METHOD AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING A VISUALLY IMPAIRED USER TO SAFELY WALK AROUND OBSTRUCTIONS AND IMPEDIMENTS

摘要

A computer-implemented method and a navigation system are described for guiding a visually impaired user to avoid obstructions and impediments while walking. The user may wear a plurality of subassemblies of the system. The tilt and rotation of the user's head may be monitored using one of the subassemblies worn on the user's head. Based at least in part on the tilt and rotation of the user's head, vertical and horizontal firing angles used by a distance measuring unit in each of the subassemblies may be calculated to transmit and receive laser signals to perform measurements. The user is then provided with navigation instructions and alarms based on whether an obstruction or an impediment is detected that is closer than a predetermined distance to the user while the user is walking based on the measurements.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method of guiding a visually impaired user of a navigation system to avoid obstructions and impediments while walking, the user wearing a plurality of subassemblies of the system, the method comprising:
monitoring tilt and rotation of the user's head using one of the subassemblies worn on the user's head; calculating, based at least in part on the tilt and rotation of the user's head, vertical and horizontal firing angles used by a distance measuring unit in each of the subassemblies to transmit and receive laser signals to perform measurements; and providing navigation instructions and alarms to the user based on whether an obstruction or an impediment is detected that is closer than a predetermined distance to the user while the user is walking based on the measurements.