System for guiding the visually handicapped
First Claim
1. A system for guiding the visually handicapped, comprising:
- (a) a continuous electrical conductor of a substantially uniform conductivity embedded within a walkway to be traversed by a user;
(b) means for detecting proximity of an object to said conductor, said object selected from the group consisting of a shoe of said user and a tip of a walking cane; and
(c) signalling means in electrical communication with said detecting means.
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Abstract
A system for guiding of the visually handicapped includes a continuous electrical conductor, in the nature of a wire or strip, having a substantially uniform conductivity embedded within a walkway to be traversed by the handicapped person. The system also including a proximity for detecting the conductor in which the detector may be in a shoe of the user or a tip of a walking cane. The system further includes a signalling element, in the nature of a vibrator, in electrical communication with the detector such that, through the presence of such vibration, the visually handicapped person is able to determine his proximity to the electrical conductor to determine that he is proceeding in a proper direction within or along the walkway. The signalling element is preferably provided with a switch, for example, a mercury switch, so that the shoe or cane circuit will become energized only upon the occurrence of movement or motion of the shoe or cane within which the proximity detector is located. The approach by a user to a location of interest along the walkway, such as an intersection, bathroom, or Braille telephone, may be indicated through the provision of a pattern of irregularity of the conductivity within the continuous electrical conductor. Different patterns of irregularity may indicate different advisories to the user.
29 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for guiding the visually handicapped, comprising:
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(a) a continuous electrical conductor of a substantially uniform conductivity embedded within a walkway to be traversed by a user;
(b) means for detecting proximity of an object to said conductor, said object selected from the group consisting of a shoe of said user and a tip of a walking cane; and
(c) signalling means in electrical communication with said detecting means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for guiding the blind, comprising the steps of:
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(a) installing a continuous conductor within a walkway to be traversed by a user;
(b) embedding a sensor for detecting proximity of said conductor within a shoe or heel sole of a shoe of said user; and
(c) providing signalling means in electrical communication with said sensor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification