18543821. CANE simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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 18543821 titled 'CANE

Simplified Explanation:

This patent application describes a cane that has a controller to adjust the blinking frequency of a light source based on the swing speed of the cane. The faster the cane swings, the higher the blinking frequency of the light.

• 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.
• The swing speed is calculated using an acceleration sensor and a computing unit.
• The light blinks faster as the cane swings faster.
• This technology aims to provide visual feedback to the user based on their cane usage.

Potential Applications:

This technology could be used in assistive devices for visually impaired individuals to provide feedback on their cane usage. It could also have applications in sports equipment to monitor swing speed and provide real-time feedback.

Problems Solved:

This technology addresses the need for real-time feedback on cane usage, which can help users adjust their movements accordingly. It also enhances safety by providing visual cues to the user.

Benefits:

- Improved user experience for visually impaired individuals - Enhanced safety through real-time feedback - Potential applications in sports equipment for performance monitoring

Commercial Applications:

Title: "Smart Cane Technology for Enhanced User Feedback"

This technology could be commercialized in the assistive device market for visually impaired individuals. It could also be marketed to sports equipment manufacturers for applications in performance monitoring.

Prior Art:

Readers interested in prior art related to this technology could explore patents in the field of assistive devices for visually impaired individuals, as well as patents related to motion-sensing technology in sports equipment.

Frequently Updated Research:

Researchers in the field of wearable technology and assistive devices may be conducting studies on the impact of real-time feedback on user behavior and safety.

Questions about Smart Cane Technology:

1. How does the controller determine the blinking frequency based on the swing speed of the cane? 2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology in different environments or conditions?

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.