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Sensory Walking stick for the Elderly

and Visually Impaired

Conway 6.16
Engineering

Abstract
I decided to research this topic this year because
this is a continuation of my last year science fair
project. I really wanted to put the experience and
information I gained in the past 2 years to the test.
I have created a new walking stick that will
change the way the visually impaired see their
environment. Now with this item visually impaired
people will be safe and will be able to get through
the day easier.

Abstract Cont.
The main problem I was trying to solve was finding
the best possible way to alert the visually impaired of
their surroundings. Then I got the idea, if I embed a
ultrasonic sensor in a walking stick then the sensor
could alert the visually impaired about their
environment because the circuit vibrates when an
object is detected.
The steps I took in creating this product was to first
build the Arduino (computer I was using) circuit to
read Ultrasonic (a sensor that measure distance)
attachment.

Abstract Cont.
Then I needed to create a program to read the
ultrasonic sensor values at different speeds. After
that I embed the circuit into the walking stick and
created the buzzer that signals user. Lastly, I tested
the walking stick and record results. The results
ended up with me having a fully functional walking
stick with its own power source, correct distance
readings and able to change its range of view. In
the end, my hypothesis was supported because I
could navigate myself through different
environments by using the walking stick. There're
are some constraints in using the tool.

Hypothesis
If I embed a ultrasonic sensor in a
walking stick then the sensor could alert
the visually impaired about their
environment because the circuit vibrates
when an object is detected.

Procedure
1. Build Arduino circuit to read Ultrasonic
attachment.
2. Create program to read the ultrasonic sensor
values at different speeds.
3. Check to see if program works and matches
the actual distance of objects
4. Embed circuit into the walking stick
5. Create the buzzer that signals user
6. Test the walking stick in a maze and record
results.

Procedure Cont.
Independent variables:

Angle position of the sensor.

Dependent Variables:
The distance detected by the sensor.
The number of objects accurately detected.

Materials
1 Ultrasonic sensor
1 Arduino Micro (microcontroller computer)
1 Hollow walking stick
4 Clamps ( to mount sensor)
1 buzzer
1 Power switch
Arduino Programing software
2 Bluetooth attachment

Experiment pictures
Power Supply

Walking Stick
Arduino Micro
Computer
Ultrasonic Sensor

Experiment pictures

Arduino Micro
Computer

Results
In the maze I set up there were 15 objects. I
changed the position/angle of the sensor to see
how many objects it detected.

Results
Errors While Testing
Orange Section
labeled Sensor Malfunctions

Other Lose connections


Program malfunction

Shaking of walking

Conclusion
My hypothesis was supported because I could
navigate myself through different environments by
using the walking stick. There're are some
constraints in using the tool. First, you can not
sway the stick side to side like most people do.
You must hold the stick out straight because the
sensor sends the infra red beam out in a cone
shape reading objects that might hit you. Also the
walking stick can change its length so if your in a
compact space you can change the walking stick
to read in a compact room or in a open space.

References
" Intel ISEF - Rules for All Projects - Society for Science & the Public ." Home - Society
for Science &

the Public . N.p., n.d. 10 Sept. 2015. <

http://www.societyforscience.org/page.aspx ?

pid=321>.

Belezina, Jan. "Aldebaran Robotics' NAO Next Gen is smarter but still cute." Gizmag |
New and Emerging Technology News. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.
<http://www.gizmag.com/nao-humanoid-robot-aldebaran-robotics/20802/>.
"Path Following with Compass Example." Acroname Robotics. Acroname, Inc., n.d.
Web. 10 Sept. 2015. <http://www.acroname.com/examples/10053/10053.html>.

Reference Cont.
"Pololu 3pi robot ." 3 Pi Robot with reflectance sensor. www.jameco.com, n.d. Web. 10
Sept. 2015.
<www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2136403_-1 >.
"Arduino Blog Blog Archive An Ultrasonic Eye for the Visually Impaired
#ArduinoMicroMonday." Arduino Blog RSS. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.
"Make: Arduino Bots and Gadgets." Google Books. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.
"MaxBotix Inc., High Performance Ultrasonic Rangefinders." Using a MaxSonar With
an Arduino. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.

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