JPH0866441A - Guide system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To allow a visually impaired person to securely and safely walk to his destination. CONSTITUTION: A measuring device 3 measures its own current position. When a destination is inputted to an input device 1 in voice, the MPU unit device 2 calculates a route to the destination based on the current position information from the measuring device 3 and a map information stored in a map device 4, and outputs the route from an output device 8 in voice. Additionally, a sensor device 9 detects the circumference and outputs it from the output device 8 in voice.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a guidance system suitable for use as a walking aid for visually impaired persons.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are white canes, guide dogs, and the like as those that assist the visually impaired to walk. The white cane and guide dog allow visually impaired persons to recognize and avoid obstacles and steps. However, white canes and guide dogs
The visually impaired does not actively guide the person to a certain destination when he / she goes to the certain destination, and thus cannot be said to be sufficient to assist the visually impaired in walking.

A car navigation system, for example, is known as a system that guides a vehicle to a destination. Here, FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an example of a conventional car navigation system. Positioning device 103
Then, a radio wave is received from an artificial satellite (Artificial Satellite) 111 for GPS (Global Positioning System), and the current position is measured (positioned) by, for example, longitude and latitude.

On the other hand, the destination is set by operating the input device 101, and in the MPU unit device 102,
A route from the current position to the destination is calculated with reference to the map information stored in the map device (for example, a CD-ROM or the like) 104, and the route is output from the output device 108.
Is displayed.

Recently, there is also a system that informs the user of the fact that the turning angle is approaching and the turning direction by voice.

[0006]

When it is considered that the car navigation system as described above is applied to a device for assisting walking of a visually impaired person, the visually impaired person may be guided to a destination. It will be possible. However, in the conventional car navigation system, for example, a destination is set by operating the input device 101 having a plurality of operation buttons, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult for visually impaired persons to use. .

Further, although the conventional car navigation system is designed to inform the intersection to be turned as described above, for example, the road is curved, there is a step on the road, or there is an obstacle. It wasn't designed to inform you about things. In addition, it was not designed to notify an emergency situation such as a car approaching.

Therefore, there is a problem in terms of safety when the conventional car navigation system is used by a visually impaired person to assist walking.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and enables a visually impaired person to walk safely and easily reach a destination. It is a thing.

[0010]

The guidance system of the present invention is a guidance system for guiding a user to a destination,
Measuring means for measuring its own current location (for example, the positioning device 3 shown in FIG. 1) and map information storage means for storing map information (for example, the map device 4 and the database device 5 shown in FIG. 1) , Input means for inputting predetermined information by voice (for example, the input device 1 shown in FIG. 1), and when a destination is input to the input means, the route to the destination is measured by the measuring means. A calculation unit that calculates based on the current location and the map information stored in the map information storage unit (for example, the MPU unit device 2 shown in FIG. 1).
Or router device 6), detection means for detecting the surrounding situation (for example, the sensor device 9 shown in FIG. 1), the route calculated by the calculating means, and the surrounding situation detected by the detecting means. Output means (for example,
Output device 8 shown in FIG. 1).

In this guidance system, the emergency situation determination means (for example, the emergency detection device 10 shown in FIG. 1) for determining whether or not the surrounding situation detected by the detection means is in an emergency situation. When further equipped with,
When the output device determines that the surrounding situation is an emergency situation to be dealt with by the emergency determination device, the output device can be notified of that fact. Furthermore, when the emergency determination means determines that there is an emergency that should be dealt with, the output means can notify the coping method.

Further, when the present location measured by the measuring means coincides with a predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating means, the output means can be informed of the passing point. Furthermore, when the current position measured by the measuring unit coincides with the predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating unit, the output unit can be informed of the direction to proceed to next.

If the current location measured by the measuring means is further deviated from the route calculated by the calculating means, the current location determining means (for example, the MPU unit device 2 shown in FIG. 1) is output. When the present location determination means determines that the present location is off the route, the means can notify that effect. Further, when the current location determination means determines that the current location is off the route, the output means can notify the method of returning to the route.

The measuring means can measure its own current location based on radio waves from a satellite or radio waves from an antenna installed in a building.

