[nfb-talk] Guide Bots

[Steve Jacobson]

Mike,

To me, the idea of a device that is responsible for guiding, even if made simpler as described here, adds so much complexity and 
size that really has limited advantage to my way of thinking.  A small device that could be mounted on a cane or connected to a 
dog's leash to detect objects and provide feedback would provide most of what a guiding device would without the size and other 
complicating issues.  Why does it have to aim itself at all if the blind person were to receive enough information to do the 
aiming from a smaller travel aid?  

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson


On Tue, 28 May 2013 11:24:59 -0400, Michael Bullis wrote:

>I've been thinking about a new travel device lately and would be interested
>in any feedback members might have.

>I've been wondering lately if there is enough reasonably priced portable
>processing power available to make a guide bot.  

>From looking on the web there are a few projects, mostly not very efficient
>ones.  There is a company called nst that is working on it but expects to
>bring a product to market in the 2020's.  The reason most projects are so
>difficult is that they are spending inordinate amounts of time and money
>teaching the guide bots to climb stairs and fully "lead" the blind  person.
>We know this is unnecessary.

>If you remove the necessity to "lead" the blind person the project becomes
>much simpler.

>The device doesn't need to climb stairs.  The blind person can simply lift
>it up or down.  This assumes of course that it is a lightweight  device.

>For example, suppose you have a two wheeled device with two forward facing
>cameras  and a handle on it that you direct.  You push the device down the
>sidewalk let's say.  When it detects an object that you should go around, to
>the left, the left wheel has a brake on it.  When the left brake engages and
>slows the left wheel, the device naturally turns that direction.  The same
>thing happens if you want to go right.  If there's a curb coming, both
>wheels slowly engage their brakes.

>At any time, if you as the person in charge wish to override the braking,
>you simply give a quick shove to the device.

>The blind person provides the forward motion, eliminating any need for
>motive power.  The only thing the device needs power for is processing and
>braking.

>Whether verbally, or with a small keypad, you tell the device what you want
>it to do.  If the device is going to talk to you at all it needs to be
>through an open-ear earbud.  But this may be unnecessary.

> 

>I believe it would require two cameras for measuring distance and for
>scanning both in front and to the sides.  

>In order for the device to be practical it would have to solve problems that
>the cane and most dogs don't solve.  That is, it would have to detect
>objects at head height.  And, it would have to be fast.  The thing that
>limits a cane user in new territory is the necessity of slowing down while
>detecting an object and moving around it.  

> 

>I place a list of things below that are within reach of today's technology
>but I'm not sure if they are within the practical financial boundaries of a
>marketable device.

>I thought those of you who think about matters like this might weigh in on
>this and let me know.

>Here is my list of things the device could do.

>1.  avoiding objects-people and other interferences to the path of travel

>2.  Detecting objects as high as one's head.

>3.  identifying curbs and ramps

>4.  recognizing intersecting sidewalks or other paths of travel

>5.  finding doors

>6.  locating up or down stairs 

>7.  locating elevators

>8.  locating elevator buttons

>9.  finding restrooms

>10.  finding empty urinals

>11.  finding empty seats on busses or in conference rooms

>12.  returning to an already found seat

>13.  finding a bus stop

>14.  finding a specific address

>15.  following an indicated person

> 

>I'd be interested in feedback on this idea.

>If you wish to write me off-line, do so at 

>mbullis at imagemd.org

>Thanks for your thinking.

>Mike

> 

> 

> 

> 

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