Initial Powertool Concept

Initial Concept: Perceptual Tool For the Visually Impaired

by

Matt Gillespie

• Integrate to an internationally symbolic white cane for the blind, and give the option of operating as a simple system when attached, or as an easily detachable/compressible stand alone device

• Make distinct haptic signatures using four isolated vibrating motors for – Vertical Faces – Horizontal Planes – Steps as a series of both vertical and horizontal faces – Drop offs as an abrupt change in the bottom plane in a recognized acute

angle • Allow the user to detect items dropped onto a flat surface (tile, concrete,

carpet, ect.) without bending over for extended periods of time, or searching with a large cane.

• Include a collapsible telescoping pole bearing the internationally symbolic colors of blindness white and red

Concept:

So what is it?

It will:

-integrate to an internationally symbolic white cane

-use laser range finding to identify the distance of an object or surface -turn that data into intelligible system of “haptic textures”

Concept:

So what is it?

Concept:

So what is it?

It will:



Concept:

So what is it?

It will:



Concept:

So what will it do?

It will:



Concept:

So what will it do?

It will:



Concept:

Uses

Could be used to:

-Create a better understanding of spacial dimensions

-More easily find dropped objects -Look above the cane for objects too high to touch with its end

Concept:

Uses

Could be used to:



Concept:

Uses

Could be used to:



Target User:

The Aging and Able

Independence of mobility is many times lost when a person becomes blind late in life. Having yet to fully adapt to their situation as those who have been blind since birth, these people often need the help of others to travel and continue the lifestyle they practiced with vision. Tools that help the user obtain a more independent lifestyle ease this transition empowering them to keep exploring.

Initial Research:

15 Million Americans • 15 Million Americans are blind or visually impaired • 70% of visually impaired people are age 65 or older,

50% of whom are legally blind • 90% of people declared legally blind have some

remaining vision. • Only 2% of legally blind people use a guide dog, • 35% use a white cane • Only 1/3 of visually impaired people of working age

are in the work force (suggesting large aging population)

• Take a cane training session at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, bringing a student to document the process and protect the researcher

• Continue the rest of the day without sight. Take the Metro back to Clifton transferring at Government Square.

Subjective Task Analyses:

Education and Transportation

• Ware a pair of vision blocking glasses and embark on a four hour trip to an unfamiliar area using a conventional cane, that includes: – Crossing an Intersection – Exploring a crowded Coffee Shop/ Diner as a lone blinded person – Picking up a dropped item, – Exploring senses, and having fun*

Subjective Task Analyses:

Exploring New Areas

Looking Forward:

Subjects of Potential Opportunity • Tactile Branding

• Gestural UI

• Creation of Haptic “texture” system

• Workplace Applications

• Infrared Tagging and RFID Applications

• Appropriate use of Audio

Documents

Initial Powertool Concept