Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6

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1 September 22 nd 2011 Dr. Andrew Rawicz School of Engineering Science Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC V5A 1S6 Re: ENSC 440 Project Proposal for Proximity Detector for the Visually Impaired Dear Dr. Rawicz, Our team at PROXIMIview Technologies Ltd. proposes to develop a Proximity Detector for the Visually Impaired. Our goal is to design, implement, and test a programmable unit that uses data from ultrasonic sensors to detect the proximity of objects from the user and provide feedback to the person by alerting them of the object ahead. The attached proposal outlines the overview of the design, sources of funding, the investors and our proposed budget. A company structure has been provided which identifies roles of each member. We have also provided a proposed schedule for the completion of the project. It also discusses various alternate forms of solutions existing in the market. PROXIMIview Technologies is comprised of four talented, dynamic and motivated engineering students namely Renuka Rani, Gary Brykov, Sajith Kulasekare and Marish Lalwani. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel to contact me by phone ( ) or by (PROXIMIview@gmail.com). Thank you very much for your consideration. Yours sincerely, Renuka Rani Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PROXIMIview Technologies Ltd. Enclosed: Proposal for Proximity Detector for the Visually Impaired

2 PROXIMIVIEW TECHNOLOGIES Proposal for a Wearable Proximity Detector to Aid the Visually Impaired Contact Person: Gary Brykov gba2@sfu.ca Submitted To: Andrew Rawicz ENSC 440 Mike Sjoerdsma ENSC 305 School of Engineering Science Simon Fraser University Issue Date: September 22, 2011 ENSC 440/305 Simon Fraser University

3 PROXIMIVIEW TEAM Renuka Rani Sajith Kulasekare Gary Brykov Marish Lalwani CEO CTO CFO COO

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Statistics show that every 12 minutes in Canada, someone develops blindness or vision loss [8]. Also according to Statistics Canada, an estimated 836,000 Canadians aged 15 years and older are currently living with significant vision loss [2]. Considering the case across the border, according to the American Foundation for the Blind an estimated 25.2 million American adults have vision limitations [7]. Out of the 836,000 Canadians 78.5% have a mild to medium severity and the rest of the 21.5% are severely impaired [3]. This makes visually imapired people very vulnerable to mishaps such as accidents. Therein lies the need for assistive devices. Hence, people with severely impaired vision would use the assistive devices than the people with mild to medium limitations. People with the mild to medium limitations would use magnifying glasses and larger font size for text. Statistics have pointed out a very important fact which gives the relationship between the need versus availability of these assistive devices for the visually impaired of the mild to medium and the severe categories. According to Statistics Canada, 19.6%, i.e one in every five people with a severely impaired vision demanded the need for assistive devices but said that they were not available. Also 6.1% of the mild to medium population also showed their grievances regarding the availability of such products. Another interesting fact that showed up was the cost factor of these products. 38% of the population said that the exorbitant prices of these products hindered them from using these glasses [3]. Therefore, this proposal outlines the planned approach by our company, PROXIMIview Technologies. We would like to address the above mentioned critical issues and provide a genuine technological solution which would be robust and would not be susceptible to various common fallacies. Our goal for this project is the betterment of human society and helping the needy. We aim to build a device that acts as a proximity detector for objects for the visually impaired. This device would alert the user through a feedback unit composed of a vibrator and an automated voice message that would let the user know about the direction of the object relative to user s position. After putting in a lot of effort in researching the problem, we have come up with a cost-effective and user-friendly design for our product. We have split the project up into four stages namely design, development, integration, and testing the proof of concept. The estimated budget for the first working prototype has been set to around CAD 500. The funding for the development of this product has been provided by the Engineering Science Student Endowment Fund (ESSEF). We would diligently work in a scheduled manner and plan to finish up the final product by December i

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary... i List of Figures... iii List of Tables... iv 1.0 Introduction System Overview Existing Solutions Proposed Design Method Budget and Funding Project Timeline Company Organizations Conclusion References ii

6 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1: Conceptual system design... 2 Figure 2.2: System block diagram of the PROXIMIview module...3 Figure 3.1: GuideCane... 4 Figure 3.2: Tactile Wand... 4 Figure 3.3: Guide Dog... 4 Figure 3.4: White Cane... 5 Figure 4.1: High-level block diagram of the proposed solution... 6 iii

