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Design And Construction Of A Magnetic Walking Stick For The Visually-Impaired

The design and construction of a magnetic walking stick for the visually-impaired involves integrating innovative technology to enhance mobility and safety for individuals with visual impairments. This assistive device utilizes magnetic sensors strategically placed at the tip of the walking stick to detect nearby magnetic fields, which are emitted by objects such as metal doors, vehicles, or street signs. By detecting these magnetic fields, the walking stick provides tactile feedback to the user, alerting them to potential obstacles or landmarks in their environment. Additionally, the walking stick can be equipped with features such as vibration alerts or audible cues to further assist users in navigating their surroundings effectively. The construction process involves careful calibration of the magnetic sensors, ergonomic design considerations for user comfort, and the integration of lightweight and durable materials to ensure ease of use and durability. Through this innovative design and construction approach, the magnetic walking stick offers a reliable and effective solution to improve mobility and independence for individuals with visual impairments, enhancing their quality of life and promoting inclusivity in diverse environments.

ABSTRACT

A white cane is used by the blind or the visually-impaired to scan the surroundings for obstacles and orientation marks, and find the correct path. The visually-impaired using a white cane still need a sighted guide when they need to walk down the street or use the stairs. This proposed project will help them reach their destination without much dependency on a sighted guide. It uses magnetic reed switches mounted on a specially-designed walking stick. The complete system requires magnetic tracks designed for the visually-impaired. It is built around two magnetic reed switches, 1.5V AA pencil cell, piezo buzzer, connecting wires and 1.27cm (1/2-inch) PVC pipe for construction. Two normally-open (NO)-type reed switches are placed at the bottom of the walking stick, which is connected to a buzzer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
AIM OF THE PROJECT
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT
ADVANTAGES OF THE PROJECT
PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT
APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT
RESEARCH QUESTION
PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
REVIEW OF THE RELATED STUDY

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

3.1 BASIC OF THE SYSTEM

3.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE SYSTEM

3.3 SYSTEM OPERATION

3.4 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

3.5 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

3.6 DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS USED

3.7 POWER SUPPLY UNIT

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 TESTING AND RESULTS

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE AND TESTING
INSTALLATION OF THE COMPLET DESIGN
ASSEMBLING OF SECTIONS
TESTING OF SYSTEM OPERATION
COST ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCES

Circuit and working

The circuit diagram of the walking stick for the visually-impaired is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1: Circuit diagram of magnetic walking stick for the visually-impaired

It is built around two magnetic reed switches, 1.5V AA pencil cell, piezo buzzer, connecting wires and 1.27cm (1/2-inch) PVC pipe for construction.

Two normally-open (NO)-type reed switches are placed at the bottom of the walking stick, which is connected to a buzzer. The proposed construction detail of the magnetic walking stick is shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2: Proposed construction detail of a magnetic walking stick

A suitable magnetic track should be constructed on the roads, street crossings, office corridors and the like. Whenever a user walks down the magnetic track along with this stick, reed switches get closed and activate the buzzer. Presence of the buzzer sound indicates that the user is following the right track or path. When the buzzer sound stops, the user understands that either he or she is walking on the wrong path, has reached the destination or it is time to ask for help from the people nearby.

Construction and testing

Take a 1.27cm PVC pipe and insert two reed switches and a 1.5V cell inside the pipe, as shown in Fig. 2. Mount the buzzer at a suitable location outside the pipe.

The whole system can be enclosed inside the PVC pipe and used as a white cane. The user does not need to carry any other device. He or she should always keep the tip of the walking stick near the magnetic track while walking. Fig. 3 shows the application of the project along the magnetic track (indicated in yellow).

Fig. 3: Walking along magnetic track

The piezo buzzer can be replaced with a vibrator. When the user goes on a wrong path, vibration stops. At this time, he or she can ask for help from other people around to guide him or her in the correct direction.