DEVELOPMENT OF HAPTIC NAVIGATION DEVICE TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
Open Access
- Author:
- Emanuel, Zion
- Millennium Scholars Program:
- Computer Science (CMPSC)
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisor:
- John Carroll, Thesis Supervisor
- Keywords:
- Haptic Feedback
PVI
Navigation - Abstract:
- It is known that people with visual impairments (PVI) traverse their environment in ways that are much different from sighted individuals. In most cases PVI have to use external devices such as a cane or a service animal to support them. While these devices do prove to be effective and grant the PVI a certain level of independence, they can be bulky and difficult to manage at times. Large devices like these also stigmatize PVI as individuals who are in constant need help or assistance, overall lowering their sense of independence. This study explores the design and production of a haptic feedback device that will be used by PVI to navigate common areas, mainly grocery stores. There are two main forms of navigation that are facilitated by the device; Body navigation, assisting the user by guiding them around obstacles; Hand Navigation, Guiding the user’s dominant hand to a specific item they want to pick up. The device is composed of an Arduino Nano Microcontroller, a Bluetooth module, and several vibration motors attached to a bracelet. The vibrations motors activated externally by a smartphone to signal that an obstacle is nearby or the direction in which the users had should be moved depending on the situation. Several pilot experiments show that haptic information can be effective for navigating individuals around obstacles as well as guiding a user’s hand to a specific item. With refinement and a sturdier design, this haptic feedback device can assist PVI with navigation in their daily life while also promoting their independence.