Robotic sighted guiding system
AssigneeSmart Guider, Inc.
InventorKelvin William Crosby
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and methods for assisting and guiding a person with visual and/or hearing impairment. In various embodiments there is a computer-guided, motorized walking stick. Preferably, at least one wheel at the distal end of the stick, and in contact with the ground, can be steered or pivoted over a range of angles, and thus establish a desired direction. In yet other embodiments there are one or more powered wheels that further drive the walking stick in the desired direction. Various algorithms are disclosed for providing instructions to the computer controller by way of various input devices. Still further embodiments include various types of sensors that provide data to the computer with regards to objects proximate to the walking stick.
Claims17
A system for assisting a person walking, comprising:
- a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, a handle adapted and configured for gripping by the hand of the person and mounted to the proximal end of said shaft, said handle including a camera providing a first electronic signal;
- a first wheel;
- a servomotor supported by the distal end of said shaft and supporting said first wheel and adapted and configured to swivel said first wheel relative to the shaft;
- an electronic controller operable connected to said camera and said servomotor;
- a measurement target attached to the shaft, said electronic controller uses an image of said target taken by said camera to calibrate a distance in a different image;
- and
- said electronic controller receives the first electronic signal and provides a corresponding command to said servomotor to swivel said first wheel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.