Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals that assist users in navigating their environment with greater ease to enhance mobility and safety of visually impaired individuals by providing real-time obstacle detection, collision avoidance, and directional guidance during walking, thereby improving their independence and preventing potential injuries from obstacles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Living with low vision is challenging and isolating, making daily activities such as reading, walking, and navigating unfamiliar environments difficult. This also impact one's mental and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. Visually impaired individuals encounter numerous challenges while walking, significantly impacting their mobility and independence. Navigating outdoor environments poses substantial difficulties, including disorientation and fear of falling. Obstacles such as cars parked on pavements, overgrown verges, and crossings lacking tactile paving further complicate safe passage. The absence of dropped kerbs or misaligned kerbs across streets exacerbates these issues, making it arduous to traverse urban landscapes. Additionally, the inability to read street signs or see bus numbers and destinations leads to confusion and potential misdirection. Crossing streets is particularly hazardous due to the reliance on auditory cues, which is insufficient in noisy or complex traffic situations. The constant need for vigilance to detect and avoid obstacles, coupled with the fear of collisions with pedestrians or vehicles, contributes to heightened stress and anxiety. Moreover, societal stigma and a lack of understanding from the public result in social isolation, further diminishing confidence in navigating public spaces. These compounded challenges underscore the necessity for improved infrastructure, public awareness, and assistive solution to enhance the safety and autonomy of visually impaired pedestrians.

[0003] Traditionally, visually impaired individuals have relied on white canes and guide dogs for navigation. The white cane serves as a tactile tool to detect immediate obstacles and changes in terrain, enabling users to navigate their environment by physically sensing their surroundings. Guide dogs are trained to assist with navigation, avoid obstacles, and provide companionship, offering a dynamic response to environmental challenges. However, these methods have limitations; white canes only detect obstacles within their reach, often missing hazards at head level or beyond their physical extension, while guide dogs require extensive training and do not be accessible to everyone.

[0004] US10434031B2 discloses a collapsible wheeled walker with two side frames and two heights adjustable upper body supports. The apparatus includes a seat that is slidably attached to the two side frames and is movable between a front position to facilitate an ample walking space inside the frames and a rear position for a user to sit. The apparatus may include an X-folder that facilitates collapsing the walker to a small footprint for storage and transportation. It may also include a left forearm gutter and a right forearm gutter as part of the upper body supports that give the user an upright walking posture for health benefits.

