WALKING STICK FOR GUIDING VISUALLY HANDICAPPED PERSON

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable safer, securer walking by attaching a photoelectric sensor of a coaxial reflection type having its optical axis coaxial with a walking stick axis to the fore-end of a stick thereby detecting breille blocks or the like and steps without contact. ;SOLUTION: A walking stick (A) for guiding the visually handicapped has at its fore-end 1 a coaxial reflection type of photoelectric sensor 2 having its optical axis coaxial with the walking stick axis, and at the fore-end of the sensor 2a a hollow, detachable ferrule 3, and is constituted to transmit signals detected with the sensor to a vibrator or a buzzer 5 located in a grip portion 4 of the stick. In the case the stick is used along guide markings or the like for the visually handicapped, when a switch 7 of the stick is turned on, the vibrator or the buzzer 5 starts operation. When the walking stick is lowered with its fore-end 1 directed to the markings for the visually handicapped, the infrared rays from the coaxial reflection type of photoelectric sensor 2 is reflected and received to stop the vibrator or the buzzer 5. When the stick (A) is swung to right or left, since the infrared rays are diverted from the markings and not returned, the vibrator or the buzzer 5 resumes and continues operation.;COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO