Positioning Cane for The Blind

Group Project
My Role: research, concept ideation, 3D modeling&rendering, prototyping
Skill: sketch, solidworks, photoview 360, rapid prototyping, arduino

The product concept integrates components such as battery, microcontroller, speaker, LED light, button and RFID reader. Specifically, an RFID reader is installed in the tip of the blind stick to easily detect the RFID tag on the road.

The positioning cane can detect the RFID tag on the road and search the tag’s ID by communicating with an online database. The name of the bus stop or the street will then be provided by audio feedback. Moreover, vibration and beeping feedback will help the user to locate the tag on the ground easily. Since RFID tags are cheap and easy to register into the system, it is a inexpensive and feasible solution for the blind to walk around by themselves without additional assistance.

Design Mockup

The design has an ergonomic form that enables the blind to easily hold and interact with to navigate through their daily activities. Ingrated physical parts including the button, speaker and motor are designed with specific considerations for target users.

Arduino Prototype

The arduino prototype shows the input and output components that are being used to make the product work. It proves the feasibility of this product from functionality perspective.

Use Case

This is a typical use case that a user utilize the positioning case to walk across a street.