[0005] US6478314B1 The present invention provides a means for limiting the hip and elbow movement in a reciprocating leg so as to simulate the gait of a walking animal. This is accomplished through the use of one or more arcuate guides which control the hip and elbow movement of the reciprocating leg.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to assist the mobility and safety of visually impaired individuals, however these existing devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations like alerting surrounding vehicles, deterring animals, assessing surface moisture for traction, or monitoring health metrics.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of providing multifaceted assistance to visually impaired individuals by detecting and alerting users to obstacles, communicating potential hazards to nearby vehicles, deterring approaching animals, assessing and adapting to changes in walking surface conditions, and monitoring the user's vital health signs in real-time.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of continuously scanning the environment to detect obstacles in impaired individuals's path and alerting about the presence and location of any obstacles, thereby helping them navigate safely and avoid potential collisions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting approaching animals and dispenses a deterrent, which helps protect the user from potential harm by animals, ensuring their safety while walking.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting moisture levels on the walking surface and adjusts to provide additional traction, when necessary, which prevents the user from slipping and ensures stability on wet or slippery ground.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of tracking the user's health metrics in real-time and if any vital signs fall outside of safe ranges, immediately alerts a designated person, allowing for timely intervention and assistance when required.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals that is capable of offering continuous monitoring of environmental factors, providing appropriate feedback to guide the user in the right direction. Additionally, the proposed device also notifies concerned individuals regarding the visually impaired user's health, allowing for timely interventions if any health anomalies are detected, while supporting safe and efficient navigation.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals, comprising a pair of wearable body configured to be worn by a visually impaired user on feet, each of the bodies is equipped with a flap arranged via a motorized hinge joint for opening/closing of the flaps, thus securing the feet inside the bodies, a set of electromagnets arranged at free ends of the flaps and lateral sides of the bodies, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in each of the bodies for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the bodies, respectively to monitor surroundings of the user, for detecting presence of any obstacle in path of the user, a plurality of vibrating units arranged equidistantly on each of the bodies, a suitable vibrating units for producing a vibrational sensation to prompt the user in regarding walking direction, a holographic projection unit installed on each of the bodies, to project 3-D (three-dimensional) images relating to warnings for the drivers indicating presence of the impaired user, a hollow cylindrical member integrated with one of the bodies, housed with a chamber storing multiple rubber-pins, an infrared sensor is installed in each of the bodies and synced with the imaging units for detecting approaching of an animal towards the user, a telescopic pusher installed at inner end of the chamber, for pushing the pins to dispense through a motorized slidable flap arranged at a lower portion of the chamber in a tube arranged within the member, an electromagnetic spring integrated within the member attached with a vertically arranged plate that is configured with the tube, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the tube and plate for moving the tube in an appropriate direction, to expand/contract for applying an optimum force onto the pins to project the pins towards the animal, through a slit carved on a front portion of the body for deterring the animals.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a moisture sensor integrated in each of the bodies for detecting moisture on surface of path on which the user walks a plurality of pneumatic blocks installed at a lower portion of the bodies to extend for providing additional traction on the moistened surface, a weight block installed inside each of the bodies via a two-axis motorized slider, a gyroscopic sensor is embedded in the bodies to detect imbalance and tilting of the user’s feet, a wearable band associated with the device and configured with a sensing module, including a FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor and a temperature sensor for monitoring vital parameters including, but not limited to heart rate, blood pressure and temperature of the user, a computing unit wirelessly linked with a concerned person, for notifying regarding the user’s health, thereby allowing the concerned person to arrange immediate aid for the user, a speaker installed in each of the bodies to provide audible alerts to notify the user to jump for crossing the pothole, an odor sensor integrated in the body for detecting foul smells around the user, an electronically controlled nozzle installed in the body to spray an aromatic liquid stored in a vessel configured with the nozzle, in surrounding of the user, for providing a pleasant environment and comfort to the user, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a wearable body associated with a walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals;
Figure 2 illustrates an inner view of a wearable body associated with the proposed device; and
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a wearable band associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals that is capable of improving mobility and safety by providing real-time detection of obstacles and guiding the user with directional feedback. In addition, the proposed device also enhances the user’s ability to navigate environments independently, helping to avoid collisions and potential hazards while walking.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a wearable body associated with a walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals and an inner view of a wearable body associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a pair of wearable body 101, each of the bodies 101 is equipped with a flap 102 arranged via a motorized hinge joint 103, a set of electromagnets 104 arranged at free ends of the flaps 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated with the bodies 101, a plurality of vibrating units 106 arranged equidistantly on each of the bodies 101, a holographic projection unit 107 installed on each of the bodies 101, a hollow cylindrical member 108 integrated with one of the bodies 101, housed with a chamber 109.

[0024] Figure 1 and 2 further illustrates a telescopic pusher 110 installed at inner end of the chamber 109, a motorized slidable flap 111 arranged at a lower portion of the chamber 109, an electromagnetic spring 112 integrated within the member 108, a plurality of pneumatic blocks 113 installed at a lower portion of the bodies 101, a weight block 201 installed inside each of the bodies 101 via a two-axis motorized slider 202, a wearable band 301 associated with the device, a speaker 114 installed in each of the bodies 101, an electronically controlled nozzle 203 installed in the body 101, a vessel 204 configured with the nozzle 203 and a sensing module 302 installed with the band 301.

[0025] The device disclosed herein comprises a wearable body 101 that serves as the main structure of the walking assistive device and is designed to be worn by a visually impaired individual on their feet. The wearable body 101 is equipped with a flap 102 arranged via motorized hinge joints 103 for opening and closing, which secure the feet inside the body 101. The flaps 102 are designed to provide comfort and stability to the user, ensuring the device is worn securely while walking.

