The Hand Of Sight

Inspiration

The inspiration was a similar project done last year by our engineering group. It was a device used to help deaf people use sign language and to convert the language into speech. As our inspiration we set out to do something similar but still different and unique to us. As such we came up with The Hand Of Sight which also involves Arduino boards and a glove function, but for a different demographic and has our own unique twist to it.

What it does

The main features of our project is to help the blind by allowing them to detect any incoming objects as they walk and go about their day. By using a long range ultrasonic sensor, we are able to detect objects in our vicinity and by using both audio and haptic feedback, it allows the user to understand the proximity of the objects and be able to avoid them.

How we built it

We built it using the Arduino IDE software to program the Arduino itself, the sensor, speaker, vibration motors and have it all work in unison. We also used Autodesk Inventor and MakerBot 3D printing software to make the parts that hold the components and bring to life our vision of the design.

Challenges we ran into

We ran into various problems while not only designing but programing and constructing the project. For instance we made various changes to our code to better adapt to most if not all variables involved with the use of a glove to measure incoming objects. As well we had to account for errors in our calculations when it came to designing our models and printing them out. Lastly we ran into issues making sure everything ran smoothly and properly during testing and that all the components were in condition to function to expectation.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're proud of being able to fully code and design a glove designed to make the lives of the blind easier. As well we're proud of being able to program the ultrasonic sensor to be as accurate as we could and have it give back proper feedback using the vibration motors. We are also proud of being able to design 3D models of what we need and be able to print them to be exact to our dimensions.

What we learned

We learned new code for Arduino to allowed more ease of use for the final product and to help run it more efficiently. We also learned new techniques to better print and design parts for our project.

What's next for The Hand Of Sight

What follows is still to be determined, but so far we have in mind to sort out the quirks that still remain, find more applications for our project and how to incorporate in on a larger spectrum, reduce not only the size but the bulkiness of the project and make it more efficient and lastly created a better working project than as it currently stands

How does the project face one of the challenges

The project in question faces the challenge of helping students in school that have visual impairment/visual disabilities. It allows them to navigate their way around school without running into people, walls and objects without much hassle. It also allows them to tell the distance and the proximity of anything in their vicinity with pin point accuracy and being able to have haptic and audio feedback to determine the distances. As well it allows them navigate around more than just school and be able to go about their days with ease