Eye Substitution Embedded Device
Objective: Development and evaluation of an embedded microcontroller-based eye substitution device that detects obstacles and provides navigation feedback to vision-impaired people through ultrasonic sensors, vibrator motors, GPS, and GSM integration
This is a Eye Substitution Embedded Device protocol using human as the model organism. The procedure involves 7 procedural steps, 3 equipment items, 2 materials. Extracted from a 2017 paper published in Sensors.
Model and subjects
human • N/A • unknown • Not specified • Not specified
Study window
Estimated timing pending
Core workflow
Ultrasonic pulse transmission • Obstacle detection • Sensor reading processing
Primary readouts
- Obstacle detection accuracy and range
- Obstacle localization capability
- Navigation direction accuracy
- User location determination accuracy
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Ultrasonic pulse transmission
The two HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors send a sequence of ultrasonic pulses into the environment
Note: Two sensors used to overcome narrow cone angle issue, covering three ranges instead of two
View evidence from paper
“The ultrasonic sensors send a sequence of ultrasonic pulses. If the obstacle is detected, then the sound will be reflected back to the receiver”
Obstacle detection
When an obstacle is present, ultrasonic sound reflects back to the receiver in the sensors
Note: Reflection indicates obstacle presence and location
View evidence from paper
“If the obstacle is detected, then the sound will be reflected back to the receiver as shown in Figure 4”
Sensor reading processing
The TI MSP 430G2553 microcontroller processes the readings from the ultrasonic sensors
Note: Processing determines obstacle presence and distance
View evidence from paper
“The micro-controller processes the readings of the ultrasonic sensors in order to activate the motors by sending pulse width modulation”
Motor activation via pulse width modulation
Microcontroller sends pulse width modulation signals to activate the three vibrator motors based on processed sensor data
Note: Provides tactile feedback to user; low power consumption achieved
View evidence from paper
“The micro-controller processes the readings of the ultrasonic sensors in order to activate the motors by sending pulse width modulation. It also provides a low power consumption”
GPS location acquisition
Android application uses GPS receiver to determine current location of the vision-impaired person
Note: Location data used for navigation and direction generation
View evidence from paper
“The role of this application is to use GPS, improved GSM, and GPRS to get the location of the person and generate better directions”
Direction generation
Android application generates navigation directions based on GPS location, GSM, and GPRS data
Note: Improved GSM provides better direction accuracy
View evidence from paper
“The role of this application is to use GPS, improved GSM, and GPRS to get the location of the person and generate better directions”
Feedback delivery to user
System provides navigation feedback and obstacle information to vision-impaired user through vibrator motor activation patterns
Note: Three vibrator motors provide directional and distance information through tactile feedback
View evidence from paper
“So, instead of covering two ranges, the ultrasonic devices cover three ranges. This does not only help in detecting obstacles, but also in locating them”