WO2016199991A1 - Intelligent walking assistance device for visually handicapped people and elderly and infirm - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a walking assistance device for visually handicapped people and the elderly and infirm, the device having a wearable device form comprising a wireless mobile communication module and a detachable intelligent walking control module and, more specifically, to a walking assistance device, which: enables a conventional stick-shaped walking assistance device, used by a visually handicapped person and the elderly and infirm, to be separated and coupled according to a purpose and a use thereof; has a detachable intelligent walking control module, embedded therein, which can be worn on a user's body, so as to have a function of mutually linking with a wireless mobile communication module, thereby implementing a walking assistance function capable of guiding a visually handicapped person and the elderly and infirm to a safe path or preventing, in advance, the person from falling while walking; and implements a systematic rescue function such that when a similar situation occurs, an accident can be quickly reported to a guardian and neighboring people. According to the present invention, the intelligent walking assistance device for visually handicapped people and the elderly and infirm comprises a bio-signal sensor unit, an acceleration sensor unit, a piezoelectric element, a sensor signal transmission and reception connection line, a light-emitting diode button, a display module, a speaker module, a wireless mobile communication module, an intelligent walking control module, a GPS module, and the like, and can be worn as wearable device forms such as a necklace and a wristwatch according to the user's purpose.

Description

Intelligent walking aids for the visually impaired and the elderly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a visually impaired and elderly person walking assistance device in the form of a wearable device having a wireless mobile communication module and a removable intelligent walking control module. The walking aid device in the form of a cane can be separated and fastened according to the purpose and purpose of use, and has a function of interworking with a wireless mobile communication module by embedding a removable intelligent walking control module that can be worn on a user's body. When walking for the visually impaired and the elderly, it is possible to implement a walking aid function that can lead to a safe path or prevent falling accidents, and a systematic rescue function is provided so that accidents can be spread quickly to guardians and neighbors in the event of a similar situation. It relates to a walk assistance device implemented.

In the case of the visually impaired, there is a method of accompanying a guide dog as a means of assisting walking, but since the situation of the guide dog is complicated and the number of guide dogs is limited, it is difficult to generalize it. The elderly also use walking aids in the form of walking sticks as walking aids, but in general, walking aids limited to analogue support functions are used. Therefore, advanced welfare technology that can protect and consider the above-mentioned socially disadvantaged, if ICT technology (information and communication technology) and ICT public infrastructure can be developed and commercialized and universalized by developing pedestrian aids combined with advanced digital technology. In addition to expanding the base of the economy, the creation of a creative economy through technology commercialization is possible.

Similar prior arts for solving the above-mentioned limitations include the study of 'improving the performance of the walking aid device for the visually impaired using ultrasonic waves and acceleration sensors' published in the Journal of the Korean Information Science Society; A Study on 'Situational Awareness-White Cane Using Mobile Devices' published in the Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information; A Study on the Design of an Active Fall Prevention Haptic Wand for Securing Walking Stability and Providing Sense of Ground Condition in the Proceedings of the HCI Society of Korea; KR 10-2011-0133879 (A) registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office; KR 10-2013-0086861 (A); KR 10-1193721 (B1); KR 10-1394490 (B1); KR 10-1471856 (B1); KR 10-1400828 (B1); KR 10-1390345 (B1); KR 10-1357855 (B1); KR 10-1503381 (B1) and the like.

In the above-described prior art, a method of adding various hardware reinforcement modules, biosensor modules, and user-friendly convenience function modules to increase analogue support functions has been disclosed. However, pedestrian assistance devices are used only in the situation limited to the visually impaired and the elderly and offline environment, so it is difficult to promptly spread the accident to the guardian when a similar situation such as a fall, fainting or fainting occurs. In addition, since a certain grip force and force of the user are required due to the shape limited to the cane in terms of hardware, it is difficult for a user whose exercise ability is significantly reduced to utilize a device disclosed in the related art.

The present invention aims to satisfy the technical necessity required from the background of the above invention.

Specifically, the object of the present invention is a shape that is difficult to spread the accident quickly when the use of the walking assistance device is made only in the situation limited to the user and offline environment conditions, or falls, fainting and fainting, and is limited to only a cane shape. It is to provide an intelligent walking aid device for the visually impaired and the elderly who can overcome the shortcomings of the existing walking aid device that can not be utilized by the user whose physical exercise ability is significantly reduced.

