Handicap assist apparatus

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. An apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings comprising: a) an identifier mechanism generating a radio signal containing a unique identifier in the radio signal; b) a communication mechanism receiving guidance instructions from a remote computer, said communication mechanism communicating said guidance instructions to a user of the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals.

2. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 1, a. further including a housing containing the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate; and, b. wherein the communication mechanism communicates the guidance instructions to the user of the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals by tactile contact with the user of the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals.

3. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 2, a. wherein the housing is a walking assist mechanism; and, b. wherein the tactile contact communicates a direction for the user to proceed.

4. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 3, wherein the walking assist mechanism is a walking cane.

5. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 1, wherein the communication mechanism communicates with the user of the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals in an audible fashion.

6. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 1, wherein the housing is worn by the user.

7. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 6, wherein the housing is worn on a user's wrist and wherein tactile contacts communicating the guidance instructions are positioned in a band securing the housing to the user's wrist.

8. The apparatus to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings according to claim 7, wherein the identifier mechanism is voice is selectively activated by a user of the apparatus.

9. A system adapted to assist handicapped individuals navigate in unfamiliar surroundings comprising: a. a sensor grid, each sensor in said grid able to receive a selected radio signal and generate therefrom a directional vector to the source of the radio signal; b. a computer responsive to the directional vectors to locate a position of the source of the selected radio signal and generating guidance instructions to a selected location therefrom; and, c. a handicap assist apparatus for use by a handicapped individual, said apparatus having: 1. an identifier mechanism generating a unique radio signal adapted to be received by the sensor grid, and, 2. a communication mechanism receiving the guidance instructions from a remote computer, said communication mechanism communicating said guidance instructions to a user of the handicap assist apparatus.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the communication mechanism communicates the guidance instructions to the user of the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals by tactile contact with the user of the apparatus to assist handicapped individuals.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the handicap assist apparatus is a walking cane.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein apparatus is securable to a wrist of the user.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein the identifier mechanism is selectively activatable by a user of the apparatus.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the identifier mechanism is voice activatable by a user of the apparatus.

15. An assist apparatus comprising: a) a housing unit adapted to be carried by an individual; b) an identifier mechanism contained within the housing unit and selectively generating a radio signal containing a unique identifier therein; c) a communication mechanism contained within the housing unit, said communication mechanism receiving guidance instructions from a remote computer; and, d) a user interface communicating the guidance instructions to a user of the assist apparatus.

16. The assist apparatus according to claim 15, a. wherein the housing unit is a walking assist mechanism; and, b. wherein the user interface communicates the guidance instructions via selective tactile contact with the user of the assist apparatus.

17. The assist apparatus s according to claim 15, wherein the housing unit is a walking cane.

18. The assist apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the housing unit is worn on a user's wrist.

19. The assist apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the identifier mechanism is selectively activatable by a user of the assist apparatus.

Description

DRAWINGS IN BRIEF

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the general operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate different embodiments for the housing of the assist apparatus.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an auditory embodiment of the invention.

DRAWINGS IN DETAIL

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the general operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Sensor grid 8 is established in the building and is adapted to receive signals 10 from the RFID from unit 6 controlled by user 9. Using the unique qualities of the RFID, the individual user 9 is quickly identified and a variety of information is obtainable to assist in the process.

[0037] Sensor grid 8 provides a grouping of vectors which are directed to unit 6. These vectors, communicated 11 to computer 7 allow computer 7 to triangulate the position of unit 6.

[0038] User 9, via unit 6, communicates a desired destination 12 to computer 7. When the button on unit 6 is depressed and released by the user 9, the RFID transponder begins transmitting a signal 10 for routine assistance. In one embodiment of the invention, when the button on unit 6 is depressed and held for at least 3 seconds by the user 9, the RFID transponder begins transmitting a signal 10 for emergency assistance.

[0039] In another embodiment, when the button on unit 6 is depressed and released by the user 9, the RFID transponder begins transmitting a signal 10 requesting a computer generated menu. When the button on unit 6 is depressed and held for at least 3 seconds by the user 9, the RFID transponder begins transmitting a signal 10 for emergency assistance. Using the unique qualities of the RFID, the individual user 9 is quickly identified and communication between the Bluetooth or WiFi transceivers in unit 6 and the facility is established using a pre-programmed protocol.

[0040] Within a few seconds, the user 9 hears a computer generated menu via the speaker or headset with the unit 6 asking the user 9 to select a destination such as the American Airlines Ticket Counter or a restroom, and respond by pressing a number key on the keypad in unit.

[0041] Computer 7, using data from storage mechanism 8, contains an electronic map of the building and the desired location. Computer 7 communicates guidance instructions 13 to unit 6. These guidance instructions are communicated to impaired user 9. As user 9 navigates towards the destination, sensor grid 8 updates the vectors, computer 7 updates the new location of user 9, and further guidance instructions 13 are sent to unit 6/user 9.

[0042] Through this feed-back arrangement, user 9 is directed to the destination selected by user 9. This provides a very high level of freedom for the blind or partially blind individual.

[0043] In another embodiment, the user 9 needs assistance from a human. In this embodiment, the need help button is activated and computer 7 dispatches personnel to the assist user 7. The personnel, via computer 7's database 8, is provided identifying information of user 7 so that the airport personnel can verbally identify user 7, thereby providing a high level of security and confidence that it is truly airport personnel approaching the blind user 7.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the guidance instructions are communicated through tactile interface; in an alternative embodiment, unit 6 communicates audibly and receives instructions from user 9 audibly. Further, in some embodiments, the RFID is activated by voice command from user 9

[0045] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate different embodiments for the housing of the assist apparatus.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2A, the walking assist apparatus (which is the housing for the mechanism) of this embodiment utilizes an oval handle 20A on which is positioned the on/off switch 23A. Tactile communication with the user is via vibrating probes 21A and 22A which direct the user to the right or left respectively.

[0047] The RFID and other control mechanisms is contained within unit 24A.

[0048] The cane embodiment of figure utilizes a traditional shaped handle 20B. Switch 23B provides for the on/off of the RFID (not shown) housed within unit 24B. Tactile communication with the user is via vibrating probes 21B and 22B which direct the user to the right or left respectively.

[0049] The embodiment of FIG. 2C is a wrist mounted mechanism which in some embodiments of the invention include a braile-type of watch. Housing unit 24C encloses the RFID and any controllers required. The RFID is activated via switch 23B. Vibrating probes 21C and 22C (contained within band 25) direct the user to the right or left respectively.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an auditory embodiment of the invention. Receiver housing 30 contains the RFID (not shown) which is activated via switch 31. Auditory signals are received and communicated via wire 32 to ear speaker 33 to direct the user to the desired destination.

[0051] While this embodiment uses wire 32, other embodiments use a wireless arrangement.

[0052] It is clear the invention provides a mechanism which provides a significant improvement in the level of freedom for handicapped individuals.