Published August 23, 2024

White Cane Using Attiny

A smart cane using ATtiny85, an ultrasonic sensor, and a buzzer. It detects obstacles and beeps to help visually impaired users avoid them.

IntermediateFull instructions provided424

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Microchip ATtiny85

Ultrasonic Sensor - HC-SR04 (Generic)

Buzzer

9V battery (generic)

9V Battery Clip

Rocker Switch, Non Illuminated

Similar to this one or a smaller switch

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Hand tools and fabrication machines

3D Printer (generic)

Soldering iron (generic)

Story

This project involves the development of a smart white cane designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings. The system is built around the ATtiny85 microcontroller, which serves as the brain of the device. The cane is equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that detects obstacles in the user's path by emitting ultrasonic waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back from objects. This project was tested with 52 visually impaired individuals, and constructive feedback was gathered to improve the product's accuracy and efficiency.

Key Components:

ATtiny85 Microcontroller: A compact and energy-efficient microcontroller that controls the operation of the ultrasonic sensor and buzzer.
Ultrasonic Sensor: Mounted on the cane, this sensor continuously measures the distance to nearby objects. It can detect obstacles within a specified range (e.g., up to 4 meters).
Buzzer: The buzzer provides auditory feedback to the user. When an obstacle is detected within a certain distance (e.g., 1 meter), the buzzer emits a sound that increases in frequency as the user gets closer to the obstacle.
3D Printed Design: A 3D-printed case can securely hold the components of your smart cane project, like the ATtiny85, ultrasonic sensor, and buzzer. The case is designed to attach easily to a standard white cane, making it compact, durable, and convenient for daily use.

1 / 5

The project can be implemented in two ways, depending on your resources and experience:

Using a Ready-Made ATtiny85 Board with USB:

Ease of Use: This option is more straightforward, especially for beginners. The ready-made ATtiny85 board with a built-in USB port allows you to program the microcontroller directly from your computer without needing additional hardware.
Features: These boards typically come with built-in components like voltage regulators and sometimes even a built-in LED or other useful features, making the project more straightforward.
Programming: You can program the ATtiny85 directly using the Arduino IDE with a USB cable, eliminating the need for external programmers or complex wiring.

Advantages:

Quick and easy setup.
There is no need for extra components like a voltage regulator or external programmer.
Suitable for rapid prototyping.

Creating Your Custom Board:

Customization: This option allows you to create a custom PCB that includes the ATtiny85, a voltage regulator, and other components as needed. This more flexible method can result in a more compact and tailored design.
Programming: You must program the ATtiny85 using an Arduino Uno (or another programmer) as an ISP (In-System Programmer). This involves connecting the Arduino Uno to the ATtiny85 and uploading the code via the Arduino IDE.

Steps:

Design the PCB: You can design a custom PCB that includes the ATtiny85, a voltage regulator, and other necessary components.

1 / 3

Assemble the Board: Once the PCB is ready, you can solder the components onto it.

Custom PCB - Assemble the Board

Program the Chip: Use an Arduino Uno to program the ATtiny85. This involves connecting the Arduino Uno to the ATtiny85 and using the Arduino as a programmer.

Functionality:

Obstacle Detection: The ultrasonic sensor scans the area in front of the user, detecting obstacles within a predefined range. The ATtiny85 processes the sensor's data to determine the distance to the nearest object.
Auditory Feedback: If an obstacle is detected within a critical range, the ATtiny85 activates the buzzer. The sound's frequency varies depending on the proximity of the obstacle, allowing the user to gauge the distance based on the pitch of the sound.
Power Efficiency: The ATtiny85 is chosen for its low power consumption, ensuring that the device can operate for extended periods without frequent battery replacements.

Applications:

The Smart White Cane is an affordable and practical solution for enhancing the mobility of visually impaired individuals. Providing real-time feedback about obstacles in the user's path increases their confidence and safety while navigating unfamiliar environments.

Project Benefits:

Enhanced Mobility: Assists users in avoiding obstacles, reducing the risk of collisions and falls.
Cost-Effective: Utilizes inexpensive components, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Simple Design: The project is designed to be easy to assemble and program, making it suitable for educational purposes and DIY enthusiasts.

Code

Main Code

Main Code

C/C++

This code is for a smart cane project using an ATtiny85 microcontroller, an ultrasonic sensor, and a buzzer. The code detects obstacles in front of the cane and triggers a buzzer to alert the user.
The NewPing library is included to manage the ultrasonic sensor, which measures the distance to obstacles.
The if statement checks if an obstacle is detected within 100 cm and greater than 0 cm.
If true:
The buzzer (connected to pin 0) is turned on (digitalWrite(0, HIGH)).
The buzzer stays on for 500 milliseconds (delay(500)).
The buzzer is then turned off (digitalWrite(0, LOW)).
A delay proportional to the distance (Dis * 7 milliseconds) is introduced before the loop repeats.
If no obstacle is detected or if the distance is greater than 100 cm:
The buzzer stays off (digitalWrite(0, LOW)).

#include <NewPing.h>
/* Trig and echo pins are connected to 1 and 2 on the attiny 
board and to 3 and 4 on the customized designed board*/
#define TRIGGER_PIN 3  // Trigger on 1 or 3
#define ECHO_PIN 4     //Echo on 2 or 4
int Buzzer = 0;

#define MAX_DISTANCE 150

NewPing sonar(TRIGGER_PIN, ECHO_PIN, 200);

void setup() {

  pinMode(0, OUTPUT);
  //Serial.begin (9600);
}

void loop() {

  int Dis = sonar.ping_cm();
  //Serial.println(Dis);
  pinMode(ECHO_PIN, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(ECHO_PIN, LOW);
  pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT);
  if (Dis <= 100 && Dis > 0) {
    digitalWrite(0, HIGH);
    delay(500);
    digitalWrite(0, LOW);
    delay(Dis * 7);
  } else {
    digitalWrite(0, LOW);
  }
}

Credits

Zaid Jaber

4 projects • 4 followers

STEM Specialist, Maker, Innovator, Mechatronics Engineer, and Master's in Electrical Engineering. Passionate about innovation and tinkering.

Thanks to Saif Suhimat.

White Cane Using Attiny

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Key Components:

Using a Ready-Made ATtiny85 Board with USB:

Creating Your Custom Board:

Functionality:

Applications:

Schematics

Circuit Diagram

Code

Main Code

Credits

Zaid Jaber

Comments

Embed the widget on your own site

White Cane Using Attiny

White Cane Using Attiny

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Key Components:

Using a Ready-Made ATtiny85 Board with USB:

Creating Your Custom Board:

Functionality:

Applications:

Schematics

Circuit Diagram

Code

Main Code

Credits

Zaid Jaber

Comments

Related channels and tags