Technical problems to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other technical problems not mentioned above may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. There will be.

Intelligent walk assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a biological signal sensor unit, acceleration sensor unit, piezoelectric element, sensor signal transmission and reception line, light emitting diode button, display module, speaker module, wireless movement It is equipped with a communication module, an intelligent walking control module and a GPS module, and the like, and it is characterized by providing a visually impaired and the elderly walking aid device that can be worn in the form of a wearable device such as a necklace and a wristwatch according to the user's purpose.

As described above, the present invention includes a detachable intelligent walking control module that can be detached and fastened and can be worn on the body, and has a function of interworking with a wireless mobile communication module to guide the visually impaired and the elderly when walking. Or fall accidents can be prevented in advance. In addition, when a similar situation occurs, it is effective to provide pedestrian assistance devices capable of promptly propagating accidents to guardians and neighbors, thereby expanding the base of advanced welfare technologies that can protect and consider the socially disadvantaged.

The technical effects of the present invention are not limited to the technical effects mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned above may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. There will be.

1 is a side view of an intelligent walking aid device for the visually impaired and the elderly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a side view of a state in which a light emitting diode of an intelligent walking assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly according to an embodiment of the present invention is activated;

3 is an exemplary view of converting an intelligent walking aid device for the blind and the elderly according to an embodiment of the present invention into a necklace form.

4 is an exemplary diagram of converting an intelligent walking aid device for the visually impaired and the elderly according to an embodiment of the present invention into a wrist watch form.

Intelligent walk assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a biological signal sensor unit, acceleration sensor unit, piezoelectric element, sensor signal transmission and reception line, light emitting diode button, display module, speaker module, wireless movement It is equipped with a communication module, an intelligent walking control module and a GPS module, and the like, and it is characterized by providing a visually impaired and the elderly walking aid device that can be worn in the form of a wearable device such as a necklace and a wristwatch according to the user's purpose.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be specifically realized the object of the present invention, which is intended for easier understanding of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is limited thereto It doesn't happen. In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the same name and the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration and additional description thereof will be omitted.

The present invention may be largely divided into a wearable device 200 having a walking assistance device 100, a wireless mobile communication module 230, and a removable intelligent walking control module 260. The walk assistance device 100 includes a biosignal sensor 300 that detects a biosignal generated from a hand of a visually impaired person and an elderly person, and an acceleration sensor unit 310 that detects a movement state or a fall of the visually impaired person and an elderly person. Is mounted. The biosignal sensor unit 300 and the acceleration sensor unit 310 receive power through the first sensor signal transmission / reception connection line 300e or transmit a signal detected by the wearable device 200. When the visually impaired and the elderly lose the walking assistance device 100 due to falling, fainting and fainting, the biosignal sensor 300 and the acceleration sensor 310 cross the biosignal detection signal and the acceleration detection signal twice. The detection will identify whether similar situations occur for the visually impaired and the elderly.

The fastening is performed through the magnetic fastening part 200c provided on one side of the wearable device 200 and the magnetic fastening part 100c provided on one side of the walking assistance device 100. The reason for this is that the screw-type fastening method may be very difficult or impossible for the above-described fastening action itself to a person with symptom of physical incapacity due to hand shaking, such as Parkinson's disease. In addition, when the coupling parts 100c and 200c of the magnetic fastening method are provided, the space limitation due to the wired connection of the first sensor signal transmission / reception connection line 300e connected from the walking assistance device 100 to the wearable device 200 is provided. There is an advantage that can be overcome and easily removable.

Power for driving the wearable device 200 is supplied from the rechargeable piezoelectric element 320 provided at the lower end of the walking assistance device 100 or the rechargeable battery 250 embedded in the wearable device 200 itself. Available from. Here, the piezoelectric element 320 moves the center of gravity of the piezoelectric element 320 to the lower end due to the act of supporting the visually impaired and the elderly when walking using the walking assistance device 100. At this time, the pressure applied to the lower end is converted into electrical energy. 2 is transmitted to the wearable device 200 through the sensor signal transmission and reception connection line 320e. The strength of the pressure detected by the piezoelectric element 320 as well as the determination of whether or not a similar situation occurs due to the change of the biometric signal and the acceleration sensor signal detected by the biosignal sensor 300 and the acceleration sensor 310. Can be used as a triple cross-validation element to determine similar situations when irregularities are detected or are not detected for a certain period of time.