7 LIST OF TABLES Table 5.1: Tentative development budget breakdown... 7 Table 6.1: Gantt Chart... 8 Table 6.2: Milestone Chart... 8 iv

8 1.0 INTRODUCTION What a blind person needs is not a teacher but another self - Helen Keller The proverb above describes the motive behind the development of this product for the visually impaired. Owing to the statistics pointed out in the Executive Summary, we wanted to task our innovative minds by making use of existing technologies and our knowledge to build a product that would be of immense help to the visually impaired without them having to give a second thought. There have been various devices that have been proposed and their prototypes have been introduced in the market. One particular system was devised by the European Union s Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen in Italy. The RFID detector is solely based on one of the most important features of Electronics Engineering, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This is done by the means of placing RFID tags on the sidewalks and as soon as a blind person s cane walks over the RFID tag environment, it activates the RFID chip and it send its it unique tag number to a smart phone that the user carries. The database in the phone maps the tag numbers and provides information of the user s surroundings through a Bluetooth headset which is connected to the phone. But there is a flaw in the use of the central database as it can be easily tampered with and hence cannot be controlled by anyone. Also an issue arises when a blind person is lost in the city trying to find a transponder [6]. Therefore, to mitigate the above mentioned fallacies our company, PROXIMIview Technologies has come up with a user friendly, affordable and effective solution. The objective of our design is divided into two levels. The first level deals with the use ultrasonic sensors to detect the distance of the object from the user. The second level processes this information and sends a feedback to the user. The feedback unit in our system is comprised of a vibrator and an automated direction sensing message. The vibrator would be used to alert the relative proximity of the object to the user. The closer the user gets to the object the higher the vibrations. We chose to send an automated voice message to the user that alerts the user of the direction of the object relative to the user`s position. This document provides an overview of our product, as it briefly discusses design considerations, project scheduling and funding. Alternate forms of solutions have been discussed. The major challenges to be overcome during the entire course of the development of this product would mainly be designing and integrating the product, budgeting, time management and market research. 1

9 2.0 SYSTEM OVERVIEW As shown in 2.1, the assistive device aims to utilize three ultrasonic sensors mounted on sunglasses to alert the user of any obstacles at eye-level. The feedback provided to the user will be auditory and tactile in nature. The ultrasonic sensors will be connected to a microcontroller via lightweight and flexible wiring. The microcontroller, feedback devices, and battery will be housed in a single weatherproof enclosure. Auditory feedback options will include speakers, as well as a 3.5 mm jack if the user wishes to use headphones. Volume control for the speakers will also be included. The ON/OFF switch will be designed keeping in mind that a visually impaired person will be its main operator. In addition, facts such as the enclosure will most likely rest in a pocket, which leaves the ON/OFF switch prone to being accidentally toggled, will be taken into consideration. Figure 2.1: Conceptual design of the system In order to not leave the user with dying/dead batteries, a battery low indicator will also be included, again, relying on both auditory and tactile feedback. 2

10 Figure 2.2 shows the system block diagram. The ultrasonic sensors scan for objects in front of the user, and when an object is detected, feedback is sent to the user. The same applies for when the battery is low in charge. Visually impaired person uses PROXIMIview product Do nothing No Object detected using ultrasonic sensor Battery Low No Do nothing Yes Yes Auditory or tactile feedback given to user about presence of object Auditory or tactile feedback given to user to replace batteries Figure 2.2: System block diagram of the PROXIMIview module 3

11 3.0 EXISTING SOLUTIONS 3.1 GuideCane GuideCane consists of ultrasound sensors installed in a robotic cane that assists the visually impaired to avoid obstacles in their path. Data from the sensors is interpreted from the built in computer and the best route is calculated every 50 milliseconds. The steering command is felt through the physical force on the handle which helps users maneuver around obstacles conveniently. Inability to detect over hanging obstacles and accessibility issues (coping with stairs) are some of the drawbacks of the GuideCane. 3.2 Tactile Wand Figure 3.1: GuideCane [4] Conceptualized by Jin Woo Han, the tactile wand uses a proximity sensor to detect an object and uses strength of vibrations to indicate distance between the object and the wand. The tactile wand increases mobility of the visually impaired, by eliminating the use of the traditional stick. Not being able to detect harmful objects such as man holes is one of the drawbacks of the Tactile Wand. 3.3 Guide Dog Figure 3.2: Tactile Wand [1] Dogs can be trained to provide assistance to the visually impaired. They can be trained to find specific destinations, plan a clear route from a distance and maneuver around obstacles with ease. Downside of using guide dogs as assistance is the cost, high maintenance and extensive amount of training required for both the guide dog and the user. Figure 3.3: Guide Dog [5] 4

12 3.4 White Cane The most common equipment used by the visually impaired due to its versatility, low maintenance cost and inexpensiveness. It helps to detect obstacles, uneven surfaces such as stairs, puddles and manholes. The disadvantage of using a white cane is the limited tactile information available within the users reach and not being able to detect overhanging objects. Significant short comings of the existing technologies Figure 3.4: White Cane [9] Inability to detect overhanging objects at eye level, which poses the considerable threat to the visually impaired The lack of smart feedback on how to manoeuvre around obstacles Cost increases significantly with complexity of visual aids Most of the mentioned electronic assistive devices use Infra Red Proximity sensors which fail to work efficiently under ambient light No significant indication of battery level for the visually impaired Inconvenience and lack of agility Complexity of the training (Guide Dogs) 5

13 4.0 PROPOSED DESIGN METHOD The battery will provide power to both the ultrasonic sensors and the Arduino Uno Microcontroller. To implement the auditory feedback, an Arduino Voice Shield TM produced by Spikenzie labs will be used. Speakers will be connected to the Voice Shield TM (VS), and the 3.5mm jack is integrated in the VS. The VS can store up to 4 minutes of audio, which is plenty of space for implementing the assistive device. There will be several inputs to the microcontroller one from each of the ultrasonic sensors used and one from the voltage indicator circuit. Its outputs will drive the feedback mechanism the Arduino VS and the vibrating module. Arduino Voice Shield Sensor Array Feedback Unit Vibrating Module MCU Voltage Indicator Speaker System Battery Pack Figure 4.1: High level block diagram of the proposed solution 6

14 5.0 BUDGET AND FUNDING The table below contains the tentative development budget for the PROXIMIview Technologies Wearable Proximity Detector for the Visually Impaired. All parts and components for the development of the prototype are to be sourced from various reputable online vendors and local electronics shops. Our team predicts that possible modifications to the design at various development stages could increase the budget by 25%, therefore we have accounted for a contingency fund should this development cost increase occur. Table 5.1: Tentative development budget breakdown Component Cost (CAD) Arduino Microcontroller Starter Kit $39.95 Arduino VoiceShield $55.95 PING))) Ultrasonic Sensor $63.76 HX40TRC Ultrasonic Sensor $42.00 Mini Speaker 15mm $7.00 LilyPad Vibe Board $14.95 LM Volt Regulator $3.00 Weatherproof Enclosure $50.00 Battery $40.00 PCB Fabrication $ Miscellaneous Electrical Components $50.00 Shipping Costs $50.00 Contingency Fund $ Total Projected Budget $ It is important to point out that the above projected development budget is structured around the development of a prototype device. Since component and manufacturing costs decrease with mass volume purchasing, the development budget for the final, consumer-ready device is disregarded for this proposal. The design and manufacturing of the device contains considerable development costs for a student project, therefore a partial outside funding source has been considered and obtained. PROXIMIview Technologies has obtained funding from the Engineering Science Student Endowment Fund (ESSEF) in the amount of $500 CAD. This funding grant is conditional on our company returning - upon completion of the project - any and all components that the Engineering Science Student Society (ESSS) deems valuable and useful enough to be used in future student projects at Simon Fraser University. Since the amount granted by the ESSEF accounts for only 65.9% of the total projected development costs, our company may seek out additional funding from the Wighton Development Fund as well as the Canadian National Institution for the Blind (CNIB). Finally, if needed, the four members of PROXIMIview Technologies may need to provide any remaining financial costs in order to achieve successful completion of the device. 7

15 6.0 PROJECT TIMELINE Table 6.1 illustrates the projected schedule for different tasks throughout the course of the project. Table 6.1: Gantt Chart Table 6.2 shows important dates and deadlines for the proposed project. Table 6.2: Milestone Chart 8

16 7.0 COMPANY ORGANIZATION Company Profile PROXIMIview thrives on the idea of providing affordable assistive devices to the visually impaired combining functionality, accuracy, aesthetic appeal and comfort. Our products will be thoroughly tested to assure the highest quality for the safety of our users. PROXIMIview Team consists of four remarkable engineering students: Renuka Rani, Gary Brykov, Marish Lalwani and Sajith Kulasekare. Comprised of three Electronics engineering students and one Systems Engineering Student, the PROXIMIview Team combines software skills, hardware skills and business administration skills required to successfully launch our product. Employee Profiles Renuka Rani Chief Executive Officer Responsible for general product overview, presiding over organization s day-to-day operations, ensuring the flow of communication (within the team, professors, or outside sources), and making high-level decisions Ms. Rani is an enthusiastic and dedicated senior Electronics Engineering student with exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills. In addition to excellent hardware and software skills gained through her coursework at Simon Fraser University and work experiences as a Software Systems Specialist and Touch Panel Developer at Research In Motion, Ms. Rani has an adaptable and resourceful personality with the ability to meet even the most challenging goals due to her outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills. Sajith Kulasekare Chief Technical Officer isk2@sfu.ca Responsible managing technical documentation, working closely on both hardware and software aspects of the project, following safety precautions, and research and development Mr. Kulsasekare s hardware skills include extensive knowledge of lab equipments, electronic components, circuit design and testing. Software skills include Programming using C/C++, Assembly language, VHDL and MATLAB, Microcontroller interfacing and Audio/ Video compression using MATLAB. Interpersonal skills include excellent organizational skills, communication skills and documentation skills. 9

17 Gary Brykov Chief Financial Officer Responsible for financial planning, shaping the strategy of the organization and overseeing operations while keeping financial constraints in mind As one of the founders of PROXIMIview Technologies, Gary Brykov is currently a fifth-year student at Simon Fraser University. He is studying Engineering Science and is a candidate for a Bachelor s Degree with a Major in Systems Engineering. Through valuable systems control courses offered at the university as well as year-long co-op work terms at companies such as Powertech Labs and PBA Engineering, Mr. Brykov has obtained technical skills in the fields of microcontrollers, sensors and actuators, control systems, and computer hardware and software programming. Gary also has a workable knowledge of corporate business dynamics, budgeting, and a keen sense of entrepreneurship. Marish Lalwani Chief Operating Officer mla17@sfu.ca Responsible for ensuring effectiveness of business operations and lowering costs through optimizations in strategy, people, and technologies Marish Lalwani has a strong background in Electronics Engineering and Software Development. Through his experience in the industry, Mr. Lalwani brings with him experience in the field of Software Development, Software Testing and Web Development, a strong background in various software languages such as C++, embedded C, scripting languages such as Tcl/TK, Perl, Shell Scripting, core Web Development languages such as PHP, Javascript, ASP and problem solving in engineering context. Mr. Lalwani`s past experience includes Platform Developer/Software Test Engineer at Tellabs and Software Developer at Nokia Canada. In addition, his past projects have given him a good understanding of analog and digital circuits. 10

18 8.0 CONCLUSION The proposal demonstrates the diligence of PROXIMIView Technologies Ltd. in the betterment of daily lives of the visually impaired. With the development of this product, we are dedicated in applying technology as it will help the visually impaired move with the same ease and confidence as a sighted person. The implementation of our proposed design would empower the visually impaired with the detection of the objects and their relative proximity from them. Our proposal is more cost-effective and superior to the various aforementioned alternate forms of solutions. We have provided information about our investors. By combining our various technical skills and strong work ethics, our team of four dedicated engineers would greatly help in the completion of the product in a timely manner. The Gantt and the Milestone Chart would be completely accordingly. We are confident of successfully demonstrating a working prototype by December

19 9.0 REFERENCES [1] D. Melanson. Tactile Wand concept aims to aid the visually impaired. Internet: 7, 2008 [Sep. 20, 2011]. [2] FAQ About Vision Loss. Internet: [Sep. 22, 2011]. [3] Facts on Seeing Limitations. Internet: [Sep. 22, 2011]. [4] J. Beard. Robots Lead The Blind. Internet: 20, 2011]. [5] J.D. Tabb. Guide Dogs for the Blind. Internet: Jan. 22, 2011 [Sep, 20, 2011]. [6] M.E. Peck. RFID Tags Guide the Blind. Internet: Jan [Sep. 22, 2011]. [7] Statistical Snapshots. Internet: [Sep. 22, 2011]. [8] Vision Loss and Productivity: New CNIB Study Shines Light on Employment Issues. Internet: [Sep. 22, 2011]. [9] White Cane. Internet: Sep 14, 2011 [Sep, 20, 2011]. 12