[0026] To enhance the functionality of the wearable body 101, electromagnets 104 are arranged at the free ends of the flaps 102 and on the lateral sides of the body 101. These electromagnets 104 are energized by a microcontroller, which is linked to the wearable body 101. When the electromagnets 104 are activated, they facilitate the attachment of the flaps 102 to the lateral sides of the body 101, ensuring a tight fit. The electromagnet consists of a core material typically made of iron or steel wrapped with an insulated wire. The wire is coiled around the core to form a solenoid. The electromagnet is connected to a power source, usually a battery or a low-voltage power supply. When an electric current flows through the wire, it creates a magnetic field around the solenoid. The direction of the magnetic field depends on the direction of the current flow and as the electromagnets 104 activates, it facilitates the attachment of the flaps 102 to the lateral sides of the body 101. This configuration prevents the flaps 102 from opening unintentionally while the user walks.

[0027] The device is further equipped with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated into each body 101. This imaging unit 105 captures and processes multiple images of the surroundings, specifically in the vicinity of the user's body 101. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity to the body 101. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification by utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols. The image captured by the imaging unit 105 is real-time images of the body 101’s surrounding. The captured data is analyzed to detect any obstacles or hazards in the user's walking path. The processed data is transmitted to a microcontroller, which processes the information in real-time and determines whether the user is approaching an obstacle that might lead to a collision.

[0028] In response to detected obstacles, the microcontroller activates a set of vibrating units 106 that are arranged equidistantly on each body 101. These vibrating units 106 provide haptic feedback to the user, indicating the presence of obstacles and guiding the user in terms of walking direction. The microcontroller determines the appropriate vibrating unit to activate based on the location of the obstacle, providing accurate and timely navigation cues to the user.

[0029] In addition, the device incorporates a holographic projection unit 107 that is activated by the microcontroller when an approaching vehicle is detected in the user's path. The holographic projection unit 107 projects a 3D image in front of the user, providing visual warnings to drivers about the presence of a visually impaired person. This feature ensures that the user remains visible to others, enhancing their safety in potentially hazardous environments.

[0030] A hollow cylindrical member 108 is integrated with one of the bodies 101, containing a chamber 109 that stores multiple rubber-pins. An infrared sensor, linked to the imaging unit 105, detects the approach of an animal and triggers the microcontroller to activate a telescopic pusher 110 inside the chamber 109. When the infrared radiation from the animal hits the sensor, it causes a change in electrical resistance. The sensor then measures this change in resistance and converts it into a temperature value. These temperature values are then used to create an image, where different colors or shades represent different temperatures. The pusher 110 pushes rubber-pins through a motorized slidable flap 111, providing a safe means to deter animals that may approach the user, reducing the risk of injury.

[0031] The telescopic pusher 110 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the pusher 110. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic pusher 110. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated pusher 110 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic pusher 110 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber 109 behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber 109, the piston pushes the telescopic pusher 110 to the desired length to push rubber-pins through the flap 111, providing a safe means to deter animals that may approach the user, reducing the risk of injury.

[0032] Additionally, an electromagnetic spring 112 is integrated within the chamber 109, attached to a vertically arranged plate. The spring 112 is powered by the microcontroller and generates the necessary force to propel the rubber-pins towards the approaching animal through a slit carved on a front portion of the body 101 for deterring the animals. The electromagnetic spring 112 is designed with special electromagnetic properties and when current passes through them, it generates a magnetic field that is controlled to adjust the force applied by the spring 112. The electromagnetic spring 112 works in conjunction with the telescopic pusher 110 to ensure that the rubber-pins are dispensed effectively.

[0033] To prevent the user from slipping on moist surfaces, a moisture sensor is integrated into each body 101 to detect the presence of moisture on the ground. The core of the moisture sensor consists of two metal probes that gets in contact with the surface that interacts with the surface’s moisture content. Moisture in the surface acts as an electrical conductor. Dry surface has high electrical resistance, while wet has lo electrical resistance due to the presence of ions in the water. A low voltage electrical current is applied in the metal probes. One probe serves as the positive electrode and the other serves as the negative electrode. The resistance between the probes is measured which is indicative of the surface’s moisture content. The data interpreted by the sensor is then compared with the threshold level of moisture stored in the database.

[0034] If the moisture level exceeds a predefined threshold, the microcontroller activates pneumatic blocks 113 located at the lower portion of the body 101. These blocks 113 extend to provide additional traction, ensuring that the user maintains stability and reduces the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. The extension of the blocks 113 are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes the compressed air to extend or retract the blocks 113 to provide additional traction.

