part of the enclosing cabin walls inside the lavatory. The guiding sanitary-handrail is provided as a tactile guide. Further, the guiding handrail is provided with visually highlighted information and manually touchable information, both related to cabin information. Still further, a plurality of operating elements for controlling functions of the lavatory is provided inside the lavatory, and at least a part of the operating elements is arranged on the guiding sanitary-handrail.

An aid system for the visually impaired or blind includes a first tag positionable on an object and having a first receiver/transmitter that receives an interrogation and transmits a data signal containing an identification code, a user interface device for a user associated to a second tag having a second receiver/transmitter that transmits a data signal containing an identification code of the user interface device and receives a data signal; a local receiver detecting a location of the first and second tags, and a control unit communicating with the local receiver and storing data, wherein the data signals contain: from the tag to the receiver, the identification code; from the receiver to the control unit, the identification code and the location of the first and second tags; and from the control unit to the user interface device, the location and identification code of the first tag.

A system for operating a visually impaired accessible signage, the system comprising: an accessibility tag configured to attach to a signage or to a surface near the signage, store communication information, communicate with a mobile device and prompt display of information by the mobile device, wherein the information is gained from an information file, and a database configured to store at least one information file. Additional embodiments of the system and methods for use thereof are described herein.

A blind guiding apparatus comprises a first wearable assembly on which a voice recognition unit, a central processing unit, a GPS unit, a voice output unit and a Braille display unit are disposed. The blind guiding apparatus provides real-time positioning and navigating functions for a blind user walking outside, wherein the Braille display unit allows the user to confirm a destination address recognized by the voice recognition unit so as to avoid error in navigation.

A handheld Braille assembly includes a cylinder that has a lower end and an upper end. The cylinder has a communication pad that is integrated into the cylinder. The communication pad is strategically located on the cylinder to rest in the palm of the user's hand. The communication pad has a plurality of Braille dots integrated into the communication pad to touch the user's palm when the cylinder is gripped. A communication unit is integrated into the cylinder to vibrate the respective Braille dots according to a pre-determined sequence for communicating instructions to the user. A feedback stick extends away from the upper end of the cylinder wherein the feedback stick is configured to be touched by the user. The communication unit vibrates the feedback stick in a predetermined sequence of vibrations to communicate which of the operational sequences the communication unit has been actuated to perform.

A system for operating a visually impaired accessible signage, the system comprising: an accessibility tag configured to attach to a signage or to a surface near the signage, store communication information, communicate with a mobile device and prompt display of information by the mobile device, wherein the information is gained from an information file, and a database configured to store at least one information file. Additional embodiments of the system and methods for use thereof are described herein.

The invention is an assist apparatus ideally used by the visually impaired. Within a housing unit is an identifier mechanism such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The RFID generates a unique radio signal which is received by and triangulated by a group/grid of receivers within the building. The triangulation allows a computer to identify the position/location of the user for assistance or to generate a set of instructions for the visually impaired user to move to a specific location. The instructions are communicated to the user, ideally through a tactile interface, allowing the visually impaired to navigate in a strange environment.

Various exemplary embodiments relate to a radar device for detecting objects that intersect an area, the device including a mount attachment; a radar sensor; an output interface; a memory storing one or more environment parameters; a processor in communication with the radar sensor, the output interface, and the memory, the processor being configured to: receive, from the radar sensor, signal information; retrieve, from the memory, environment parameters; calculate, based on the signal information, the distance relative to the sensor of one or more objects; calculate an area based on at least one of the environment parameters; and determine that at least one of the one or more objects intersect the area.

A handheld Braille assembly includes a cylinder that has a lower end and an upper end. The cylinder has a communication pad that is integrated into the cylinder. The communication pad is strategically located on the cylinder to rest in the palm of the user's hand. The communication pad has a plurality of Braille dots integrated into the communication pad to touch the user's palm when the cylinder is gripped. A communication unit is integrated into the cylinder to vibrate the respective Braille dots according to a pre-determined sequence for communicating instructions to the user. A feedback stick extends away from the upper end of the cylinder wherein the feedback stick is configured to be touched by the user. The communication unit vibrates the feedback stick in a predetermined sequence of vibrations to communicate which of the operational sequences the communication unit has been actuated to perform.