GPS guided walking cane

• US 8,812,231 B1
• Filed: 06/26/2012
• Issued: 08/19/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rebecca Brickous
• Original Assignee: Rebecca Brickous
• Inventors: Brickous, Rebecca
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas G
• Assistant Examiner(s): HUYNH, LUAT T
• Application Number:
  US13/533,479
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 701/488
• US Class Current: 701/488
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2003/065 in the form of braille
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5064 Position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/061 with electronic detecting or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/068 Sticks for blind persons
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/14 specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72481 for visually impaired users

Abstract

The GPS guided walking cane includes a walking cane or stick that allows for attachment of a computing means that is specially adapted for visually impaired end users. The computing means includes a smart phone or mini computer that includes, a GPS unit coupled to inputting and outputting means for visually impaired end users. The inputting means includes a keypad that is Braille-based, whereas the outputting means is a display having Braille-based output locales thereon. The computing means further includes a speaker that provides audible feedback to the end user such that the end user may use the walking cane or stick and follow audible directions in order to stay on a planned route.

Claims

1. A GPS guided walking cane comprising:

a walking cane or stick having a pocket thereon for temporary attachment of a computing member thereto;

wherein the computing member includes a CPU and GPS that are wired to one another;

wherein the CPU is wired to an inputting member, an outputting member, and a speaker such that a destination is entered therein, and a route planned whereby audible instruction is given as to where to follow along said route while walking with said walking cane or stick;

wherein the inputting member includes a Braille-based keypad that includes Braille dots either on or adjacent individual keys to communicate the meaning of the respective key when depressed.

2. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 1 wherein the outputting member includes a plurality of Braille-based output locales thereon;

wherein the output locales each include a plurality of dots that can go up or down to form a letter in Braille.

3. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 2 wherein the inputting member and the outputting member are both located on a front surface of the computing member along with the speaker.

4. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 3 wherein the computing member also includes an on/off button, a volume control, and a connection port, which are all collectively in wired communication with the CPU.

5. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 4 wherein the on/off button, the volume control, and the connection port are located on individual surfaces, and not on the front surface.

6. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 5 wherein connection port enables the computing member to recharge a powering member via a rechargeable/computer input cable.

7. A GPS guided walking cane comprising:

a walking cane or stick having a pocket thereon for temporary attachment of a computing member thereto;

wherein the computing member includes a CPU and GPS that are wired to one another;

wherein the CPU is wired to an inputting member, an outputting member, and a speaker such that a destination is entered therein, and a route planned whereby audible instruction is given as to where to follow along said route while walking with said walking cane or stick;

wherein the inputting member includes a Braille-based keypad that includes Braille dots either on or adjacent individual keys to communicate the meaning of the respective key when depressed;

wherein the outputting member includes a plurality of Braille-based output locales thereon;

wherein the output locales each include a plurality of dots that can go up or down to form a letter in Braille.

8. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 7 wherein the inputting member and the outputting member are both located on a front surface of the computing member along with the speaker.

9. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 8 wherein the computing member also includes an on/off button, a volume control, and a connection port, which are all collectively in wired communication with the CPU.

10. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 9 wherein the on/off button, the volume control, and the connection port are located on individual surfaces, and not on the front surface.

11. The GPS guided walking cane as described in claim 10 wherein connection port enables the computing member to recharge a powering member via a rechargeable/computer input cable.