[0035] The device is also designed to enhance the user's balance and stability while walking. A weight block 201, installed inside each body 101 via a two-axis motorized slider 202, is adjusted by the microcontroller based on data from a gyroscopic sensor embedded in the body 101. The gyroscopic sensor detects imbalance and tilting in the user's feet. The gyroscopic sensor uses the principle of angular momentum to maintain its orientation in space. It consists of a spinning wheel or rotor that resists changes in its orientation during motion. The gyroscope continuously monitors the vehicle’s orientation.

[0036] In response, the microcontroller actuates the sliders 202 to adjust the weight blocks 201 and compensate for the detected imbalance, helping to stabilize the user and prevent falls. The dual-axis slider 202 consists of two motorized linear actuators consisting of servo motors or servo motors that move the blocks 201 in two perpendicular directions, typically referred to as the X and Y axes. The microcontroller coordinates and controls the movement of the dual-axis slider 202 and ensures precise positioning of the blocks 201. The microcontroller actuates the motor drivers which converts the digital signal from the microcontroller into precise movements of the motors.

[0037] To monitor the user's health, a wearable band 301 (as illustrated in figure 3) is integrated with the device. The band 301 includes a sensing module 302 comprising a FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor and a temperature sensor that monitor vital parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body 101 temperature. The FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor consists of a short segment of optical fiber with periodic variations in the refractive index along its length. These variations create a grating structure within the fiber. The periodic grating structure caused the fiber to reflect light at a specific wavelength known as the Bragg wavelength.

[0038] The Bragg wavelength is sensitive to changes in the physical parameters affecting the fiber. The FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor is designed to be sensitive to specific physical parameters, such as strain, temperature, or pressure and aid in measuring physiological parameters like heart rate, respiratory rate and muscle contraction. The FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor placed in contact with the skin monitors the expansion and contraction of blood vessels 204 associated with the user’s heartbeat. As the blood vessel 204 expand and contract, they induce strain on the FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor, causing a shift in the Bragg wavelength. The processed data is then sent to the microcontroller for real-time analysis.

[0039] The core component of the temperature sensor is the sensing element which may include but is not limited to thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance detectors. The sensing element detects temperature changes in the user by altering electrical properties. As the temperature increases and decreases, the resistance of the sensing element changes accordingly. The microcontroller continuously monitors the data from the temperature sensor.

[0040] These parameters are continuously processed by the microcontroller to detect any deviations that may signal potential health issues. When abnormal readings are detected, the microcontroller generates a wireless notification that is sent to a computing unit, which is wirelessly linked to a concerned person, allowing them to take timely action to provide aid if necessary. The wearable band 301 integrated with the device includes a communication module that allows the user to wirelessly connect to the computing unit. This module enables the user to customize alert preferences, adjust sensor sensitivity, and track their daily walking activity, making the device adaptable to individual needs.

[0041] In case a detected obstacle is a pothole, the microcontroller activates a speaker 114 embedded within the body 101 to issue audible alerts to the user, prompting them to jump over the pothole. The microcontroller is configured to operate the speaker 114 based on the user's past walking behavior and abilities, which are monitored through machine learning protocols. This ensures that the alert is tailored to the user's physical capabilities, making the device’s operation user-friendly and responsive.

[0042] The speaker 114 is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker 114 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. This data is often in the form of an audio file. The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker 114 drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 114. The core of the speaker 114 is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear.

[0043] The wearable body 101 is further equipped with contact sensors that detect when the user’s feet make contact with the body 101. The contact sensor mentioned herein is typically a touch sensor, which consists of an array of capacitive electrodes. These electrodes are typically made of conductive materials like copper or indium tin oxide. When the user’s feet make contact with the body 101, the feet introduce a dielectric material between the electrodes, which alters the capacitance. The dielectric properties of the pill affect the capacitance change. The touch sensor is connected to a sensing circuitry. Upon successful contact, the microcontroller paired with the contact sensors to activate the electromagnets 104 on the lateral sides and free ends of the flaps 102 to ensure that the flaps 102 are secured in place and the device functions as intended.

[0044] Additionally, if the imaging unit 105 detects that the user is unable to navigate around an obstacle, the microcontroller reroutes the user and provides instructions for a safer path. These instructions are delivered both audibly and visually, guiding the user through the obstacle-free path and ensuring they can continue walking without encountering further hazards.

