BACKGROUND

“THE BAT (Blind-Assistive Travel) CANE” for the Blind

Introduction

Travel canes are often a method of choice for the blind. Our team decided to make a travel cane with “smart” add-ons in order to help those with disabilities to better navigate. We did so by adding an ultrasonic sensor, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and haptic feedback to provide straight-path deviation alerts and inform the user of upcoming obstacles. These were implemented in a cost-effective manner. While there were some shortcomings with our cane, it is our belief that with small adjustments, the cane could be extremely useful for the blind.

Features & Logic

Straight-path detection

Ultrasonic sensors to sense obstacles

Haptic feedback provides the user with real-time guidance

Affordable / low-cost

Other Smart Canes

While there are a number of prototypes in development, there are relatively few travel canes with assistive technology available for sale. These are just two examples. Although most prototypes have focused on obstacle detection via ultrasonic sensors, none have been geared towards straight-path detection. There is a wide variety of prices available; however, most tend to be above 500 dollars.

Link1: http://assistech.iitd.ernet.in/smartcane.php

Cost: 3000 RS or about US$50

Features: Obstacle Detection with haptic feedback

Link2: hettp://www.ultracane.com/

Cost: £635 or about US$950

Features: Obstacle Detection with haptic feedback