HaptiVision V1.0
HaptiVision 1.0 prototype
Overview
HaptiVision is a device created to assist the visually impaired in navigating through their environment.
Traditional walking canes only provide spatial information in the direct walking path of the user.
HaptiVision is designed to make up for the shortcomings of the walking cane by providing spatial information
in whichever direction the user desires. The device measures the distance to an object in front of it, and then
powers a vibration motor accordingly. The closer an object is to the device, the harder the motor vibrates.
The device consists of three major systems - the rangefinder system, the microcontroller system, and the vibration motor system.
The rangefinder system contains the sensor used for measuring distances. HaptiVision currently uses a Parallax Ping ultrasonic rangefinder.
This rangefinder then feeds the distance data to the microcontroller system, containing an Atmel ATMega328 microcontroller. After processing
the distance data, the microcontroller outputs a PWM signal to the vibration motor system, which contains the transistor and pager
motor used to create the vibrations.
The HaptiVision device is intended to be worn either on the side of the head or on the wrist. Users can point their head or wrist in all directions and
receive tactile feedback about their surroundings.
Recognition
In September 2010, HaptiVision was declared the grand prize winner of the Popular Science National School Inventors Challenge. It was featured in the October 2010 issue of Popular Science magazine. Here is the proposal I submitted.
Future Work
This kind of single-point detection and vibration system can be greatly improved. A version 1.5 device is in the works, using a smaller rangefinder, circuit board, and battery.
