Running Vision - Abstract

This is the abstract that was submitted to the judges and given to viewers during the fair. It is formatted to fit the requirements of the competition. This is the original abstract with no alterations.

Running Vision - Using a Microcontroller with Sonar Navigation to Detect Obstructions
Alexander C, Angela G, Aditi K
Monta Vista High School

Objectives and Goals: The purpose of this project is to design and construct a head apparatus that visually impaired people can use to freely jog without hitting any objects. The user wears the apparatus, which warns about certain obstructions in his or her path. The design of the apparatus is such that its presence on the user is negligible, but informs the user of obstructions in the way.

Criteria and Constraints: Running Vision detects normal sized objects usually found during jogs, such as mail boxes, trash cans. The Running Vision works provided that the user runs under normal conditions on a relatively flat surface. The obstruction must be made of a material that reflects high frequency sound waves.

Methods and Materials: First, we wired a Ping))) sonar sensor (range of 0.002 m to 3 m) to breadboard and programmed it using a BASIC Stamp. Afterwards, a speaker was attached, which would emit a beep with a frequency based on how close the user was towards the object. To have a greater range and give the user more time to react, we obtained a new sonar sensor (range of 0.152 m to 6.45 m). This we had to solder so it would be able to be connected to the breadboard. We also wired a text to speech voice command so speech commands could also be done.

Results: We found out that our second sonar, EZ0, had a farther range than the first one, and could detect objects of up to 10 meters. This gave the user more time to react to the sounds. Although speech output was preferable over the beeping, it was discovered that beeping provided better results, as it took less time to beep, which meant more time to react.

Conclusions and Discussion: We expected this sensor to work at a slow jogging pace, but found out that it worked at a faster, more brisk pace too. Running Vision worked well on various surfaces, and was able to detect many important obstructions. However, it would not work as well on busy streets because passing cars would disrupt the ultrasonic sensing of the apparatus.

Summary: In order to help visually impaired people run, we created an apparatus that would detect objects that the user was approaching. The apparatus would then emit beeps of various frequencies based on the distance between the user and the object. Alternatively, it would have voice commands to tell the user about his or her status. Our tests showed that Running Vision proved to be effective, and utilizable.