Inspiration
One of our friends is blind. She describes using her cane as a hassle, and explains that when she is often stressed about accidentally touching someone with her cane, doing two-handed tasks like carrying groceries or giving a friend a hug, and setting the cane down or leaning it against the wall when she sits down. So, we set out to build a device that would free up two hands, reduce her mobility related stresses, and remain as or more intuitive than the cane is.
What it does
Our prototype employs an infrared distance sensor, which feeds into an Arduino Nano, and outputs as a haptic signal on your forearm via a servo motor. In this way, by pointing your wrist at various surfaces, you will be able to get an idea of how close or far they are, allowing you to intuitively navigate your physical environment.
How we built it
We used an infrared distance sensor with an accurate range of 0.2m - 1.5m, an Arduino Nano, a servo motor to provide haptic feedback, and a 3D printer to build a case and wrist-mount for the components.
Challenges we ran into
- The Arduino Nano, due to budgetary constraints, was frankly sketchy and did not have the correct bootloader and drivers installed. Fixing this and getting the Arduino to integrate with our other components was a fairly big project of its own.
- The mapping of the sensor was non-linear, so we had to figure out how to correctly assign the output of the sensor to a specific haptic feedback that felt intuitive. This was difficult, and primarily done through experimentation.
- Finally, making the device compact, wearable, and comfortable was a big design challenge.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Our critical test and initial goal was having someone who is fully blindfolded navigate a small obstacle course using the device. After multiple iterations and experimentation with what haptic feedback was useful and intuitive, we were able to have a team-member navigate the obstacle course successfully without the use of his sight. Great success!
What we learned
We learned about loading bootloaders onto different devices, different chipsets and custom drivers, mapping input to output in components non-linearly, 3D printing casing for components, and finally making this housing comfortably wearable.
What's next for Mobile Optical Infrared Sensory Transmitter
Next up, we are hoping to swap out the external battery powering the device to either human-heat power or at least rechargeable batteries. We also want to switch the infrared sensor out for a LIDAR sensor which would give us greater range and accuracy. Additionally, we are hoping to make the device much more compact. Finally, we also want to increase the comfort of the wrist-mount of the device so that it can be used comfortably over longer periods of time.
Built With
- 3d-printing
- arduinoide
- arduinonano
- c/c++
- infrared
- servomotors
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