At Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, a biology professor researching echolocation in bats teamed up with an associate professor of computer science and an interdisciplinary team of students to develop a device that can help the visually impaired navigate better. Their research focused on developing a device that could be worn like a watch by a visually-impaired person as a supplement to other aids like a cane or guide dog.

Named HELP, the Human Echo Location Partner, the prototype is powered by an Arduino Lilypad microprocessor, runs JAVA-like code, and is combined with sonar distance sensors and two cellphone vibrating motors. It measures the distance of objects and provides feedback via vibrations to the user. The frequency of vibrations is proportional to the distance from the detected object, allowing the user to accurately discern an obstacle’s proximity. They get faster as the user draws near.

To test their device, the team enlisted a blind student who uses a guide dog and was eager to come in and test it. One of her challenges on campus, she said, is determining whether doors into buildings or classrooms are open or closed. She tested the device without her dog and found that it vibrated as she approached a closed door and stopped when it was opened.

Next, the team plans on fine-tuning the device to make it smaller and more aesthetically pleasing while keeping it affordable. They say that all of the parts and materials cost less than $60. They would also like to find a way to minimize the amount of power it uses so that it will be able to run off a watch battery.

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