Mechatronic long cane as a travel aid for the blind

Robert X. Gao; Xiaofeng Cai

doi:10.1117/12.332797

17 December 1998 Mechatronic long cane as a travel aid for the blind

Robert X. Gao, Xiaofeng Cai

Proceedings Volume 3518, Sensors and Controls for Intelligent Machining, Agile Manufacturing, and Mechatronics; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.332797
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Applying the principle of mechatronics, this paper presents design considerations for a new type of sensor-embedded 'smart' long cane which can serve as an orientation and travel aid for the blind. The smart long cane uses a set of miniaturized ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles along the travel path, and provide human voice feedback on the obstacle's height and distance to guide the cane user away for head collisions and subsequent injuries. Topics discussed include sensor array design, placement, and integration, structure of the embedded software, and ergonomic issues for the new cane design.

Citation Download Citation

Robert X. Gao and Xiaofeng Cai "Mechatronic long cane as a travel aid for the blind", Proc. SPIE 3518, Sensors and Controls for Intelligent Machining, Agile Manufacturing, and Mechatronics, (17 December 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.332797

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