The LED button 210 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200 basically serves to indicate a fastening state with the walking assistance device 100. In addition, when a similar situation occurs, pressing the LED button 210 rapidly flashes to deliver a visual warning effect to a nearby person, and an alarm sound is generated from the speaker module 240 to enable emergency rescue signal propagation. In addition, the intelligent control module 260 mounted inside the wearable device 200 disconnects the living body and the acceleration signals from the biosignal sensor 300 and the acceleration sensor 310 to sense the visually impaired and the elderly. If it is determined that there is no, the flashing of the LED button 210 and generates an alarm sound to the speaker module 240 implements an intelligent control algorithm for propagating an emergency rescue signal.

The display module 220 mounted on the other side of the wearable device 200 serves to represent basic personal information such as the name of the visually impaired and the elderly, their place of residence, illness information, and contact information of a caregiver. Can be made. In addition, all the above-mentioned situations are converted into data and transmitted to the commercial mobile communication network 230w through the wireless mobile communication module 230 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200, which is then transferred to the wireless mobile communication terminal possessed by the designated guardian. It is possible to check the walking information of the blind and the elderly in real time.

The GPS module 270 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200 is connected to base station location information in a commercial mobile communication network to which the wireless mobile communication module 230 belongs to view the movement location and walking information of the blind and the elderly. The role is to identify and direct accurately.

1 to 2 by mounting a bundle of high-brightness light emitting diodes 120 on one side of the walking assistance device 100 performs a role of confirming the position of the person to the other side when walking at night of the visually impaired When elderly people walk at night, it can be used as night light for safe walking. At this time, the light source irradiation angle 120a of the bundle type high-brightness light emitting diode 120 has a constant operating radius in which the visually impaired and the elderly support or walk the gait assisting device 100 in order to prevent glare of the other side and increase light source irradiation efficiency. It is preferable to limit to.

Since the wearable device 200 is detachable, the intelligent walking assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly according to the present invention may be worn in the form of a necklace 400 or a wrist watch 500 according to the user's purpose as shown in FIGS. 3 to 4. ) Can be worn in the form.

Although described above with reference to the drawings according to an embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains to various applications, modifications and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention based on the above contents. will be. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

The present invention can be detached and fastened, removable intelligent walking control that can be worn on the body, and has the function of interworking with the wireless mobile communication module to guide a safe path or fall accident when walking the blind and the elderly Can be prevented in advance. In the event of a similar situation, it is possible to spread the accident to the guardian and the neighbors quickly, and thus it is possible to expand the base of advanced welfare technologies that can protect and consider the socially disadvantaged.

Claims (11)