[0045] An odor sensor is also incorporated into the body 101 to detect foul odors in the user's surroundings. The odor sensor typically consists of an array of gas sensors that are sensitive to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These sensors include metal oxide sensors, electrochemical sensors. Each of the sensor in the array is designed to respond to different types of volatile organic compounds. As the foul odor enter the sensor array, each sensor in the array reacts to the specific VOCs present in the odor. The sensors produce electrical signals in response to the concentration of the target compounds. The strength of these signals corresponds to the intensity of the odor.

[0046] If an undesirable smell is detected, the microcontroller activates an electronically controlled nozzle 203 installed in the body 101 to spray an aromatic liquid stored in a vessel 204, in surroundings. The electronic nozzle 203 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. Upon actuation of nozzle 203 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming liquid, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the liquid to be sprayed out with a high force, which provides a pleasant and comfortable environment for the user, enhancing their walking experience.

[0047] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0048] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the wearable bodies 101 as disclosed in the invention is worn on the user's feet. Each of these bodies 101 is equipped with a flap 102 attached via a motorized hinge joint, which opens and closes to secure the feet inside the bodies 101. electromagnets 104 are positioned at the free ends of the flaps 102 and along the lateral sides of the bodies 101. These electromagnets 104 are energized by a linked microcontroller to ensure the flaps 102 are securely attached to the lateral sides of the bodies 101. Once the user starts walking, the device’s artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, integrated with a processor, captures and processes multiple images of the surroundings. These images allow the unit to detect any obstacles in the user’s path. The microcontroller processes this data and activates the appropriate vibrating units 106 on the bodies 101. These vibrating units 106 provide haptic feedback to the user, alerting them to the presence and location of obstacles, helping them navigate and avoid collisions. If the detected obstacle is an approaching vehicle, the microcontroller activates the holographic projection unit 107 on the body 101. This unit projects 3D (three-dimensional) images as warnings to drivers, indicating the presence of the visually impaired user and encouraging them to take necessary action. In addition, the infrared sensor, synchronized with the imaging units 105 to detect the proximity of animals. When an animal approaches within a pre-fed proximity, the microcontroller triggers a telescopic pusher 110 located in a chamber 109 inside one of the bodies 101. This action dispenses rubber pins through a motorized slidable flap 111, aimed at deterring the animal. The moisture sensor detects moisture on the surface of the user’s path. If moisture is detected beyond a set threshold, the microcontroller activates pneumatic blocks 113 at the lower portion of the bodies 101, which extend to provide extra traction on slippery surfaces, helping the user to maintain stability and prevent slipping.

[0049] In continuation, to ensure balance and prevent falls, the weight block 201 connected to a two-axis motorized slider 202. A gyroscopic sensor is also embedded in the bodies 101 to detect any imbalance or tilting of the user’s feet. Based on this data, the microcontroller adjusts the position of the weight blocks 201 to counterbalance the detected imbalance, stabilizing the user during walking. A wearable band 301, linked to the device, contains an FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor and a temperature sensor to monitor the user’s vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body 101 temperature. The microcontroller processes this data and, if it detects any deviations from the normal range, generates a wireless notification to a concerned person through a computing unit, alerting them of the user’s health status and enabling quick action if necessary. Additionally, if the imaging unit 105 detects a pothole in the user’s path, the microcontroller activates a speaker 114 installed in the bodies 101, providing audible alerts to notify the user to jump over the obstacle. The microcontroller uses machine learning protocols to ensure that the jump alerts are tailored to the user’s walking abilities, ensuring the alerts are actionable and safe. The contact sensors that detect when the user’s feet make contact with the bodies 101. When contact is detected, the microcontroller activates the electromagnets 104 to secure the flaps 102 around the user’s feet, ensuring they remain firmly in place.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A walking assistive device for visually impaired individuals, comprising:

