Solution Development

• Find hardware components that fit our needs

• Design the Software to help navigate surroundings

• Test sensors to ensure reliable object detection

• Conduct human trials to confirm comfort and function of device

• Ensure that the device can be equipped even without no visual input

• In general terms, the main goals are that the solution shall:

  • Increase user safety.

  • Increase the reliability and user performance of cane based interactions

  • Make the method of use intuitive and easy for users

  • Provide a cheap alternative to other sources, such as guide dogs and other helpers

  • Use standard, easily sourced parts of still high quality, but low cost

  • Minimize the amount of maintenance and service the device may need by making the device durable, and construct the device so that in the case of damage it can be easily repaired or replaced

• Shall not use any visual aid.

• Shall be made with readily available materials.

• Shall not be incredibly overpriced compared to alternatives.

• Shall be lightweight (preliminary weight is 3 pounds, can be updated after testing)

• Shall be easy to put on and take off.

• Connection method shall be a clip that can be adjusted, not Velcro (due to Velcro's limited lifespan)

• Shall not physically interfere with standard activities, such as sitting/standing/laying.

• Shall be not easily broken.

• Device shall be possible to put on using touch alone.

  • Implement some asymmetry into device to provide clear indication of what part of the device goes where relative to the user

• Distance sensors options:

  • Motion Based

  • Light Based

  • Sound-wave Based

  • Camera Based

• Alert modules options:

  • Sound Based

  • Touch Based

  • Temperature Based

  • Pressure Based

• Vocal alert system attached to the head

• Vibration output attached to shoes

  • Would use these vibrations to alert of when people or animals are nearby

• Multiple components that shall be connected together (belt)

  • allows for attachment on not just waist but wrists and ankles as well if needed

• 360° camera attached above head

  • Input from artificial intelligence or technician giving feedback

• Heat output around wrists or ankles

  • Warms and cools as objects get closer or farther away

• Pressure output

  • Provides pressure to part of user that is closest to an obstacle

• The Vocal Alert System is a valid path as it shall provide the user a functional and affordable service. The system would not likely be damaged through use so it would last the user a long time and the components needed to build it would be simple to acquire and replace making it repairable. The main issue with this idea is that it could be too obtrusive and make constant noises that others around the user would hear.

• The Vibrational Output attached to shoes is a fairly good idea however some issues may arise in its functionality when walking on uneven surfaces. Additionally, other vibrations in the surroundings, like construction sites, might mask the vibrations from the output in the shoes. 

• A 360° Camera attached on the head would be too costly and too cumbersome for the user. The weight of the camera on the head may be too much for the user and cause them to lose balance. 

• A Heat Output would be too unsafe for the user as there can be risks of burns from any heating apparatus used. Also results may not be receptible for the individual in certain weather conditions making it not the best path for a solution.

• A Pressure Output would be not easy to use and may pose a safety risk to the individual. Users may not be able to distinguish direction through the output making it fail its main function.

• Belt with Motion Sensors is a valid path because the user shall be easily able to utilize the belt as it would be simple to put on with its asymmetrical design and easy buckling. The user shall be able to avoid objects easily because of the warning system and it shall not be too obtrusive

For both of the valid paths ("Vocal Alert System" and "Belt with Motion Sensors"), these methods

• shall not use visual outputs.

  • auditory and touch-based respectively

• shall be made from common materials

  • speakers and haptic outputs respectively

• shall not be overpriced, especially when compared to guide dogs

• shall be designed to be as lightweight as possible

• shall have simple clip-connections to allow for ease of equipment

• shall be designed to

  • not make sitting or laying down in public spaces uncomfortable

  • minimize damage done and easily replaceable if broken

• shall have an asymmetrical design to allow for simple equipment