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Surround3: The Design and Construction of a Sensor-Enhanced Probing Cane to Help the Visually Impaired

CSEF · 2019 Electronics & Electromagnetics Honorable_mention Award

Daniel Siegel · Jordan (David Starr) Middle School, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County

Overview

Objectives The objective of this project is to create a blind cane with sensors that is simple to use, operates on a rechargeable, low-power battery, and detects objects at a distance of more than one meter. In addition, it should be easily mounted to a variety of canes, and fairly inexpensive. Methods Ultrasonic sensors, an Arduino Nano microcontroller, rechargeable batteries, a cane, and vibrational motors. Sensors are used to measure distance from objects. The microcontroller converts distance into vibrational feedback on the handle of the cane. Results The final design was measured against other products on a comparison chart, which included categories such as price, weight, and detection range. It outperformed all of the competitors by an average of 51%. Surround3 was successfully able to detect objects from a distance of over one meter away. Conclusions My project, Surround3, worked as I had envisioned when I started the designing. The final prototype is simple to use, runs on a low-power battery, and detects objects over one meter away. In addition, it can be easily mounted to a variety of canes, which makes it more compatible with the user s needs. Surround3 cost about $40 in parts, and does not take up too much space on the cane handle. It is rechargeable through a micro-USB cable. All of these aspects make Surround3 ideal for visually impaired users, so that they can navigate safely and confidently.

Summary statement

I created a ultrasonic sensor-enhanced blind cane that helps visually impaired individuals navigate safely and confidently.

Help received

I designed and built the electronic circuits myself. I created 3D models and printed the components and assembled the cane myself. I received help from a friend's parent to debug my initial microcontroller code.

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2019 Electronics & Electromagnetics · Entry J1030

Resources

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