SynthSense

Problem

The visually impaired often have difficulty sensing their environment, especially when walking in urban obstacle-intensive terrains. The most common assistive device is the white cane, which is used in a sweeping motion to get feedback on ground-level objects along the user’s path. However, the cane alone does not provide awareness of obstacles above the ground-level (such as long hanging branches) and beyond the physical range of the cane (such as street sign poles). Additionally the visually impaired rely on mental maps or help from strangers to navigate to their destination, reducing independence and self-reliance.

Target Users

Young, visually-impaired users who already use a white cane and have smart phones.

Solution

Obstacle Avoidance

We designed an Augmented White Cane (AWC) with ultrasonic range finders for detecting obstacles within a 2- meter range as well as mounts for the sensors that are both direction and height adjustable. Feedback from these sensors deliver haptic response on the handle when obstacles are detected at body or head-level.

Navigation

To provide navigation instructions to our users, we developed an iOS app that determines when the user needs to turn and then transmits a command to the AWC’s strap to provide directional haptic feedback.

Design Evolution

Obstacle-Avoidance Handle

Ultrasonic Range Finder Mount

Navigation Wristband

Navigation iOS App

Electronics