Further, it is possible to input predetermined information to the input means not only by voice but also by key operation. Furthermore, the output means can display information to be output by voice.

[0016]

In the guidance system having the above structure, the current location of the user is measured, and when the destination is input, the route to the destination is calculated based on the current location and the map information, and the route is voiced. Is output with. Furthermore, the surrounding situation is detected, and this surrounding situation is also output by voice. Therefore, for example, a visually impaired person can easily and safely walk to the destination when using this guidance system.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the guidance system of the present invention. It should be noted that this guidance system is designed to be portable (for example, to be mounted on the head or the like of a visually impaired person).

The input device 1 includes, for example, a microphone and can input predetermined information by voice. Further, the input device 1 also includes, for example, keys and buttons, and predetermined information can be input by operating the keys and buttons. For example, a destination, an instruction to change the destination, an instruction to output the surrounding situation, or the like is input to the input device 1. The information input to the input device 1 is output to the MPU unit device 2.

When a voice is input to the input device 1, the voice is recognized there, and the result of the voice recognition is output to the MPU unit device 2.

The MPU unit device 2 outputs information corresponding to the information input to the input device 1 based on the output of the positioning device 3 and the stored contents of the map device 4, the database device 5, and the memory device 7. It is made to output to 8. Further, the MPU unit device 2 also controls the router device 6.

The positioning (GPS) device 3 receives radio waves from the artificial satellite 11 for GPS and determines the current position based on the received signal, as in the case of GPS used in the conventional car navigation system. For example, the latitude and longitude are obtained (the current location is measured), and the time data (the time when the current location is obtained) is supplied to the MPU unit device 2. Although only one artificial satellite 11 is shown in FIG. 1, the positioning device 3 actually selects three or more GPS satellites that have a good reception condition of radio waves and outputs radio waves from them. It is designed to seek the present location based on.

The map device 4 is, for example, a CD-RO.
The map information is stored therein, such as M. This map information is read by the MPU unit device 2 as needed.

The database (DataBase) device 5 is a large-capacity recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk (for example, MiniDisk (trademark)) or a magnetic tape (for example, DAT (Digital Audio Tape)). ) And the like, for example, a destination, a predetermined passage point on the route to the destination, a facility (for example, a library which is a public facility) or a store (for example, a supermarket or a grocery store) at that point. , Bookstores, etc.) are stored. Further, the database device 5 is configured to record a route (course) to a destination that a visually impaired person who is a user of this system frequently goes to. The reading / writing of data from / to the database device 5 is controlled by the MPU unit device 2.

The router device 6 is controlled by the MPU unit device 2, and when an instruction to change the destination is input to the input device 1, the optimum route to the new destination after the change is obtained. It is designed to calculate. The route calculated by the router device 6 is the memory device 7
It is designed to be supplied to and stored in. The route stored in the memory device 7 is read by the MPU unit device 2.

The output device 8 includes, for example, a speaker, and under the control of the MPU unit device 2, outputs information supplied from the device by voice.
In addition, the output device 8 includes an emergency detection device 1
Information is supplied even from 0, and this information is also output by voice. The output device 8 also includes a display device such as a CRT or LCD, and the output device 8 includes the MPU unit device 2 and the emergency detection device 10.
The information supplied from can be displayed as an image. This is because some visually impaired people
This is because some people are blind and some are blind. Output device 8
In the above, whether to output information by voice or display it as an image is operated by operating the input device 1 (hereinafter, when operating the input device 1, other than operating the key or button,
The setting can be performed by including the case where information is input to the input device 1 by voice) (both voice and image can be output).

The sensor device 9 includes an infrared sensor, for example, and is adapted to detect the surrounding situation. That is, in this sensor device 9, for example, obstacles (for example, automobiles, people, stones, signs, telephone poles, etc.), road level differences, their bends, stairs, and signal states (signals are red, blue, yellow). Which of the above) is detected. The information detected by the sensor device 9 is
It is adapted to be supplied to the emergency detection device 10.

