29-06-2010, 01:05 PM
Presented By:
by
Shraga Shoval1, Iwan Ulrich2, Johann Borenstein3
Abstract
This article presents two novel travel aids for blind pedestrians. The two computerized
devices are based on advanced mobile robotics obstacle avoidance technologies. The first aid
“ the NavBelt “ is worn by the user like a belt and is equipped with an array of ultrasonic
sensors. It provides, via a set of stereo earphones, acoustic signals that guide the user around
obstacles, or displays a virtual acoustic panoramic image of the travelerâ„¢s surroundings.
One limitation of the NavBelt is that it is exceedingly difficult for the user to comprehend the
guidance signals in time to allow fast walking.
A newer device, called GuideCane effectively overcomes this problem. The GuideCane
uses the same mobile robotics technology as the NavBelt but it is a wheeled device pushed
ahead of the user via an attached cane. When the GuideCane detects an obstacle it steers
around it. The user immediately feels this steering action and can follow the GuideCaneâ„¢s
new path easily and without any conscious effort. This article describes the two devices,
including the mechanical, electronic, and software components, user-machine interface, and
some experimental results.
read full report
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~johannb/P...aper85.pdf
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~joh...aper85.pdf
