Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Seeing Ⓘ Hat |
Matthew Esses Mitchell Gilmer Shreya Venkat |
Sanjana Pingali | design_document1.pdf design_document2.pdf final_paper1.pdf presentation1.pptx proposal1.pdf |
|
| # Seeing Ⓘ Hat Team Members Shreya Venkat (shreyav3) Mitchell Kalogridis Elekzandros Varik Gilmer (gilmer2) Matthew Esses (messes2) # PROBLEM Individuals with visual impairments encounter difficulties in independent navigation of their surroundings, causing lowered spatial awareness and concern with their personal safety.While there are solutions such as canes or seeing eye dogs, there is an issue with detecting range for objects further than a meter out. Seeing eye dogs only take the owner into a certain direction and are used to make sure the user stays in a straight line from their directions. Dogs can unfortunately become distracted by things like food or children petting the, even with training. Also, there are likely people allergic to dogs or with traumatic experiences that wouldn't want one, while the dog requires being taken care of constantly as a pet. # SOLUTION We want to make a hat designed to empower blind individuals by offering a 360-degree field of view. It will use advanced LiDAR sensors for wayfinding and dead reckoning, and Doppler RADARs for collision detection. This technology translates the surrounding environment into real-time spatial data, allowing users to navigate their surroundings with newfound independence. The hat also includes vibration motors strategically placed to indicate the direction of the nearest objects, aiding users in easily navigating their environment. # SOLUTION COMPONENTS # Subsystem 0: Microcontroller processing unit - **STM32F401:** Microcontroller with 11 PWM outputs, massive processing power ## SUBSYSTEM 1: IMAGING AND SENSING SYSTEM This subsystem focuses on capturing real-time spatial data - **LIDAR SENSOR USING I2C:** Primary imaging sensor for user dead reckoning - **Accelerometer and magnetometer** Tracking and adjusting user movement for data calculations - **HB100 Doppler RADAR:** Secondary emergency collision detection sensor - **Small LCD screen:** Diagnostic tool (not for user, this is for debugging) ## SUBSYSTEM 2: SCANNING MECHANISM This subsystem focuses on the rotation of the scanner and the associated motor control. - **Motor Driver:** Controlling rotational speed of the scanner using PWM input from the microcontroller - **DC Brushless Motor** Main mechanical power source - **Hall Effect Sensor Circuit:** For determining the direct angular positioning of a motor - **3D printed parts and slip ring:** Mechanical backbone of project for properly transferring rotation to the LiDAR ## SUBSYSTEM 3: HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM This subsystem includes vibration motors for providing haptic feedback to the user. - **Demultiplexers/Decoders:** These receive output from the STM32 and outputs a PWM signal from the microcontroller to the vibration motors. - **16 Vibration Motors:** Place vibration motors at various angles within the hat to indicate the direction of the nearest objects. In a power of 2 to mesh with the demultiplexers.. # SUBSYSTEM 4: Battery Power Supply Subsystem: Create boost/buck converter circuits for power supplies to ensure uniform voltage supply. - **LiPO batteries** - May be 3.7V in series - lightest reasonable weight, small form factor power source - **Battery holder:** Holding the battery - **eFuse current limiter, undercurrent included:** Safety sensor for microcontroller and components for rapid shut off - **Over/Undervoltage lockout:** Safety sensor for components for rapid shut off - **Buck converter:** Stepping down voltage for microcontroller and sensors ### A buck converter may or may not be required depending on the final motors and microprocessors. The microprocessor is rated for 3.75 - 5.2V. Our preferred method of accomplishing this voltage step down would be a buck converter. The in-line non-switching solutions appear to not be viable with the current draw requirements. ### The microprocessors range is close to the battery pack range. Depending on the final system requirement, the system may be viable to operate on a singular IC provided by Texas Instruments. ### If the buck converter is not an IC, then we would need to build a buck converter using a buck controller. # CRITERION FOR SUCCESS 1) The Hall Effect sensor, magnetometer, and accelerometer are able to provide accurate heading and sensor data for the haptic feedback within 45 degrees accuracy when displaced. 2) Able to image a room, such as ECEB 2072, from the center at resolution of at least 0.2 meters using haptic feedback and with a monitor for others’ viewing as a diagnostic tool with a 360 degree range with an angular resolution and accuracy of 15 degrees. 3) Able to detect objects approaching the user from front, back, below, and both sides within 2 seconds using both the Doppler proximity sensor and the LIDAR. 4) Navigational Success: The Hat successfully aids a blindfolded user in navigating the second and third floors of ECEB without difficulties. 5) Power Supply Stability: Power system safely shuts down during extreme conditions such as battery failure and short circuit conditions without damaging the hardware. |
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