Wearable assistive device, system and methods thereof for the visually impaired

摘要

A wearable assistive device or system utilizing touch as a sensory modality to assist the ambulation of the visually impaired. The wearable assistive device or system is worn on a user's leg, and includes a pair of robotic arms that grip the ankles upon the detection of an object by an ultrasonic sensor within a predetermined distance. The device is also GPS-enabled to assist the navigation of a user from one place to another. The wearable assistive device is controlled by a computing device that is worn on the same foot or other foot of the user.

主权项

1. A hands-free, wearable assistive device configured to be worn on a portion of a leg of a user, comprising:
an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect an object within a predetermined distance in front of the device and the user; a processing circuitry configured to determine a plurality of characteristics of the object and identify the object based on detection signals from the ultrasonic sensor, and to determine when the object is within the predetermined distance; a GPS tracker circuitry configured to determine a real-time location of the user and to provide commands to output audible and/or tactile directions to a desired destination; and first and second robotic arms configured to grip the portion of the user's leg when the processing circuitry determines the object is within the predetermined distance in front of the device and based on the commands from the GPS tracker circuitry.