When the emergency detection device 10 determines from the information supplied from the sensor device 9 whether the surrounding situation is in an emergency situation (emergency situation), the emergency detection device 10 determines that there is an emergency situation. The fact is immediately supplied to the output device 8 to be output. Further, the emergency detection device 10 seeks a method for coping with an emergency situation, and also supplies this to the output device 8 for output.
Further, the emergency detection device 10 is configured to supply the information from the sensor device 9 to the output device 8 and output the information as necessary, when it is determined that the surrounding situation is not an emergency.

Next, the operation will be described. In addition,
Now, the map information is stored in the map device 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and in the database device 5, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the home of the visually impaired person who is the user of this system. Other than (Home), public facilities such as Post office and Library, Food Stor
It is assumed that the locations of stores such as e) and a bookstore (Book Store), routes R1, R2, R3 from home to public facilities and stores, and passage points A to F on the route are stored.

For example, when a user at home inputs a destination to the input device 1 by voice, the voice is recognized there and supplied to the MPU unit device 2. at the same time,
The positioning device 3 has three or more GPs with good reception of radio waves.
The satellite for S is selected, and the latitude and longitude in which it is located are obtained based on the radio waves transmitted from the satellite. The latitude and longitude are supplied to the MPU unit device 2 together with time data.

The MPU unit device 2 recognizes the current position from the latitude and longitude from the positioning device 3, and calculates the route from the current position to the destination supplied from the input device 1. This is done by referring to the map device 4 and the database device 5. That is, for example, when the destination input to the input device 1 is a library,
R1 is calculated as the route from home to library. In this case, since the route from the home to the library is a route frequently used by the user, it is stored as the route R1 in the database device 5, so that the MPU unit device 2 is stored in the database device 5. The stored route R1 is selected and read.

Then, the MPU unit device 2 refers to the route R1 to obtain the direction in which to proceed from the current position,
It is supplied to the output device 8 to be output. That is, as a result, in the case shown in FIG. 3, the user is now at home,
The message “Go straight to the right” is output by voice. By operating the input device 1, it is possible to output the message from the output device 8 not only by voice, but only by image, or by both voice and image. The control of the output device 8 is performed by the MPU unit device 2 in response to the operation of the input device 1.

The MPU unit device 2 recognizes its own position on the map from the output of the positioning device 3 and the map information stored in the map device 4, and the user follows the message, as shown in FIG. , When going straight from the house to the right and approaching the passage point B, that is, when the current position coincides with the passage point B, the output device 8 outputs that effect.
This allows the visually impaired user to recognize that the user has reached the passing point B.

Further, the MPU unit device 2 refers to the database device 5 to search for shops and public facilities located near the passage point B. In FIG. 3, since a post office exists near the passage point B, the MPU unit device 2
Then, this post office is obtained as a search result, and the output device 8
To that effect is output. That is, in this case, a message such as "there is a post office ahead" is output.

Then, the MPU unit device 2 refers to the route R1 to find the direction in which to proceed, and outputs the output device 8
Supply to and output. That is, as a result, in the case shown in FIG. 3, since the user is now at the passage point B, the message “Go straight down” is output by voice.

Thereafter, in the same manner, passing points C, D, E,
A message is output at F, and the user can reach the library by walking according to the message.

Next, the visually impaired user may deviate from the route R1 without knowing it, even though he / she intends to walk according to the message from the output device 8. Therefore, the MPU unit device 2 is always configured to determine whether or not the current position obtained from the positioning device 3 deviates from the route R1. When the MPU unit device 2 determines that the current position is off the route R1, the MPU unit device 2 causes the output device 8 to output that effect and thereby informs the user that the user is at a position deviating from the route R1. Further, if necessary, the MPU unit device 2 obtains a route returning to the route R1 from the current position obtained from the positioning device 3 and the map information stored in the map device 4, and outputs the route to the output device 8. Output.

As described above, the user can determine the route R1.
Even if it deviates from the above, it is possible to recognize the fact and return to the original route R1.

The road is not always a straight line and may be curved. In addition, steps and other obstacles on the road (such as cars, people, stones, signs, telephone poles, etc.)
There may be. In order for the visually impaired to walk safely, it is necessary to inform them that the above-mentioned things exist on the road. Furthermore, the state of the traffic light (the signal is
Red, blue, or yellow) etc. also need to be notified.

