Abstract: The disclosed wearable device systems include several features for alerting and guiding persons who are approaching or near to potentially hazardous or high-risk conditions in their nearby environment. Sensor data from wearable devices (also referred to herein as “wearables”) are used to determine the presence of various unsafe environmental conditions and phenomenon, including dangerous terrain or other unusual conditions. The wearable would be used to warn a person, for example via auditory or haptic-based feedback, if the person is about to encounter an unsafe condition. In particular, the proposed systems can be of great benefit to the visually impaired, those persons with physical disabilities, or persons otherwise vulnerable to particular environmental conditions.

Abstract: A radar apparatus is mountable to a vehicle. The radar apparatus includes an observing unit, an estimating unit, a predicting unit, a matching processing unit, and a determining unit. The estimating unit calculates, regarding an initial detection target object, a plurality of velocity estimation values in which folding is presumed, using a velocity observation value calculated by the observing unit. The predicting unit calculates a prediction value from each of the plurality of velocity estimation values. The matching processing unit performs association of the velocity prediction value and the velocity observation value.

Abstract: The disclosed wearable device systems include several features for alerting and guiding persons who are approaching or near to potentially hazardous or high-risk conditions in their nearby environment. Sensor data from wearable devices (also referred to herein as “wearables”) are used to determine the presence of various unsafe environmental conditions and phenomenon, including dangerous terrain or other unusual conditions. The wearable would be used to warn a person, for example via auditory or haptic-based feedback, if the person is about to encounter an unsafe condition. In particular, the proposed systems can be of great benefit to the visually impaired, those persons with physical disabilities, or persons otherwise vulnerable to particular environmental conditions.

Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus for avoidance of nearby subjects includes an article, a detector, an alert device and a controller. The article is for a user. The detector is configured to generate a detected value in response to sensing infrared radiation emitted from a subject in a vicinity of the article. The alert device is configured to generate an alert in response to a control signal. The controller is in communication with the detector and the alert device. The controller is configured to set a first predetermined value associated with a proximity condition of an unacceptable proximity range, configured to determine when the detected value exceeds the first predetermined value, and generate the control signal to the alert device to present the alert to inform the user that the subject is within the unacceptable proximity range.

Abstract: A cane apparatus may include a body portion, a handle at a top end of the body portion, a proximity detector coupled to the body portion, an alert mechanism, and a processor communicatively coupled to the proximity detector and the alert mechanism. The processor may be configured to: determine, based on a signal received from the proximity detector, that the proximity detector is within a threshold distance of an obstacle; and based on the determination, activate the alert mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus including a display panel configured to display an image in a first direction, a sensor disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the display panel and comprising a sensor head configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a second direction or receive the ultrasonic waves in a direction opposite to the second direction, and a guide comprising a first opening into which the sensor head is inserted, a second opening opened in the second direction, a channel connecting the first opening and the second opening, and a guide portion provided inside the channel to guide the ultrasonic waves to change a traveling direction of the ultrasonic waves passing through the channel.

Abstract: A system may include a paver machine. The paver machine may include at least one sensor, a memory, a processor. The processor may be communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one sensor. The paver machine may be configured for stringless paving. The paver machine may further include a display communicatively coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A wading staff is provided herein that is configured to provide stability for an angler that is standing in a body of water. The wading staff includes a staff portion defining a first end and a second end, a handle disposed proximate the first end of the staff portion, and a sonar transducer disposed at least partially within the staff portion. The sonar transducer is configured to transmit a sonar beam into an underwater environment. The sonar transducer is positioned and oriented within the staff portion such that the sonar transducer is configured to transmit the sonar beam into a portion of the underwater environment when the staff is at least partially submerged. A display may be mounted to the wading staff or located remotely to display corresponding sonar images.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a guide cane and a method for guiding used for a guide cane. The guide cane comprises a movement component and an object acquisition component. The object acquisition component is provided on the movement component, and the movement component is electrically coupled to the object acquisition component. The object acquisition component acquires a positional information of the target object in a target space, and determines a navigation route according to the target position indicated by the positional information and an initial position where the guide cane is currently located. The movement component guides, according to the navigation route, a user to arrive at the target position.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a processing unit that sets, on a basis of acquired input information, a feedback target range in which an object existing on inside serves as a target to be fed back to a user, in which the processing unit outputs information regarding the set feedback target range to an output unit.

Abstract: A method includes outputting an alert corresponding to an information item. In some implementations, the alert is a sound. In some implementations, the alert is ambiguous (e.g., the sound indicates several possible information items). The method further includes receiving a speech input after outputting the alert. The method further includes determining whether the speech input includes a request for information about the alert. The method further includes, in response to determining that the speech input includes a request for information about the alert, providing a first speech output including information about the alert.

