Smart Cane Obstacle Detection
Objective: To develop and evaluate a portable Smart Cane device equipped with ultrasonic sensors and feedback systems to detect obstacles and provide navigation instructions to visually-impaired users through audio and haptic feedback
This is a Smart Cane Obstacle Detection protocol using Not specified - device for human use as the model organism. The procedure involves 5 procedural steps, 2 equipment items, 8 materials. Extracted from a 2017 paper published in Sensors.
Model and subjects
Not specified - device for human use • N/A • unknown • Not specified • Not specified
Study window
Estimated timing pending
Core workflow
Sensor data collection • Signal processing by microcontroller • Feedback generation - audio output
Primary readouts
- Successful obstacle detection and localization
- Accuracy of navigation instructions provided
- User feedback through audio messages
- User feedback through haptic vibration patterns
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Sensor data collection
Ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles in front of the user by sending ultrasonic pulses and receiving reflected signals
Note: Servo motors provide precise position feedback during detection
View evidence from paper
“Ultrasonic sensors are used for detecting the obstacles. The servo motors are used to give a precise position feedback”
Signal processing by microcontroller
Microcontroller receives and processes data from ultrasonic sensors and servo motors
Note: Fuzzy controller makes decisions based on processed information
View evidence from paper
“the fuzzy controller is able to give the accurate decisions based on the information received from the servo motors and ultrasonic sensors”
Feedback generation - audio output
System produces audio messages through speaker to provide navigation instructions to the user
Note: Voice messages provide directional and distance information
View evidence from paper
“The output of the Smart Cane depends on gathering the above information to produce audio messages through the speaker to the user”
Feedback generation - haptic output
System activates vibrator or vibrator gloves to provide tactile feedback to user
Note: Hearing impaired users receive vibration patterns through special gloves with specific meaning for each finger
View evidence from paper
“In addition, hearing impaired people have special vibrator gloves that are provided with the Smart Cane. There is a specific vibration for each finger”
Water detection
Water detector monitors for water presence at specified depth threshold
Note: Water sensor will not detect water unless it is 0.5 cm or deeper; buzzer will not stop until water is dried or wiped
View evidence from paper
“the water sensor will not detect the water unless it is 0.5 cm or deeper and the buzzer of water detector will not stop before it is dried or wiped”