Therefore, in the sensor device 9, the surrounding conditions such as obstacles, steps on the road, the degree of bend, stairs, and the state of the traffic light (whether the signal is red, blue, or yellow) are constantly maintained. It is detected, and the detection result is the emergency detection device 10
Is supplied to.

When the urgent detection device 10 determines from the information supplied from the sensor device 9 whether or not the surrounding situation is in an emergency situation (emergency situation), it is determined that there is an emergency situation. The fact is immediately supplied to the output device 8 to be output. Thus, for example, when an automobile or the like is approaching the walking user, the user is notified of that fact.

Furthermore, the emergency detection device 10 seeks a method for coping with the emergency situation, and also supplies this to the output device 8 for output. That is, for example, when an automobile or the like is approaching a walking user, the user is informed of the direction to avoid the automobile.

When it is determined that the surroundings are not in an emergency, the emergency detection device 10 supplies the information from the sensor device 9 to the output device 8 to output the information, if necessary. That is, when the sensor device 9 detects an obstacle such as a utility pole, when the user approaches the utility pole, the output device 8 outputs that the utility pole exists in the walking direction. Note that, even when there is no emergency, the emergency detection device 10 can be made to request a method for coping with the surrounding situation and output from the output device 8. That is, for example, as described above, when the user approaches the utility pole,
The output device 8 can be made to output the direction avoiding the electric pole.

Further, in the case where the traffic light is detected by the sensor device 9, for example, when the user crosses a certain intersection with the traffic light and the traffic light is yellow or red,
This is output from the output device 8. Further, when the sensor device 9 detects that the road is curved, when the user is likely to leave the sidewalk to the road, the output device 8 outputs that effect.

Therefore, the user can easily and safely reach the destination (the library in the above case).

By the way, the destination may be changed by the user. That is, in the case shown in FIG. 3, for example, at the passage point D, the user may want to go to the bookstore, and the input device 1 may input that the destination should be changed from the library to the bookstore. Upon receiving the instruction to change the destination, the MPU unit device 2 outputs the changed destination and the current position obtained from the positioning device 3 to the router device 6. The router device 6 calculates the optimum route from the current location to the destination after the change. That is, in this case, for example, the route R is the optimum route from the passage point D to the bookstore.
4 (FIG. 3) is required.

The router device 6 supplies the obtained route R4 to the memory device 7 for storage. Then, the MPU unit device 2 replaces the route R1 used up to now,
The route R4 stored in the memory device 7 is referred to, the direction in which to proceed next from the current position is obtained, and the direction is supplied to the output device 8 for output. That is, at the passing point D, the route R1
According to the above, the message "go straight up" is output, but in this case, since the route R4 is referenced, the message "go straight down" is output.

Hereinafter, at a predetermined passage point on the route R4, the direction to the destination bookstore is output from the output device 8.

In the case shown in FIG. 3, there is an obstacle on the route R4. Therefore, if the obstacle is a dangerous object such as a running car as described above, the obstacle is immediately detected. To that effect is output from the output device 8, and when the obstacle is, for example, a utility pole or a parked car, when the user approaches the obstacle, the output device 8 outputs that effect. It

As described above, since the information can be input by voice, the device can be easily handled even if the sight is inconvenient. Furthermore, since the surrounding situation is output, it is possible to walk safely. Further, since the emergency situation and the coping method therefor are notified, it is possible to prevent the user from being harmed.

Although the present invention has been described above as being used as a walking aid for the visually impaired, the present invention is also applicable to car navigation systems, navigation systems for ships and aircraft, and the like. . Further, by storing the tourist guide information in the database device 5, it can be used as a device for providing tourist guide instead of a bus guide in a sightseeing bus, for example.

The database device 5 stores the tourist information.
If you want to store it in
If the database device 5 is sold to travelers, the traveler who purchases the database device 5 listens to the tourist guide information at the travel destination using the system shown in FIG. ) Will be able to know.

