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A “smart shoe” that allows people with visual impairments to walk without a cane

Shared by Patricia Pereira on 2015-06-15 17:25

About the solution

That’s why he set out to create a discrete device, so they feel more comfortable and that’s how the shoe came.

The shoe has three ultrasound sensors placed inside the sole – in the frontal, lateral, and back areas. The sensors emit ultrasound waves, which are reflected by surrounding objects and come back to the sensor. The shoe vibrates depending on the distance and position of the objects. The shoe is battery-powered and detects objects of all kinds: Plastic, concrete, metal, marble, wood, fabric, glass, person, door beams, animals, cars, beds, trees, etc. within a 25-inch (63.5 centimeter) radius of the wearer.

The device can be recharged with a USB port via computer or with a cell phone charger. It takes about five hours to fully charge, and it’s good for three to four days.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/1uBMP8y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WZpSCfDYNg

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

About the author

Juan Manuel Bustamante, born in Argentina, has designed shoes with ultrasonic sensors to detect objects of any material to help visually impaired and blind people. The device, which Juan manuel calls “Duspavoni,” measures the distance of objects and informs the person who wears the shoes through vibrations in the foot, which vary in intensity depending on the distance. This prototype would help blind people by replacing the conventional cane. He has a friend with vision problems and she told him that between the ages of 10 and 25 people usually reject a walking cane.

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