Abstract: The present application discloses a guide robot. The guide robot includes a speed sensor, configured for detecting a user's walking speed; and a driving device, configured for controlling a moving speed of the guide robot based on the user's walking speed so that the moving speed of the guide robot is compatible with the user's walking speed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for an electronic device and associated method for detecting potential objects in the vicinity of the electronic device. In one example embodiment, the electronic device may comprise a transceiver arm including a transceiver for transmitting source signals and receiving response signals potentially indicating at least one object in the vicinity of the user, a main body that is pivotally connected to the transceiver arm to releasably mount to an article of the user during use and include at least one processing unit for generating a feedback control signal indicating when there is at least one detected potential object in the vicinity of the user based on the response signals; and a transducer movably coupled to the main body for providing feedback to the user based on the feedback control signal when there is at least one detected potential object in the vicinity of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting an environment, wherein the device includes at least one sensor unit, as well as at least one evaluation unit, wherein the sensor unit includes at least one distance sensor, as well as at least one position sensor, by means of which position sensor the spatial position of the at least one sensor unit, or the at least one distance sensor in relation to a horizontal plane can be determined, and wherein distance data from the distance sensor are only recorded when the at least one position sensor registers an acceptable position of the at least one distance sensor, or the distance data of the at least one distance sensor are only transmitted to the at least one evaluation unit when the at least one position sensor registers an acceptable position of the at least one distance sensor, or the distance data determined by the at least one distance sensor are recorded together with the associated position data, and the evaluation unit generates at least one virtual image

Abstract: An aid system for the visually impaired or blind includes a first tag positionable on an object and having a first receiver/transmitter that receives an interrogation and transmits a data signal containing an identification code, a user interface device for a user associated to a second tag having a second receiver/transmitter that transmits a data signal containing an identification code of the user interface device and receives a data signal; a local receiver detecting a location of the first and second tags, and a control unit communicating with the local receiver and storing data, wherein the data signals contain: from the tag to the receiver, the identification code; from the receiver to the control unit, the identification code and the location of the first and second tags; and from the control unit to the user interface device, the location and identification code of the first tag.

Abstract: A system for assisting the visually impaired comprises one or more distance sensors, one or more electronic storage devices, one or more processors, and an output component. The one or more distance sensors are configured to make distance measurements between the distance sensor and one or more objects, the one or more electronic storage devices are operable to store boundaries defining a three-dimensional space, the one or more processors are communicatively coupled to the distance sensors and the electronic storage devices and are operable to receive distance measurements from the distance sensors and generate output signals related to the received distance measurements within the defined three-dimensional space. The output component is further operable to receive the output signals from the one or more processors and convert the output signals into a non-visual user output related to the received distance measurements.

Abstract: A system for providing, to a user, navigation directions to a point of interest. The system includes a device having an output unit configured to output the navigation directions to the point of interest. The device is configured to communicate, to an unmanned vehicle, a point of interest identification. The system also includes the unmanned vehicle having a camera configured to detect image data. The unmanned vehicle is configured to determine whether the point of interest identification is detected from the image data. The unmanned vehicle is also configured to determine a point of interest location when the point of interest identification is detected from the image data. The unmanned vehicle is also configured to determine point of interest navigation data based on the point of interest location. The unmanned vehicle is also configured to communicate, to the device, the point of interest navigation data.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to form and point beams from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) toward target cells in a coverage area on the ground. One embodiment determines and forms the required number of UAV fixed beams needed to cover the target area when UAV is at its highest altitude and highest roll/pitch/yaw angles so that the target coverage area is covered under all UAV altitude and orientation conditions. In another embodiment, UAV determines the beam pointing angles toward different cells on the ground using information on position coordinates and orientation angles of the UAV, and the position coordinates of the cells in the coverage area relative to the center of coverage area. In another embodiment, a reference terminal placed at the center of coverage is used by the UAV to optimally point a beam toward center of the coverage area.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a headphone driver and a processor in communication with the headphone driver. The processor is configured to receive an audio setting selection from among a plurality of audio setting selections. Each audio setting selection is associated with a frequency range that includes at least one frequency that is outside of a range of human hearing. The processor is further configured to receive an audio signal and to process the audio signal according to the selected audio setting selection to generate an output signal. The processor is configured to provide an output signal to the headphone driver.

Abstract: A wearable neck device includes an IMU coupled to the wearable neck device and adapted to detect inertial measurement data and a GPS coupled to the device and adapted to detect location data. The wearable neck device further includes a camera adapted to detect image data and a memory adapted to store data. The wearable neck device further includes a processor adapted to recognize an object in the surrounding environment by analyzing the data. The processor can determine a desirable action based on the data and a current time or day. The processor can determine a destination based on the determined desirable action. The processor can determine a navigation path based on the determined destination and the data. The processor is further adapted to determine output based on the navigation path. The wearable neck device further includes a speaker adapted to provide audio information to the user.

Abstract: A clip includes an IMU coupled to the clip and adapted to detect inertial measurement data and a GPS coupled to the device and adapted to detect location data. The clip further includes a camera adapted to detect image data and a memory adapted to store data. The clip further includes a processor adapted to recognize an object in the surrounding environment by analyzing the data. The processor can determine a desirable action based on the data and a current time or day. The processor can determine a destination based on the determined desirable action. The processor can determine a navigation path based on the determined destination and the data. The processor is further adapted to determine output based on the navigation path. The clip further includes a speaker adapted to provide audio information to the user.

Abstract: A system for providing environmental feedback including one or more processors and a tactile input hardware. The tactile input hardware is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The system further includes one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, one or more sensing devices communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to receive environmental information from the one or more sensing devices, receive a gestural input on the tactile input hardware, and generate feedback regarding a subset of the environmental information acquired by the one or more sensing devices in response to the gestural input received on the tactile input hardware.

Abstract: A device for detecting obstacles that is wearable by a subject, for example integrated in an item of footwear. The device includes an ultrasound source for emitting an ultrasound transmission signal and an ultrasound receiver for receiving a corresponding ultrasound signal reflected by an obstacle, a control module for measuring a time of flight between emission of the ultrasound transmission signal and reception of the corresponding ultrasound signal reflected by the obstacle and calculating, on the basis of the aforesaid time of flight, the distance at which the obstacle is located. The device comprises an inertial sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor, designed to measure acceleration of the foot along three axes, and a control module configured for enabling operation of the ultrasound source if the aforesaid acceleration values measured by the inertial sensor respect a given condition for enabling measurement of the time of flight.

Abstract: An ultrasonic locationing system using a dual phase pulse includes an emitter emitting two consecutive frequency bursts, each having a different phase, within one ultrasonic pulse. A receiver microphone receives the ultrasonic pulse, and a processor runs an amplitude-based detection algorithm on the pulse for a band of frequencies of interest and detects a first burst of the pulse within the proper frequency band and having an amplitude exceeding a threshold. Whereupon, the processor determines a relative phase difference between the first burst and a second burst of the pulse and determines whether the relative phase difference is within a predetermined acceptance window, indicating that the pulse is valid for use in locationing the emitter and associated mobile device.

Abstract: A walking shoe that senses a fall and urges a user of the shoe to perform movement for fall prevention. When the walker stumbles or almost falls, a microprocessor is activated, based on a sensing signal of a pressure-sensitive sensor that senses a pressure applied to a tread to detect a lifting velocity and/or a lifting amount of the foot based on a detection signal of an acceleration sensor, and when the lifting velocity and/or the lifting amount is lower than a reference value, the microprocessor actuates a stimulator that stimulates a bottom of the foot. At this time, since the user reflexively lifts the foot, the user can avoid stumbling.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that provides tactile feedback to assist a visually impaired person in navigation and avoid collisions with obstacles (objects). The system comprises a pressure based tactile response device and a remote control device. The pressure based tactile response device comprises of a pressure pad which includes a plurality of pressure modules that provide a haptic response to the visually impaired person. With a feedback mechanism the pressure based tactile response device provides navigational information to the impaired person and ensures that collisions with obstacles are avoided. The remote control device comprises a plurality of sensors which enable the impaired person to locate the pressure based tactile response device when it is not in his possession.

Abstract: An echolocation device assists visually impaired persons to navigate their environment. The echolocation device comprises a micro control unit, a power source operably connected to the micro control unit, a band pass preamplifier operably connected to the micro control unit, a power amplifier operably connected to the band pass preamplifier, a piezoelectric speaker operably connected to the power amplifier, and a user interface operably connected to the micro control unit. The device emits sound waves that echo off nearby surrounding objects. The visually impaired person listens to the echoes to determine the location or size of the surrounding objects.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for using a robot to prevent risk to a user by identifying a point of interest, determining whether the point of interest is a risk for the user with visual impairments based on the user's position, responsive to a first predetermined threshold for distance being met, determining where to move the robot to mitigate the risk to the user, and instructing the robot to move to a new location. The robot may move between the user and the point of interest to prevent the user from colliding with the point of interest. The robot may use an auditory or tactile warning to warn the user. The tactile warning may be transmitted to a walking stick or a belt worn by the user.