Further, in this case, the database device 5
By storing the information of the hotel reservation ticket and the information for hotel check-in,
The traveler can use the database device 5 at the hotel counter to perform check-in procedures.

Further, by storing in the database device 5, for example, a position where a restaurant is located, information introducing the restaurant, etc., it can be used as a device for guiding a restaurant. Become.

In the case described with reference to FIG. 3, the passing point is set only at the corner on the route R1. However, when the user is a visually impaired person, it is enough to inform the user only the corner. May cause anxiety. Therefore, the passing point can be set not only at a corner but also at a key point on the road. In this case, not only the corner but also the passing point and the like are informed while the user is traveling straight along the road, so that the user can feel secure.

If all the passing points are output from the output device 8, it may be offensive to the user. Therefore, from the output device 8, the user
For example, the passing point can be output only when the input device 1 is operated (for example, only when a predetermined button or key is operated once or a predetermined number of times).

Furthermore, the point where the input device 1 is operated is
It is also possible to cause the output device 8 to output the direction to proceed at the point, the situation at the point, etc. regardless of whether or not the point is set as the passage point.

In addition to causing the router device 6 to calculate the route when the destination is changed, for example, when the route determined by the MPU unit device 2 cannot reach the destination due to construction or the like, It is also possible to calculate the detour route.

Further, in the present embodiment, the positioning device 3 has a G
Based on the radio waves from the PS satellite (artificial satellite 11),
Although the present location is determined, when the guidance system shown in FIG. 1 is used in a building such as a hospital, an antenna that emits a predetermined radio wave is installed in the building and the positioning device 3 is installed. It is also possible to ask the present location based on the radio wave from this antenna.

[0059]

As described above, according to the guidance system of the present invention, the current location of the user is measured, and when the destination is input, the route to the destination is based on the current location and the map information. It is calculated and the route is output by voice. Furthermore, the surrounding situation is detected, and this surrounding situation is also output by voice. Therefore, for example, if a visually impaired person uses this guidance system,
You can walk easily and safely.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a guidance system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing map information stored in a map device 4 of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in a database device 5 of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a conventional car navigation system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Input Device 2 MPU Unit Device 3 Positioning Device 4 Mapping Device 5 Database Device 6 Router Device 7 Memory Device 8 Output Device 9 Sensor Device 10 Emergency Detection Device 11 Artificial Satellite 101 Input Device 102 MPU Unit Device 103 Positioning Device 104 Mapping Device 105 Output Device 111 Satellite

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A guidance system for guiding a user to a destination, which comprises: measuring means for measuring the current location of the user; map information storing means for storing map information; and predetermined information input by voice. When the destination is input to the input unit and the input unit, the route to the destination is based on the current position measured by the measuring unit and the map information stored in the map information storage unit. And a calculating unit for calculating a surrounding condition, an output unit for outputting the route calculated by the calculating unit and the surrounding condition detected by the detecting unit by voice. Characteristic guidance system. 2. The system further comprises an emergency situation judging means for judging whether or not the surrounding situation detected by the detecting means is an emergency situation to be dealt with, and the output means is provided by the emergency situation judging means. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the surrounding situation is an emergency situation, the fact is notified. 3. The output means, when the emergency judging means judges that there is an emergency to be dealt with,
The guidance system according to claim 2, wherein the coping method is notified. 4. The output means notifies the passing point when the current position measured by the measuring means coincides with a predetermined passing point on the route calculated by the calculating means. The guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The output means, when the current location measured by the measurement means coincides with a predetermined passage point on the route calculated by the calculation means, notifies the next direction to proceed. The guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is characterized in that. 6. The present location determination means for determining whether or not the current location measured by the measurement means deviates from the route calculated by the calculation means, and the output means includes the current location determination means. The guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when it is determined that the current location is off the route, the fact is notified. 7. The guide according to claim 6, wherein the output unit notifies a method of returning to the route when the current position determination unit determines that the current position is off the route. system. 8. The measuring means measures the present location of the device based on radio waves from a satellite or radio waves from an antenna installed in a building.
The guidance system according to any one of 1. 9. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit can input the predetermined information not only by voice but also by key operation. 10. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the output means is capable of displaying information output by voice.