Month: October 2019

Problem:

For those who have impaired vision or are blind, understanding the quality and form of the spaces that they inhabit may be quite difficult to perceive (inspired by Daniel Kish’s TED Talk that Ghalya posted in Looking Outward). This could have applications at various scales, both in helping the visually impaired with way-finding as well as in being able to experience the different spaces they occupy.

A General Solution:

A device that would scan and process a space using sonars, LIDAR, photography, 3D model, etc. which would be processed then mapped onto a interactive surface that would be actuated to represent that space. The user would then be able to understand the space they are in on a larger scale, or on a smaller scale, identify potential tripping hazards as they move through an environment. The device would ideally be able to change scales to address different scenarios. Other aspects such as emergency situation scenarios would also be programmed into the model so that in the case of fire or danger, the user would be able to find their way out of the space.

Proof of Concept:

An Arduino with potentiometers (sonars/other spatial sensors ideally) to act as input data to control some solenoids which represent a more extensive network of physical actuators.  When the sensors sense a closer distance, the solenoids will pop out and vice versa. The solenoids can only take digital outputs, but the ideal would be more analog so that a more accurate representation could be made of the space. There are also two switches, one that represents an emergency button which alerts the user that there is an emergency, and one that represents a routing button (which ideally would be connected to a network as well, but could also be turned on by the user) which leads the solenoids to create a path out of the space to safety.

Fritzing Sketch:

The Fritzing sketch shows how the proof of concept’s solenoid are wired to a separate power source and is setup to receive signals from the Arduino as well as how all of the input devices are connected to the Arduino to send in data. The transducer for emergencies has been represented by a microphone, which has a similar wiring diagram. Not pictured, is that the Arduino and the battery jack would have to be connected to a battery source.

Proof of Concept Sketches:

The spatial sensor scans the space that the user is occupying which is then actuated into a physical representation and arrayed to create more specificity for the user to touch and perceive. This system would be supplemented by an emergency system to both alert the user that an emergency is occurring, and also how to make their way to safety.

Proof of Concept Videos:

Files:

Assignment_6_Final

Problem

Rabbit Laser Cutters have dark UV protective paneling to protect users from being exposed to bright, potentially vision damaging light. However, laser cut peices can begin smoking, and even catch fire. This presents a problem, how can user respond to fire and smoke events?

Solution

A visibility detection system paired with a motor would allow users to be afforded of an incoming smoke or fire issue by detecting drastic increases or decreases in visibility. The visibility detection system would be placed inside the laser cutter, while the motor would be attached to a wearable device, or atop the laser cutter to bump into it repeatedly in different patterns, creating different noises based on the situation and vibrations on the user’s person.

Proof of Concept

A series of temperature sensors would serve as the detection system. It would sense whether there was obstructed vision, either being too bright, signifying a fire, or too dim, signifying smoke. A solenoid would tap in a slow pattern to signify smoke, and tap in a hurried, frantic pattern to signify fire. The solenoid would be either attached to a wearable device, or attached atop the cutter itself, to tap against the machine and make noise, signifying to the user to press the emergency stop.

smokeDetectorlow

Assignment_6 2

PREMISE

How do you create a universal communication method that can work for everyone, whether they are blind, or deaf, or both? Imagine a universal translation machine that can….

Proposal

To tackle this, I decided to use a tactile way to feel and translate Morse code. This is done through a combination of:

1. haptic feedback → as someone is communicating to you, the translator device would vibrate the Morse code pattern to you so you can tactically feel it. This is ideal not only for someone who cannot see or hear, but also if you want to be extra discreet and not make any noise or visual distractions.
2. visual feedback → adding to that, the visual feedback provided is twofold: through letter translation and through the blinking of an LED. The letter translation is especially ideal for someone who might not necessarily know Morse Code.
3. audio feedback → finally, audio feedback through the buzzer helps you distinguish by sound when what you are pressing is a dot(*) or a dash(-). When you press long enough for the device to recognize that it is not a dot anymore, but a dash, the tone changes.

The hope here is by providing different ways of feedback, the translator can be more accessible.

Proof Of Concept

 

MorseCode