i) a pair of wearable body 101 configured to be worn by a visually impaired user on feet, wherein each of said bodies 101 is equipped with a flap 102 arranged via a motorized hinge joint 103 for opening/closing of said flaps 102, thus securing said feet inside said bodies 101;
ii) a set of electromagnets 104 arranged at free ends of said flaps 102 and lateral sides of said bodies 101, wherein said electromagnets 104 are energized by a linked microcontroller to facilitate attachment of said flaps 102 with lateral sides of said bodies 101, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated with a processor, is integrated in each of said bodies 101 for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said bodies 101, respectively to monitor surroundings of said user, for detecting presence of any obstacle in path of said user;
iii) a plurality of vibrating units 106 arranged equidistantly on each of said bodies 101, said a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 105 processes said detected obstacles to activate a suitable vibrating units 106 for producing a vibrational sensation to prompt said user in regarding walking direction, thus preventing a potential collision with said detected obstacles in view of protecting said user from any accidental injuries;
iv) a holographic projection unit 107 installed on each of said bodies 101, wherein in case said detected obstacle corresponds to an approaching vehicle, said microcontroller activates said holographic projection unit 107 to project 3-D (three-dimensional) images relating to warnings for said drivers indicating presence of said impaired user;
v) a hollow cylindrical member 108 integrated with one of said bodies 101, housed with a chamber 109 storing multiple rubber-pins, wherein an infrared sensor is installed in each of said bodies 101 and synced with said imaging units 105 for detecting approaching of an animal towards said user, in a pre-fed proximity, based on which said microcontroller actuates a telescopic pusher 110 installed at inner end of said chamber 109, for pushing said pins to dispense through a motorized slidable flap 111 arranged at a lower portion of said chamber 109 in a tube arranged within said member 108;
vi) an electromagnetic spring 112 integrated within said member 108 attached with a vertically arranged plate that is configured with said tube, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between said tube and plate for moving said tube in an appropriate direction, and upon successful dispensing of said pins, said microcontroller energizes said spring 112 to expand/contract for applying an optimum force onto said pins to project said pins towards said animal, through a slit carved on a front portion of said body 101 for deterring said animals;
vii) a moisture sensor integrated in each of said bodies 101 for detecting moisture on surface of path on which said user walks, wherein said microcontroller linked with said moisture sensors actuates a plurality of pneumatic blocks 113 installed at a lower portion of said bodies 101 to extend for providing additional traction on said moistened surface, in case said moisture level is determined to be above an allowable limit and thus prevents slipping of said user on said surface;
viii) a weight block 201 installed inside each of said bodies 101 via a two-axis motorized slider 202, wherein a gyroscopic sensor is embedded in said bodies 101 to detect imbalance and tilting of said user’s feet, based on which said microcontroller actuates said sliders 202 to provide movement to said weight blocks 201 for arranging in an opposite direction to said detected imbalance, in view of stabilizing said user while walking and prevent falls; and
ix) a wearable band 301 associated with said device and configured with a sensing module 302, including a FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor and a temperature sensor for monitoring vital parameters including, but not limited to heart rate, blood pressure and temperature of said user, wherein said monitored parameters are processed by said microcontroller to detect deviations in said parameters, based on which said microcontroller generates a wireless notification to a computing unit wirelessly linked with a concerned person, for notifying regarding said user’s health, thereby allowing said concerned person to arrange immediate aid for said user.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said detected obstacle is a pothole, said microcontroller activates a speaker 114 installed in each of said bodies 101 to provide audible alerts to notify said user to jump for crossing said pothole.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein said microcontroller is configured to operate said speaker 114 based on past walking behaviour and ability of said user, detected by multiple machine learning protocols pre-processed with said microcontroller, thus ensuring said alerts regarding said jump are doable by said user.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bodies 101 are mapped with contact sensors that’s determine contact of said user’s feet on said bodies 101 and soon after said contact sensor detects successful contact, said microcontroller paired with said contact sensors initiates actuation of said electromagnets 104 configured on lateral sides of said bodies 101 and free ends of said flaps 102.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said imaging unit 105 detects inability of said user in navigating said obstacle, said microcontroller reroute said user suggesting an alternative safest path, along with provide audible instructions regarding said rerouting, for allowing said user to safely navigate.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wearable band 301 is further integrated with a communication module for wireless connection to said computing unit that allows said user to set personalized alert preferences, adjust sensor sensitivity, and track their daily activities.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an odor sensor integrated in said body 101 for detecting foul smells around said user, based on which said microcontroller activates an electronically controlled nozzle 203 installed in said body 101 to spray an aromatic liquid stored in a vessel 204 configured with said nozzle 203, in surrounding of said user, for providing a pleasant environment and comfort to said user.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.