Problem
Indoor navigation needs fast, private, body-level feedback.
Blind and visually impaired people often need local obstacle awareness in indoor spaces where GPS is not useful. The prototype explores whether low-cost sensing and haptic feedback can provide directional awareness without requiring visual attention.
Design Question
Can obstacle direction become intuitive waist feedback?
The design maps left, center, and right obstacle signals to vibration groups around the waist. The core question is whether a user can quickly understand where an obstacle is through tactile cues instead of audio or visual alerts.
Prototype Architecture
Three sensors, one controller, six vibration motors.
- Three Time-of-Flight sensors detect left, center, and right obstacle distance.
- Arduino processes sensor readings and threshold logic.
- MOSFET motor driver board switches vibration motors safely.
- Six vibration motors are organized into left and right waist motor groups.
- Left obstacles trigger left vibration; right obstacles trigger right vibration.
- Center obstacles trigger vibration on both sides.
Interaction Logic
The signal becomes location-specific haptic action.
The prototype translates sensor distance readings into simple haptic feedback. The value is not only the hardware, but the design loop: sense the world, interpret the signal, and respond through a body-centered interface.
Testing
Early prototype testing focused on the feedback loop.
The first milestone is proof that the sensing-to-vibration pipeline works consistently. Future testing should include enclosure stability, comfort, wire routing, and formal evaluation with BVI participants.
Limitations
The prototype is functional, but not yet field-ready.
- Current wiring and motor placement need better physical integration.
- The system needs a 3D-printed enclosure and stable motor pockets.
- Distance thresholds should become adjustable for different spaces and users.
- Human-subject testing must be planned carefully and ethically.
Future Work
From prototype to usable assistive system.
- 3D-printed enclosure.
- Rechargeable battery system.
- Better wire routing.
- Stable motor pockets.
- Formal testing with BVI participants.
- Adjustable distance threshold.