US3654477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Obstacle detection system for use by blind comprising plural ranging channels mounted on spectacle frames
Assignee: Bionic Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1970-06-02
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Granted: 1972-04-04
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Expires: 1990-06-02
Abstract
Abstract In an obstacle detection device for the blind a coherent light source is pulsed on to produce a pulse of light which is reflected by an obstacle. The reflected light is received adjacent the coherent light source and the time between the transmission and reception of the pulse is used to measure the relatively short distances involved. Solid state lasers and photopickups in such a system can be included in eye-glasses to be accommodated in the space between the lens area and the wearer''s eye. Other embodiments include hand-held systems, such as a flashlight-like device, or typhlo cane combinations. A tactile stimulator directed to a sensitive body area supported on the same frame employs material which changes shape when temperature exceeds a critical level and returns to its original shape when cooled below that temperature such that internal resistance of the material under the effect of AC current constantly cyclically changes above and below the critical temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 J Malvern Benjamin Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H3/00; A61H3/06; A61H3/068; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/08; A61H3/061; G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; G01S17/08; G01S17/10; G09; G09B; G09B21/00; G09B21/001; G09B21/003; A61H2003/063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
An obstacle detection system for use by the blind to monitor at least two conditions and give early warning of obstacles in at least two locations comprising, spectacles including a nose piece, bows, and a pair of lens holders having cooperating structure supporting at least two light sources directed in different directions for producing light, separate light collection means associated with each of said at least two light sources, each differently directed from the other to collect light originating from its associated light source and reflected by surfaces upon which light from that light source impinges, separate light detection means positioned to receive light collected by each of said light collection means, separate measuring means coupled to each of the light sources and its respective associated light detection means to measure the distance to the respective surfaces illuminated, and separate stimulator means responsive to the respective measuring means to provide at least two separate warning signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
An obstacle detection system for use by the blind to monitor at least two conditions and give early warning of obstacles in at least two locations comprising, spectacles including a nose piece, bows, and a pair of lens holders having cooperating structure supporting at least two light sources directed in different directions for producing light, separate light collection means associated with each of said at least two light sources, each differently directed from the other to collect light originating from its associated light source and reflected by surfaces upon which light from that light source impinges, separate light detection means positioned to receive light collected by each of said light collection means, separate measuring means coupled to each of the light sources and its respective associated light detection means to measure the distance to the respective surfaces illuminated, and separate stimulator means responsive to the respective measuring means to provide at least two separate warning signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The obstacle detection system of claim 1 in which the light sources are pulse light sources and the measuring means measures distance by measuring the time between when a light pulse leaves a light source and that reflected light pulse is received at its associated light collection means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The obstacle detection system of claim 2 in which the light source is a solid state laser and its associated detection means is a solid state photopickup positioned back-to-back on the axis of a mirror which collects reflected light and directs it toward the photopickup.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
The obstacle detection system of claim 2 in which each light source is a laser and each detection means is a solid state photo-sensitive device in which the laser is located in a central aperture of a lens and its associated photopickup is supported coaxially behind the laser in position for the lens to direct reflected light back to its associated photopickup.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
The obstacle detection system of claim 4 in which the light source is a laser coaxially supported by a lens in an axial hole through the lens, said lens in turn being supported by the glasses frame, and in which the frame structure is extended backward to provide a support fOr the photopickup coaxial with the axis of the laser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-04 | 1975-10-04 | 1976-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-04 | 1979-10-04 | 1980-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-04 | 1983-10-04 | 1984-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |