Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | SafeStep: Smart White Cane Attachment for Audio + Haptic Navigation and Emergency Alerts |
Abdulrahman Almana Arsalan Ahmad Eraad Ahmed |
Abdullah Alawad | design_document1.pdf proposal1.pdf |
|
| # TEAM: Abdulrahman Almana (aalmana2), Arsalan Ahmed (aahma22), Eraad Ahmed (eahme2) # PROBLEM White canes provide reliable obstacle detection, but they do not give route-level navigation to help a user reach a destination efficiently. This can make it harder for blind or low-vision users to travel independently in unfamiliar areas. In addition, audio-only directions are not always accessible for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, and if a user falls there is often no automatic way to notify others quickly, which can delay assistance. # SOLUTION OVERVIEW We propose a modular smart attachment that mounts onto a standard white cane to improve navigation and safety without replacing the cane’s core purpose. The attachment will connect via Bluetooth to a user’s phone and headphones to support clear spoken directions, and it will also provide vibration-based cues for users who need non-audio feedback. The attachment will include fall detection and a basic emergency alert workflow that sends an alert to a pre-set emergency contact with the user’s last known location. # SOLUTION COMPONENTS **SUBSYSTEM 1, CONNECTIVITY + CONTROL** Handles Bluetooth pairing, basic user controls, and system logic. Planned Components: 1-ESP32 (Bluetooth Low Energy) microcontroller, ESP32-WROOM-32 2-Power switch + SOS button + cancel button 3-LiPo battery + USB-C charging module **SUBSYSTEM 2, NAVIGATION OUTPUT (AUDIO + HAPTICS)** Supports spoken directions through headphones and vibration cues for users who need non-audio feedback. Planned Components: 1-Bluetooth connection to smartphone (using standard maps app audio) 2-Vibration motor (coin vibration motor, 3V) + motor driver (DRV8833) 3-Optional buzzer for confirmations **SUBSYSTEM 3, LOCAL SENSING (WHEN MAPS NOT AVAILABLE)** Provides short-range obstacle warnings and basic direction/heading feedback when GPS/maps are unreliable. Planned Components: 1-Long-range distance sensor (Benewake TFmini-S LiDAR) for obstacle proximity alerts 2-IMU (MPU-9250) for motion/heading estimation **SUBSYSTEM 4, FALL DETECTION + EMERGENCY ALERTING** Detects falls and triggers an emergency workflow through the phone without a custom app. Planned Components: 1-IMU-based fall detection using MPU-9250 data 2-BLE trigger to phone using standard phone shortcut automation 3-Phone sends SMS/call to pre-set emergency contact with last known GPS location # CRITERION FOR SUCCESS 1-The attachment pairs to a smartphone and maintains a Bluetooth connection within 10 meters indoors. 2-The vibration system supports at least four distinct cues (left, right, straight, arrival). 3-The distance sensor detects obstacles within 20 cm to 12 m and triggers a warning vibration within 1 second. 4-Fall detection triggers within 5 seconds of a staged fall-like event and provides a cancel window (ex: 10 seconds). 5-When a fall is confirmed or SOS is pressed, the phone successfully notifies a designated contact and shares location (through phone shortcut automation). 6-The battery supports at least 1 hour of continuous operation. # ALTERNATIVES 1-Smartphone-only navigation: Works for audio, but does not provide haptics for deaf/hard-of-hearing users and is not cane-integrated. 2-Smartwatch fall detection: Helps with emergencies but does not guide navigation through the cane. 3-Dedicated smart cane products: Often expensive and replace the cane instead of adding a modular attachment. 4-Wearable navigation (smart glasses): Higher cost and complexity. |
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