Department News
Smart Cane gives a new direction
July 29, 2009 - More than one million people in the United States are visually impaired, and according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the biggest challenges for these individuals are the ability to determine direction and travel freely from place to place.
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While common tools available today include canes or guide dogs, a group of engineering students at Central Michigan University say they have designed another tool to improve mobility. The Smart Cane is a device that detects obstacles and provides navigation cues by using Radio Frequency Identification technology - similar to what some major retailers use to tag merchandise to prevent theft. "We are one of the first to research the use of RFID technology outdoors," said Kumar Yelamarthi, a CMU assistant professor of engineering and project leader. "We're very excited about what this project will lead to." The Smart Cane, which has an ultrasonic sensor mounted on it, is paired with a messenger-style bag that is worn across the shoulder. A miniature navigational system inside the bag and the Smart Cane work together to detect RFID tags located on mini flags sticking out of the ground. |
Kumar Yelamarthi, a CMU assistant professor of engineering, stands back as CMU seniors Chris Zeleney (left) and Wil Martin (right) explain how the Smart Cane works with the RFID technology. |
One thing you have to do
CMU's engineering majors complete design projects as part of the curriculum. One example is the annual cardboard boat race for freshman engineering students, which was named one of the "101 Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate" by Sports Illustrated on Campus.