People without natural obstacle detection capability, due to
a visual impairment, require some type of an aid to effectively maneuver within
their environment. Although Electronic Travel Aids (ETA) have been in existence
for over 40 years, a combination of economic, technical, and other issues has
prevented them from becoming mainstream assistive tools for the vision impaired.
Researchers at ASU have developed a new design focused on
overcoming these challenges to provide the right balance of cost, functionality
and ease of use. Additionally, a potentially novel concept is presented; the use
of modular sensor pairs to offer simultaneous scanning in multiple directions
while eliminating sensor alignment problems and fitting people of all sizes. It
detects obstacles in multiple directions in a hands-free and easy-to-use
package.
Potential Applications
The market for ETAs is poised to grow rapidly, fueled by the
need for a device that can provide the right balance of cost, functionality and
ease of use to a broad cross section of people with vision impaired mobility
such as:
- Working age blind or vision impaired
- Automotive (i.e., parking radar)
- Robotics (i.e., guidance and obstacle detection)
- Limited or low-light environments (i.e., mine
workers)
Benefits and Advantages
This invention offers several benefits to current mobility
aid devices on the market:
- Cost effective – inexpensive and low cost of manufacture
(estimated <$100)
- Ease of use – complementary mobility aid device requiring
little to no formal training. It is a passive hands-free system, designed to
detect obstacles with no effort from the user and does not require constant
sweeping like other aids.
- Cosmetic benefit – small package type, lightweight, and
modular
- Long battery life – powered by disposable AA
batteries
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr. He's directory webpage