Abstract: The multisensor system for the blind includes a cane, a boot, a headband, and a central control device. The cane, the boot, and the headband may each include one or more sensors to detect obstructions in the path of the user. Each sensor may be configured to detect obstructions at a level corresponding generally to an elevation at which it is carried on the user. Once an obstruction is detected, the sensors may transmit signals to the central control device. The central control device may process the signals and activate an appropriate auditory device to alert the user of the presence and/or distance of the obstruction.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods automatically assess claims. A device may receive one or more images of a claimed object, such as a building or vehicle, compare the images to reference images and generate an estimate of financial damages to the object. The device may then generate a claim assessment based on previous comparisons and generated estimates. The claim assessment may be sent directly to a client or to an agent for review and/or processing.

Abstract: Suspended or overhanging of obstructions are selectively signaled to an individual by a device that can worn by an individual. The device includes a first sensor that is oriented to selectively detect a suspended or overhanging obstruction at an elevation above the housing and a second distance sensor that is oriented to selectively detect an object at an elevation of the housing. A logic circuit within the housing is electrically connected to the first and second sensors and emits a response if the first sensor is activated, but emits no response if the first and second sensors are both activated. A signaling device electrically connected to the logic circuit is activated upon emission of a response from the logic circuit.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a walker has a body. An illumination source is supported by the body. The illumination source is configured to focus illumination on a target area. The target area includes both a leg of a user and ground adjacent the leg during an entire gait cycle of the user using the walker for assistance during ambulation.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically generates one or more haptic effects from source data, such as audio source data. The system fits the one or more haptic effects to the source data by analyzing the source data and identifying one or more haptic effects that are the most similar to the source data. The system matches the identified one or more haptic effects with the source data. The system subsequently outputs the identified one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically generates one or more haptic effects from source data, such as audio source data. The system fits the one or more haptic effects to the source data by analyzing the source data and identifying one or more haptic effects that are the most similar to the source data. The system matches the identified one or more haptic effects with the source data. The system subsequently outputs the identified one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping a moving direction by using sounds for people with visual impairments, in which a moving direction can be expressed multi-dimensionally by using sound information and can effectively assist people with visual impairments and the like in navigation tasks. A moving direction of a person carrying a device configured to output sounds is mapped by using a combination of sounds outputted from the device. A plurality of different sound information pieces are stored in association with three or more predetermined directions, respectively, a current position of the moving target device is identified, and then a moving direction of the device is identified. A sound obtained by combining two sounds in a ratio according to the identified moving direction is outputted on the basis of sound information pieces associated respectively with two adjacent directions sandwiching the identified moving direction among the predetermined directions.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifies a presence of a vehicle by providing easily-perceivable and less uncomfortable notification sound outside of the vehicle. The vehicle presence notification apparatus includes: a speaker and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the speaker to generate the notification sound that simultaneously has (i) at least one fundamental high frequency, which is easily perceivable, but annoying to human ears; and (ii) at least one auxiliary low frequency, which is less than the at least one fundamental high frequency and has a harmonic relation with the at least one fundamental high frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about a physical surrounding environment to a user includes an elongate body having first and second opposing ends and a mast, at least one sensor mountably coupled to the mast, at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device including first and second haptic force feedback mechanisms and a vibrator, and a processor, which receives signals from the at least one sensor and operatively controls the at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device.

Abstract: A human echolocation system emits toward a target a series of sound pulses beginning at a low frequency and progressing stepwise to a high frequency. Echoes of the pulses enable the user to estimate location, distance and dimensions of the target. Target location and distance are estimated based on a stretched echo delay, while target dimensions are estimated based on a musical pitch corresponding to the echo frequency.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for detecting obstacles for vehicles, comprising at least one sensor able to transmit a detection signal and to receive an echo signal reflected off at least one obstacle, means of parametric evaluation of said received echo signal which comprise means of comparison between at least two successive echo signals for the determination of a reference echo signal able to define the position of at least one fixed obstacle with respect to said at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about a three-dimensional environment to a user includes; a handle, at least one sensor operatively coupled to the handle, a tactile pad disposed on the handle, a plurality of tactile buttons arrayed on the tactile pad, a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator is operatively coupled to one of the plurality of tactile buttons to control a height thereof in relation to the tactile pad, and a processor which receives signals from the at least one sensor and controls positioning of the plurality of actuators to represent a physical environment sensed by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A moving object detection apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a detection portion, a binary conversion portion and a judgment portion. The transmitter emits energy waves with a first frequency to a detection area. When receiving incoming energy waves from the detection area, the receiver generates an electric signal corresponding to the incoming energy waves. The detection portion obtains a detection signal from a reference signal with the first frequency and the electric signal. The binary conversion portion compares the detection signal with a conversion threshold signal to obtain a binary signal. The judgment portion judges whether or not a moving object approaching or leaving the receiver exists in the detection area based on the binary signal.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for detecting obstacles for vehicles, comprising at least one sensor able to transmit a detection signal and to receive an echo signal reflected off at least one obstacle, means of parametric evaluation of said received echo signal which comprise means of comparison between at least two successive echo signals for the determination of a reference echo signal able to define the position of at least one fixed obstacle with respect to said at least one sensor.

