Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Method and apparatus for object detection using human echolocation for the visually impaired
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Application No.: US15789072Application Date: 2017-10-20
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Publication No.: US10690771B2Publication Date: 2020-06-23
- Inventor: Michael J. Biffignani , Robert Stretch , Tim Chen
- Applicant: Sondare Acoustics Group LLC
- Applicant Address: US MO St. Louis
- Assignee: Sondare Acoustics Group LLC
- Current Assignee: Sondare Acoustics Group LLC
- Current Assignee Address: US MO St. Louis
- Agency: Husch Blackwell LLP
- Main IPC: G01S15/93
- IPC: G01S15/93 ; G01S15/42 ; A61H3/06 ; G09B21/00 ; G01S7/521

Abstract:
The present device is an object detection device for assisting individuals with visual impairments to detect objects in front of him or her when walking or riding a bike. The device preferably includes an assistive device like a cane and an echolocation device coupled to the walking assistive device. When a user signals for the echolocation device to do so, the echolocation device uses a parametric array to generate a sound beam. If an object is in front of the user, the audible narrow sound beam reflects off of the object creating a strong, clear echo sound beam toward the user's ear. Because the user is preferably trained in echolocation, he or she is able to determine the distance, position, and possibly the type of object.
Public/Granted literature
- US20180113213A1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBJECT DETECTION USING HUMAN ECHOLOCATION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED Public/Granted day:2018-04-26
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