FORM 2 

THE PATENTS ACT 1970 

(39 OF 1970) 

& 

5 The Patents Rule, 2003 

10 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13) 

15

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN APPARATUS FOR THE LOCOMOTION OF

VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS

20 

 
  

 Applicant: 

Name: NATIONAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE – NEW GENERATION

5 INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Address: K.R.NAGAR, KOVILPATTI - 628503, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Nationality: Indian 

10

 
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is
to be performed.
 TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN APPARATUS FOR THE LOCOMOTION OF
VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus for locomotion. Particularly, the
5present disclosure is related to an apparatus for the locomotion of visually impaired persons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safe and secure locomotion of visually impaired persons is a challenge in both indoor and
outdoor environments, especially in cities with heavy traffic congestion, and in environments
with a large density of heavy vehicles.

10Attempts to overcome the problem have been disclosed in US5097856A, CN202078504U,

and US8682485B2. However, the disclosed solutions suffer from various drawbacks,
including: possibility of damage occurring to the control box; inefficiency in detecting
obstacles; requirement of a commanding system to give remote commands; and suitability for
off-road applications, which, in turn, are not suitable for regular locomotion.

15There is, therefore, a need in the art for an apparatus for the locomotion of visually impaired
persons, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for the locomotion of visually impaired persons is disclosed. The apparatus
comprises: a hover board that is communicatively associated with a cane or a stick, said cane
20producing haptic feedback if there any obstacles along the path of a user.

Said cane comprises: an authentication tag that enables the apparatus to recognize and
authenticate the user, when the authentication tag is read by a reader; and a transmitter that is
communicatively associated with a receiver disposed on the hover board, which produces a
sound through a buzzer to guide the user to the hover board.

25A plurality of tactile sensors is disposed on a handle of the apparatus, said plurality of tactile
sensors detecting and confirming the correct positioning of the hands of the user in real-time.

3
 A plurality of pressure sensors is disposed on the surface of the hover board, said plurality of
pressure sensors detecting and confirming the correct positioning of the feet of the user in
real-time.

A Braille keyboard enables the user to enter a destination, which is verified in the form of
5real-time audio feedback through at least one speaker.

A plurality of obstacle sensors is strategically disposed on the body of the hover board, said
plurality of obstacle sensors continuously monitoring the path taken for locomotion in real-
time, with an early warning being given to the user, upon the detection of any obstacles.

A master control unit monitors and controls the operations of the apparatus, said master
10control unit being communicatively associated with: the reader; the plurality of tactile
sensors; the plurality of pressure sensors; the Braille keyboard; the at least one speaker; the
plurality of obstacle sensors; at least one slave control unit; a communication module; and a
navigation and real-time tracking module.

A plurality of controllers controls and monitors a plurality of motors, said plurality of motors
15generating vibrations, with the intensity of the vibrations depending on the distance between
the user and any obstacles.

A plurality of infrared sensors provides feedback on the direction of locomotion of the

apparatus in real-time.

The apparatus communicates with an application installable on an external device through the
20communication module, while the navigation and real-time location tracking module enables
the apparatus to navigate to the destination, in addition to enabling a guardian or mentor or
any other person authorized by the user to track the location of the user in real-time through
the application installable on an external device.

At least one power source powers the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus: provides an easy
25mode of locomotion for visually impaired persons; provides safe navigation of visually
impaired persons; provides feedback through haptic and audio modes; provides real-time
tracking of the location of the user; and can be recharged through the at least one power
source.

4
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for the locomotion of visually impaired

persons, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

Figure 2 illustrates a prototype of an embodiment of an apparatus for the locomotion of

5visually impaired persons, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and “include”, and variations
such as "comprises", "comprising", “includes”, and “including” may imply the inclusion of
an element or elements not specifically recited.

10Throughout this specification, the use of the word “apparatus” is to be construed as a set of
technical components that are communicatively associated with each other, and function
together as part of a mechanism to achieve a desired technical result.

An apparatus or vehicle for the locomotion of visually impaired persons is disclosed. As

illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the apparatus (100) comprises a hover board which is
15communicatively associated with a cane or a stick.

The cane comprises an authentication tag (101) that enables the apparatus (100) to recognize
and authenticate a user, when the authentication tag (101) is read by a reader (102). The
authentication tag (101) and the reader (102) prevent a non-authorized user from utilizing the
apparatus (100), thereby ensuring its safety and security. Thus, the authentication tag (101)
20enables the hover board.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the authentication tag (101) is a Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) tag, and the reader (102) is a RFID reader.

The cane also comprises a transmitter (for example, Radio Frequency transmitter) that is
communicatively associated with a receiver (for example, Radio Frequency receiver)
25disposed on the hover board, which produces a sound through a buzzer. This guides the user
to the hover board.

The apparatus (100) also comprises a plurality of tactile sensors (103) that is disposed on a
handle of the apparatus (100) and a plurality of pressure sensors (104) that is disposed on the
surface of the hover board.

5
 The plurality of tactile sensors (103) detects and confirms the correct positioning of the hands
of the user in real-time, while the plurality of pressure sensors (104) detects and confirms the
correct positioning of the feet of the user in real-time, for improved safety and security.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of tactile sensors (103) is a
5plurality of touch sensors.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of pressure sensors (104) is
a plurality of force-sensitive resistors.

A keypad fitted with Braille keys or a Braille keyboard (105) enables the user to enter a
destination, which is verified in the form of real-time audio feedback through at least one
10speaker (106).

Once the destination is entered and verified, the locomotion through the apparatus (100) is
initiated. A plurality of obstacle sensors (107) that is strategically disposed on the body of the
hover board continuously monitors the path taken for locomotion in real-time. If an obstacle
or obstacles are detected, an early warning is given to the user.

15In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of obstacle sensors (107) is
a plurality of ultrasonic sensors.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the early warning is issued through
haptic feedback (i.e. vibrations on the handle of the apparatus (100)).

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the early warning is issued through an
20alarm or buzzer or sound notification through the at least one speaker (106).

A master control unit (108) monitors and controls the operations of the apparatus (100),
including the monitoring of the positions of the user’s hands and feet. The master control unit
(108) is communicatively associated with: the reader (102); the plurality of tactile sensors
(103); the plurality of pressure sensors (104); the Braille keyboard (105); the at least one
25speaker (106); the plurality of obstacle sensors (107); at least one slave control unit (109); a
communication module (110); and a navigation and real-time tracking module (111).

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the master control unit (108) and the at
least one slave control unit (109) are microcontrollers.

6
 All the data from the apparatus (100) is processed by the master control unit (108), which, in
turn, issues appropriate instructions to the at least one slave control unit (111).

For instance, if an obstacle or obstacles are detected along the path of locomotion in close
proximity to a current location of the apparatus (100), the master control unit (108) instructs
5the at least one slave control unit (111) to stop the hover board.

The apparatus (100) further comprises a plurality of controllers (112) that controls and
monitors a plurality of motors (113). These motors generate vibrations, with the intensity of
the vibrations depending on the distance between the user and an obstacle or obstacles.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of controllers (112) is a
10plurality of Electronics Speed Controllers (ESCs’).

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of motors (113) is a
plurality of BLDC (Brushless DC) hub motors.

A plurality of infrared sensors (114) provides feedback on the direction of locomotion of the
apparatus (100) in real-time. In case of an emergency or unusual stopping of the apparatus
15(100), a warning is sent through the communication module (110) and the navigation and
real-time tracking module (111).

The warning includes, but is not limited to, a notification through an application that is
installable on an external device; a voice call to a guardian or mentor or any other registered
phone number; a text message to the mentor or guardian or any other registered phone
20number.

The apparatus (100) communicates with the application installable on an external device
through the communication module (110). In yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the external device includes, but is not limited to, desktop computers, laptop
computers, mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, phablets, and smart watches. The
25communication from the apparatus (100) with the external device may occur through wireless
internet, mobile data, Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRa, ZigBee, or the like. The navigation and
real-time location tracking module (111) enables the apparatus (100) to navigate to the
destination, in addition to enabling the guardian or mentor or any other person authorized by
the user to track the location of the user in real-time through the application installable on an
30external device.

7
 In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the navigation and real-time tracking
module (111) is based on GPS.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (110) is
based on GSM/GPRS.

5The apparatus is powered through at least one power source (115).

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one power source (115) is a
rechargeable battery.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery is a Lithium Ion battery.

The method of operation of the apparatus (100) shall now be explained. The user with the
10cane detects the position of the apparatus (100) in his/her vicinity through the buzzer sound
created when the trigger in the cane is pressed. The user determines the position of the
apparatus (100) and approaches it with the help of haptic feedback produced, if there are
obstacles along the way. The user places the cane in the apparatus (100), and the reader (102)
verifies the user authenticity.

15Then the user steps over the apparatus (100) and places both the feet in the correct position
on an anti-slip mat, which senses the feet pressure through the plurality of pressure sensors
(104), following which the user selects or enters the destination through the Braille keyboard
(105), which is verified through the at least one speaker (106).

The correct positioning of the user’s hands is confirmed through the plurality of tactile
20sensors (103). Now, the apparatus navigates through the navigation and real-time tracking
module (111) and reaches the destination. The live location of the apparatus (111) is
transmitted continuously in real-time to the application.

If any unexpected obstacles are encountered during the travel, the plurality of obstacle
sensors (107) detects them and the apparatus (100) is stopped, with the user being alerted.

25The disclosed apparatus (100): provides an easy mode of locomotion for visually impaired
persons; provides safe navigation of visually impaired persons; provides feedback through
haptic and audio modes; provides real-time tracking of the location of the user; and can be
recharged through the at least one power source (115).

8
 It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative
purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions,
alterations and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the
disclosure may be made by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions,
5alterations and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this
disclosure.

9
 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 – Apparatus or Vehicle for the Locomotion of Visually Impaired Persons

101 – Authentication Tag

102 – Reader

5103 – Plurality of Tactile Sensors

104 – Plurality of Pressure Sensors

105 – Keypad Fitted with Braille Keys or Braille Keyboard;

106 – At Least One Speaker;

107 – Plurality of Obstacle Sensors

10108 – Master Control Unit

109 – At Least One Slave Control Unit

110 - Communication Module

111 – Navigation and Real-time Tracking Module

112 – Plurality of Controllers

15113 – Plurality of Motors

114 – Plurality of Infrared Sensors

115 – At Least One Power Source

10
 CLAIMS:

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons, comprising:

a hover board that is communicatively associated with a cane, said cane producing
5 haptic feedback if there is any obstacle along the path of a user, and said cane
comprising: an authentication tag (101) that enables the apparatus (100) to recognize
and authenticate the user, when the authentication tag (101) is read by a reader (102);
and a transmitter that is communicatively associated with a receiver disposed on the
hover board, which produces a sound through a buzzer to guide the user to the hover
10 board;

a plurality of tactile sensors (103) that is disposed on a handle of the apparatus (100),
said plurality of tactile sensors (103) detecting and confirming the correct positioning
of the hands of the user in real-time;

a plurality of pressure sensors (104) that is disposed on the surface of the hover board,
15 said plurality of pressure sensors (104) detecting and confirming the correct
positioning of the feet of the user in real-time;

a Braille keyboard (105) that enables the user to enter a destination, which is verified
in the form of real-time audio feedback through at least one speaker (106);

a plurality of obstacle sensors (107) that is strategically disposed on the body of the
20 hover board, said plurality of obstacle sensors (107) continuously monitoring the path
taken for locomotion in real-time, with an early warning being given to the user, upon
the detection of any obstacles;

a master control unit (108) that monitors and controls the operations of the apparatus
(100), said master control unit (108) being communicatively associated with: the
25 reader (102); the plurality of tactile sensors (103); the plurality of pressure sensors
(104); the Braille keyboard (105); the at least one speaker (106); the plurality of
obstacle sensors (107); at least one slave control unit (109); a communication module
(110); and a navigation and real-time tracking module (111);

11
 a plurality of controllers (112) that controls and monitors a plurality of motors (113),
said plurality of motors (113) generating vibrations, with the intensity of the
vibrations depending on the distance between the user and any obstacles;

a plurality of infrared sensors (114) that provides feedback on the direction of

5 locomotion of the apparatus (100) in real-time;

the communication module (110) through which the apparatus (100) communicates
with an application installable on an external device;

the navigation and real-time location tracking module (111) that enables the apparatus
(100) to navigate to the destination, in addition to enabling a guardian or mentor or
10 any other person authorized by the user to track the location of the user in real-time
through the application installable on an external device; and

at least one power source (115) that powers the apparatus (100).

2. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
15 claim 1, wherein the authentication tag (101) is a Radio Frequency Identification tag,
and the reader (102) is a Radio Frequency Identification reader.

3. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile sensors (103) is a plurality of touch sensors.
20
4. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors (104) is a plurality of force-sensitive
resistors.

25 5. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the plurality of obstacle sensors (107) is a plurality of ultrasonic
sensors.

6. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
30 claim 1, wherein the master control unit (108) and the at least one slave control unit
(109) are microcontrollers.

12
 7. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the plurality of controllers (112) is a plurality of Electronics Speed
Controllers.

5 8. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the plurality of motors (113) is a plurality of Brushless DC hub
motors.

9. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
10 claim 1, wherein the navigation and real-time tracking module (111) is based on GPS.

10. The apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the at least one power source (115) is a rechargeable battery.

15Date:

13
 ABSTRACT

AN APPARATUS FOR THE LOCOMOTION OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS

An apparatus (100) for the locomotion of visually impaired persons, comprises: a hover board
that is communicatively associated with a cane, said cane comprising: an authentication tag
5(101) that enables the apparatus (100) to recognize and authenticate the user, when the
authentication tag (101) is read by a reader (102); a plurality of tactile sensors (103); a
plurality of pressure sensors (104); a Braille keyboard (105); at least one speaker (106); a
plurality of obstacle sensors (107); a master control unit (108); a plurality of controllers (112)
that controls and monitors a plurality of motors (113); a plurality of infrared sensors (114); a
10communication module (110) through which the apparatus (100) communicates with an
application installable on an external device; a navigation and real-time location tracking
module (111); and at least one power source (115).

Figure to be included in Figure 1

14