Toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha (20240210023). CANE simplified abstract

CANE

Organization Name

toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha

Inventor(s)

Tsuyoshi Miyazawa of Miyoshi-shi Aichi-ken (JP)

CANE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240210023 titled 'CANE

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes a cane with a controller that adjusts the blinking frequency of a light source based on the swing speed of the cane, measured by an acceleration sensor.

• The cane includes a cane body, a controller, and a light source.
• The controller changes the blinking frequency of the light source based on the swing speed of the cane.
• A higher blinking frequency indicates a faster swing speed of the cane.
• The acceleration of the cane is measured by an acceleration sensor.
• The swing speed is calculated by a computing unit using the measured acceleration.

Key Features and Innovation:

• Adaptive blinking frequency based on swing speed.
• Use of acceleration sensor for measuring cane movement.
• Computing unit for calculating swing speed.
• Enhanced visibility and safety for cane users.

Potential Applications:

• Assistive technology for visually impaired individuals.
• Safety feature for elderly cane users.
• Monitoring tool for physical therapy patients.

Problems Solved:

• Lack of visibility for cane users in low light conditions.
• Difficulty in estimating swing speed accurately.
• Limited safety features in traditional canes.

Benefits:

• Improved visibility and safety for cane users.
• Real-time feedback on swing speed.
• Enhanced user experience for individuals with mobility issues.

Commercial Applications: Smart canes with adaptive lighting technology could be marketed to:

• Healthcare institutions.
• Assistive technology retailers.
• Elderly care facilities.

Questions about Smart Canes: 1. How does the controller determine the appropriate blinking frequency for the light source? 2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology in traditional cane designs?

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in adaptive technology for visually impaired individuals and assistive devices for mobility support.

Original Abstract Submitted

a cane includes a cane body, a controller, and a light source. the controller changes the blinking frequency f of the light source to blink the light source according to the usage situation of the cane by the user. the usage situation is the swing speed sp of the cane. the controller blinks the light source with a higher blinking frequency f the faster the swing speed sp of the cane. the acceleration of the cane is measured by the acceleration sensor, and the swing speed is calculated by a computing unit based on the measured acceleration.