In the intelligent walking aid device for the visually impaired and elderly people composed of the walking assistance device 100 and the wearable device 200, The walk assistance device 100, A biosignal sensor unit 300 for detecting a biosignal generated from a hand of a visually impaired person and an elderly person; An acceleration sensor unit 310 for detecting a movement state or a fall of the blind and the elderly; A first sensor signal transmission / reception line 300e for supplying power to the bio signal sensor unit 300 and the acceleration sensor unit 310 or transmitting the bio signal and the acceleration signal to the wearable device 200; A junction part 100c of a magnet fastening method provided on one side of the walk assistance device 100 to fasten with the wearable device 200; A piezoelectric element 320 provided at a lower end of the walk assistance device 100 to produce power for supplying the wearable device 200; A second sensor signal transmission / reception line 320e for transmitting power and pressure sensing signals generated from the piezoelectric element 320 to the wearable device 200; It characterized in that it is configured; bundle high-brightness light emitting diode 120 provided on one side of the walking assistance device 100, The wearable device 200, A joint part 200c of a magnet fastening method provided on one side of the wearable device 200 to fasten with the walk assistance device 100; A light emitting diode button (210) instructing a fastening state of the walking assistance device (100) and the wearable device (200) and propagating an emergency rescue signal; A display module 220 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200 to display basic personal information such as a name of the visually impaired and the elderly, a place of residence, illness information, and a guardian's contact number; A wireless mobile communication module (230) mounted on one side of the wearable device (200) and connected to a commercial mobile communication network to transfer walking information of the visually impaired and the elderly to a wireless mobile communication terminal possessed by a designated guardian; A speaker module 240 for generating an emergency rescue signal warning sound; Rechargeable battery 250 is built in the wearable device 200 itself; An intelligent control module 260 incorporating an intelligent control algorithm capable of propagating emergency rescue signals according to the visually impaired and the elderly physical condition; The visually impaired and the elderly are equipped with a GPS module 270 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200 to connect with the base station location information in the commercial mobile communication network and to grasp the location information of the visually impaired and the elderly. Intelligent walking aid for people. The method of claim 1, When the occupant misses the walking assistance device 100 due to a fall, fainting or fainting, the visually impaired person cross-detects the biosignal and the acceleration detection signal by the biosignal sensor 300 and the acceleration sensor 310. And Intelligent walk assistance device for the blind and the elderly, characterized in that it is possible to determine whether or not a similar situation occurs for the elderly. The method of claim 1, The walk assistance device 100 and the magnetic coupling method 200c provided at one side of the wearable device 200 and the magnet coupling method 100c provided at one side of the walk assistance device 100. Intelligent walk assistance device for the blind and the elderly, characterized in that the detachable between the wearable device 200 is made. The method of claim 1, Power for driving the wearable device 200 is supplied from the piezoelectric element 320 provided at the lower end of the walk assistance device 100 or from the rechargeable battery 250 built in the wearable device 200. Intelligent walk assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly. The method of claim 4, wherein The piezoelectric element 320 converts the pressure generated by moving the center of gravity to the lower end of the walking assistance device 100 into electrical energy when the visually impaired and the elderly walk using the walking assistance device 100. The wearable device 200 is transmitted to the wearable device 200 through a signal transmission / reception connection line 320e, and the bio signal and the acceleration detection signal detected by the bio signal sensor 300 and the acceleration sensor 310 determine whether a similar situation occurs. Intelligent for the visually impaired and the elderly, characterized in that it is used as a triple cross-validation element that can determine whether or not a similar situation occurs when the intensity of the pressure detected by the piezoelectric element 320 is not detected or more than a certain time. Walking aids. The method of claim 1, The LED button 210 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200 serves to instruct a fastening state with the walking assistance device 100, and when a similar situation occurs, the LED button 210 rapidly blinks when the LED button 210 is pressed. Intelligent walk assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly can deliver a visual warning effect to the surrounding people, and the alarm sound is generated from the speaker module 240 to enable emergency rescue signal propagation. The method of claim 1, In the intelligent control module 260 mounted inside the wearable device 200, the biosignal and the acceleration signals of the biosignal sensor 300 and the acceleration sensor 310 are disconnected, thereby consciousness of the visually impaired and the elderly. If it is determined that there is no, the flashing of the LED button 210 and generates an alarm sound to the speaker module 240 to implement an intelligent control algorithm for propagating an emergency rescue signal for the visually impaired and the elderly Intelligent walking aid. The method of claim 1, The display device 220 mounted on one side of the wearable device 200 represents user personal information such as the name of the visually impaired and the elderly, residence, illness information, and contact information of a caregiver, and the user personal information is packetized into data. The wireless mobile communication module 230 mounted on one side of the device 200 is transmitted to a commercial mobile communication network, which is again transferred to a wireless mobile communication module possessed by a designated guardian to enable the real-time confirmation of the visually impaired and the elderly walking information. Intelligent walk assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly. The method of claim 1, The GPS module 270 mounted in the wearable device 200 may be connected to base station location information in a commercial mobile communication network to which the wireless mobile communication module 230 belongs, so that the visually impaired and the elderly may move and identify the location of the disabled. Intelligent walk assistance device for the visually impaired and the elderly. The method of claim 1, Equipped with a bundle of high-brightness light emitting diodes 120 on one side of the walking assistance device 100 to confirm the location of the visually impaired to the other side during the night walk of the visually impaired and to use the night light when the elderly walk at night Intelligent walk assistance device for the blind and the elderly, characterized in that possible. The method of claim 1, The walk assistance device 100 and the wearable device 200 may be detached and worn in the form of a necklace 400 or a wrist watch 500 according to a user's purpose. Intelligent walking aid for people.

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