Virtual Sight: Haptic Device for Visually Impaired

Abstract

Our task is to design, manufacture and test a wearable haptic device that will allow visually impaired people to explore new environments safely and independently. Traditional travel aids such as guide dogs and canes need training and care, and cannot detect overhead objects. Electronic Travel Aids (ETA’s) such as GuideCane and UltraCane are bulky and cannot detect obstacles in all directions. Customer needs were determined through interviews and benchmarking existing solutions. Through this, it was determined that customers want a lightweight device that is able to detect objects around them and above them. To fulfill the customer need, we translated their requirements into engineering specifications shown in Table 1. To accomplish our goal efficiently in the time and budget provided, we have established deadlines and taken into account the critical path for the project as shown in Appendix D and E.