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Sixth Sense

Adrian McIntosh

Toni Ojo

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Challenges Faced by the Visually Impaired

  • Estimated 40 million with blindness worldwide
    • 285 million visually impaired
  • Current methods of navigating surroundings:
    • Canes
    • Guide dogs
    • Guide human
    • Memorization
  • Active and high effort interaction

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Our Solution: Echo Location

  • Detects nearby obstacles
    • Gentle vibration in that direction
  • Vibration strength proportional to obstacle distance
  • Allows for a passive sensing of the environment’s general shape

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How it works:

  • HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors to detect distance
    • 6 directions
  • Distances proportionally mapped to the 6 vibration motors
  • Uses Arduino Nano at the core

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Key Advantages:

  • Accurate and low-latency feedback with no action required from user
  • Low cost to manufacture
    • About $10 materials
  • Ease of use

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The Future of Echo Location

  • Sensors + vibration on chest, legs, wrist, and more
    • Allows for sensing of obstacles of different size and height
  • Improved aesthetics
    • Incorporation into clothing

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Q&A