Date of Defense
12-8-2015
Date of Graduation
12-2015
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
First Advisor
Koorosh Naghshineh
Second Advisor
Bade Shrestha
Abstract
The most commonly used tool for navigation by the blind is the white cane. A greater understanding is essential in improving the design and performance of these canes. An existing cane was modified with integrated force and acceleration sensors, in order to study the relation between cane vibration characteristics and obstacle or drop-off detection. Data was gathered by these sensors, and then transmitted wirelessly to a computer workstation, where it was recorded and analyzed. Exertion of the forearm muscles was also measured. Care was taken to insure that the cane sensors and transmitter are ergonomically unobtrusive for the user. The accuracy of the force, vibration, and muscular data was verified using laboratory test cases, and preliminary results were collected during actual navigation conducted using this instrumented cane.
Recommended Citation
Dean, Aaron, "Design and Fabrication of an Instrumented Cane for the Blind" (2015). Honors Theses. 2624.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/2624
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Defense Presentation