Abstract: A mobility cane for use by a visually impaired person has a handle portion having an outer surface, an elongated member extending from the handle, a detection apparatus operably mounted on the mobility cane, and a plurality of vibrating tactile transmitters arrayed on the outer surface of the handle operably connected to the detection apparatus.

Abstract: An underwater recognition device, system and method is provided. The system includes an underwater information collection sub-system for collecting sensor signals for underwater recognition. An underwater information processing sub-system is also provided, having at least one input port coupled to the underwater information collection sub-system and creating numerical or graphical representations of underwater information. In order to facilitate presentation of the information to a user, a speech signal processing sub-system integrated with the underwater information processing sub-system or coupled to an output port of the underwater information processing sub-system is provided. The speech signal sub-system processes numerical or graphical representations of underwater information into speech output signals.

Abstract: A location recognition system and method using stereophonic sound, the system having a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter uses the stereophonic sound and transmits location tracking information of an object. The transmitter includes a sound detector which detects a sound of the object and converts the detected sound to an electrical signal; a data converter which converts the electrical signal converted by the sound detector, to acoustic data; and a first communication interface which transmits the acoustic data converted by the data converter and the location tracking information to the receiver. A user can immediately recognize the location of the transmitter which transmits the location tracking information and is the target of the location tracking. Therefore, the mutual communications between the transmitter and the receiver which receives the location tracking information can be smoothly carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about a three-dimensional environment to a user includes; a handle, at least one sensor operatively coupled to the handle, a tactile pad disposed on the handle, a plurality of tactile buttons arrayed on the tactile pad, a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator is operatively coupled to one of the plurality of tactile buttons to control a height thereof in relation to the tactile pad, and a processor which receives signals from the at least one sensor and controls positioning of the plurality of actuators to represent a physical environment sensed by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An integrated position mapping system and an integrated sonar mapping system both permit recording, storage and playback of audio data. Audio data is provided to the integrated sonar mapping system or the integrated position mapping system so that it may be correlated to position data or echo data. The integrated sonar mapping system includes a sonar transducer for emitting and receiving sonar signals that may be subsequently be processed to provide echo data from objects in the water which reflect sonar signals. The integrated position mapping system includes a position receiver for providing position data. A controller not only processes the data for storage, but also correlates the audio data to echo data or position data. The correlated data may therefore be retrieved for playback of the audio data and display of the position data or echo data.

Abstract: A 2-wire control system which communicates with a plurality of pole mounted push button stations of the kind that are found at a traffic light controlled intersection via existing pairs of underground wires over which power and data signals are transmitted so as to enable a visually impaired pedestrian to receive both audible and tactile signals regarding the flow of vehicular traffic through the intersection. The 2-wire control system includes a central control unit that is located at a traffic light control cabinet and is connected to a standard traffic signal light controller. The control unit includes a plurality of 2-wire output ports that are connected to respective pairs of the plurality of push button stations.

Abstract: A proximity warning system is disposed in a sound protecting earmuff-type headset or other means of providing acoustic ear protection. The ear protector prevents the user from hearing damage from high levels of ambient sound and would otherwise generally make the user unable to hear the sounds of approaching objects like vehicles and machinery. However, an audio transducer is provided in each ear shell of the headset and is connected to a ranging device, which in the illustrated embodiment is an infrared ranging device which generates an alarm signal upon the approach of an object within a predetermined critical alarm limit. A plurality of variable alarm signals can be provided to distinguish the direction, size and speed of the approaching object. In general, the ranging device may be optical, acoustic, thermal or electromagnetic.

Abstract: A display having a screen providing historical water depth information and a screen providing fish school detection information is presented. The water depth information and the fish school detection information may be derived from an echo signal, and can be displayed simultaneously or alternated separately on the display by switching. When the water depth reaches or is less than a predetermined value, an alarm may be provided on the display and/or an alarm sound may be generated. As the alarm is displayed the brilliance of the display may be raised to a maximum brilliance, making the display brighter so the contents are easier to see.