ELECTRONIC CANE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED FOR RECOGNIZING RFID TAGS

• US 20120279539A1
• Filed: 12/22/2010
• Published: 11/08/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sung Jae Kim
• Original Assignee: Sung Jae Kim
• Inventors: Kim, Sung Jae
• Application Number:
  US13/520,335
• Publication Number:
  US 20120279539A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 135/66
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 19/08 with collapsible sticks
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 2009/007 of adjustable length, e.g. telescopic shafts
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 3/00 Sticks combined with other objects
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 9/00 Details
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0161 Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/061 with electronic detecting or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/068 Sticks for blind persons

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic walking cane for the visually impaired which is adapted with an RFID reader to wirelessly detect RFID tags which are positioned as guides along footpaths with Braille blocks having embedded RFID tags. The present electronic walking cane comprises: a handle which is in the shape of a hollow tube within which a circuit board is installed; a plurality of connectors each having a tapering, hollow tubular structure which are sequentially mounted into each other such that the lower end of one connector is inserted into the upper end of the next connector; a coiled cable, consisting of a plurality of coated wires, with one end connected to said handle and the other end connected to the tip of the lowest of said plurality of connectors; an elastic member for preventing the twisting of said coiled cable, is inserted into the medial section of said coiled cable, with one end connected to said handle and the other end connected to the tip of the lowest of said plurality of connectors; a first and a second fastener which respectively fasten said handle to each of said plurality of connectors, and said coiled cable to said elastic member; and an insulating material having a cylindrical structure installed onto the inner surface of said plurality of connectors, which reduces noises which occur when said elastic member, said coiled cable and said plurality of connectors rub against each other with movement of said walking cane.

Claims

1. An electronic walking cane for the visually impaired for recognizing RFID tags, comprising:

a pillar tube which is used as a handle and within which a circuit board is installed;

a plurality of connection tubes which are sequentially inserted such that a first connection tube is inserted from above a first insertion through hole formed in the pillar tube to a lower end portion thereof, a second connection tube is inserted from above a second insertion through hole formed in the first connection tube to a lower end portion thereof, a third connection tube is inserted from above a third insertion through hole formed in the second connection tube to a lower end portion thereof, and a fourth connection tube is inserted from above a fourth insertion through hole formed in the third connection tube to a lower end portion thereof;

a coiled cable of which both end portions are fastened to a first fastener formed within upper section of the pillar tube and a second fastener of the fourth connection tube which is a lowest one of the plurality of connection tubes, respectively, and within which a plurality of coated electric wires are longitudinal arranged;

an elastic member which is inserted inside the coiled cable and fastened to the pillar tube and the second fastener of the fourth tube of the plurality of connection tubes, respectively to prevent the twisting of the coiled tube and pull the pillar tube and the fourth connection tube such that the plurality of connection tubes are not separated from each other; and

a plurality of cylindrical buffering element which are installed within an end portion of the upper section of the plurality of connection tubes to reduce noise generated when the elastic member and coiled cable strike the plurality of connection tubes due to shaking of the walking cane.

2. The electronic walking cane for the visually impaired for recognizing RFID tags according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connection tubes are formed in four-stage.

3. The electronic walking cane for the visually impaired for recognizing RFID tags according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring or rubber string.

4. The electronic walking cane for the visually impaired for recognizing RFID tags according to claim 1, wherein the pillar tube and the plurality of connection tubes are formed in such a manner that they are gradually narrower from upper end portion to lower end portion.

5. The electronic walking cane for the visually impaired for recognizing RFID tags according to claim 2, wherein the pillar tube and the plurality of connection tubes are formed in such a manner that they are gradually narrower from upper end portion to lower end portion.

6. The electronic walking cane for the visually impaired for recognizing RFID tags according to claim 3, wherein the pillar tube and the plurality of connection tubes are formed in such a manner that they are gradually narrower from upper end portion to lower end portion.