JPS61217164A - Auxiliary tool for visual sensation disabled person - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention relates to an aid for visually impaired people.

[Conventional technology]

It is said that there are approximately 300,000 visually impaired people in Japan.
In recent years, visual impairment and blindness, especially due to acquired causes (e.g. diabetes and traffic accidents), have been on the rise and are becoming a major social problem. Aids are being developed. As walking aids, for example, in addition to the conventional white cane, there are so-called Braille blocks with a concave and convex pattern on the surface, such as those seen at stations and on roads, or the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (1977).
A cane that detects obstacles using infrared light as described in the January 5, 1989 issue) or a radio wave as described in the technical magazine Nikkei Mechanical (March 4, 1980 issue, page C). The guidance device used or the monthly magazine Senna technology (Showa 5)
A method of magnetically inducing the magnetic field using ferrite, as described in the July 2008 issue, p. 75, has been put to practical use.

Additionally, although it is still in the research and development stage, so-called "guide dog robots" are also known, which are equipped with various types of sensors and the like on a stroller-sized vehicle to guide visually impaired people. □ [Problems to be solved by the invention] However, although various walking aids have been developed in the past, there are problems with the form of the aids and the means of notifying people of the detection results of the aids. It was left behind.

The prior art will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 (a).

(b) is an example of an auxiliary tool 21 that is held in the hand, that is, a branch-like auxiliary tool 21, and a detection means such as an infrared sensor or a magnetic sensor is incorporated inside the auxiliary tool 21.

The cane is relatively easy for visually impaired people to use since they traditionally carry a white cane. However, it is difficult to use in relatively narrow spaces (for example, hallways) or crowded places, and it does not serve its purpose as a walking aid. In addition, as a means of notifying the user of the auxiliary tool 21, as shown in FIG. Transmission has been carried out by mechanically vibrating a part of the signal. However, when sound 27 is used as the notification means, depending on the surrounding noise condition,
(In fact, increasing the volume of the sound 27 so as not to overwhelm the surrounding noise attracts the attention of the surrounding people, and is not liked.) ). The same figure (
Earphone wings may also be used as shown in b). However, it is not desirable for visually impaired people to block their ears with earphones, which are necessary for understanding the surrounding situation. Moreover, the lead wire n obstructs the movement of the hand. In addition, as with canes used by sighted people, there are large individual differences in preferences such as length, thickness, weight, balance, shape of the grip, etc., and it is expensive to have a branch-like assistive device that matches these preferences. Figure (c) shows an auxiliary device in the form of a portable item that can be carried in a pocket or backpack. It is designed to be detected.

Unlike the branch-shaped auxiliary tool 21, this type of auxiliary tool shaped like a portable item allows the user to use both hands freely, and is preferable as a walking auxiliary tool. However, the means of notification is shown in the same figure (J
L) is the same as that shown in (b), so it had the same drawbacks as above. In addition, the figure (d) shows an auxiliary device, that is, a robot 2, which is equipped with various sensors in a car about the size of a baby carriage.
5 detects the surrounding situation with the sensor, and sends the result to an electrode (not shown) provided on the belt 26 through a lead wire n.
It is designed to send electrical signals to the body, electrically stimulating the skin of the arm, etc. The notification by electrical stimulation is the sound mentioned above ((a), (b), (c) in the same figure).
However, the robot 25 is relatively large and expensive, and the lead wire 4 is also relatively long, which restricts the movement of the robot.

The conventional techniques have been described above, but in short, they are inconvenient to carry as an auxiliary device, restrict walking and body movements, and have problems with the notification means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to eliminate such conventional drawbacks, and to provide an assistive device for visually impaired people that is not inconvenient to carry and does not restrict body movement.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention relates to an auxiliary device that incorporates detection means necessary for walking guidance, an electrode that transmits electrical signals emitted from the auxiliary device to the human body, and a flexible device that incorporates the electrode into walking equipment such as footwear. The present invention is an auxiliary tool for visually impaired persons, characterized in that the auxiliary tool is provided with a means for detachably attaching it to a walking aid or a human body.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure (a), the auxiliary tool 11 which has a built-in detection means etc. for walking guidance is equipped with a clip 15, and the electrode 13 is not built into the auxiliary tool 11 but is provided separately. The space between them is electrically connected by a lead wire 12. In addition, the same figure (a
) shows an example in which the electrode 13 is inserted into the inner sole of a shoe, so-called a so-called shoe insole, and FIG. The electrode 13 can be brought into close contact with the sole of the foot due to the user's weight, and the sole of the foot can be electrically stimulated through the electrode 13 by a minute current generated by a signal flowing from the lead wire 12. It is desirable to provide a plurality of electrodes 13. By providing a number of digits,
This is because even if some of the electrodes lose electrical contact with the sole of the foot during walking, signals can be transmitted using other electrodes. Although FIG. 2A shows an example in which the electrode 13 is provided on a part of the insole 14 of the shoe, it is of course possible to arrange it on the entire surface of the insole 14. Further, it is preferable that the electrodes 13 be provided on a deformable material such as a so-called flexible printed board, since this will cause less discomfort while walking and will also have good durability. Of course, the lead wire 12 and the electrode 13 may be provided on the same flexible printed board. The present invention is an auxiliary tool 1
There are relatively few restrictions on the detection means built into 1. For example, it is clear that it may be a device that receives electromagnetic waves from electric wires arranged in a passage as described in the prior art, or it may be a device that magnetically detects a ferrite provided in a passage. . In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the clip 15
It was designed so that it could be easily attached to and removed from shoes, but it is clear that a belt or the like would also be suitable. In the case of a belt, it has the advantage that it can be worn even on bare feet. Of course, in this case the electrode 13
can be attached to the soles of the feet with adhesive tape or the like.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As mentioned above, the present invention has a structure that can be attached to and removed from commercially available shoes, etc., so visually impaired people can select footwear of their favorite design and size, and even if their footwear wears out, they can use new auxiliary devices. It is economical as there is no need to purchase. Furthermore, as seen with branch-shaped assistive devices, it does not restrict the place where it can be used, and can guide walking even in narrow spaces or places where many people pass. In addition, it is designed to be worn on a part of the body that moves relatively monotonously, such as the foot, so it does not interfere with body movement even when worn.
In particular, even if the lead wire 12 is short, it does not restrict the movement of the foot, so there are no drawbacks as seen in the conventional examples shown in FIGS. 2(b), 2(c), and 2(d).

Furthermore, since the auxiliary device of the present invention hardly restricts the movement of the body, it can be provided independently on each of the left and right feet. As a result, even if one of the auxiliary devices breaks down while walking, the other auxiliary device can safely guide the person to walk, and reliability can be dramatically increased.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1(a) is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view when applied to shoes, and FIGS. 2(a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams showing a conventional example. In the figure, 11...-Auxiliary tool, 12... Lead wire, 1
3...Electrode patent applicant Susumu Uchihara, patent attorney representing NEC Corporation
' Figure 1 (α) (b) Figure 2 (C)

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Comprised of an auxiliary device with built-in detection means necessary for walking guidance, and electrodes that transmit electrical signals emitted from the auxiliary device to the human body, and flexibility to incorporate the electrodes into walking equipment such as footwear. 1. An auxiliary device for visually impaired persons, which is installed on a seat, and the auxiliary device is equipped with a walking aid or a means for detachably attaching it to a human body.