Background Material
1. Walking Sticks
- They are usually made out of lightweight wood or plastic.
- Metal is not ideal because it can easily heat up.
2. The Parallax Ping Ultrasonic Sensor
- Can detect an object up to 3 meters away.
- Is compatible with the Arduino
Here is a link to a video describing the functions of the Parallax Ping Ultrasonic Sensor.
3. 8 Ohm Speaker
- Will emit a beeping sound when the ultrasonic sensor senses an object.
- This speaker is also compatible with the Arduino.
- it process the coding and enables the sensors to receive this code
- is a single board micro-controller
- it senses the environment by receiving input from the sensors.
Tutorials
Making the Walking Stick
1. Obtain a long pipe, end caps, elbow pipe, and a handle.
2. Cut the PVC pipe with a saw or any other cutting device to the desired length (in this case 38 inches)
3. Connect all of the pieces together
A. Put an end cap on bottom of pipe and attach elbow pipe to the top.
B. Connect handle with elbow pipe and place another end cap on top.
4. Spray paint the walking stick, handle, and end caps with desired colors.
Drilling Holes in Stick and Other Parts
1. Drill a hole 7 inches from the bottom of the stick for the Ultrasonic Sensor
2. Drill another hole 1 inch from the bottom of the connecting piece
3. Drill two smaller holes through the center of the pipe.
4. Buy an electrical box 3x2x1 and also spray paint it white.
5. Drill a hole on the top part of the box for the switch and cut out a small hole for the 9V battery adapter.
6. Drill a hole on the inside of the box and another one corresponding with the stick so the wires can run through the pipe and into the box. (this box is 2 inches from the bottom of the connecting piece)
Drilling Holes in Stick and Other Parts
1. Drill a hole 7 inches from the bottom of the stick for the Ultrasonic Sensor
2. Drill another hole 1 inch from the bottom of the connecting piece
3. Drill two smaller holes through the center of the pipe.
4. Buy an electrical box 3x2x1 and also spray paint it white.
5. Drill a hole on the top part of the box for the switch and cut out a small hole for the 9V battery adapter.
6. Drill a hole on the inside of the box and another one corresponding with the stick so the wires can run through the pipe and into the box. (this box is 2 inches from the bottom of the connecting piece)
Soldering Wires Together
1. In order to solder wires to an ultrasonic sensor, three wires are needed: ground (black), power (red), and signal (green).
2. Watch the video below that shows the process of soldering the power wire to the sensor.
3. Repeat process two more times with other two wires (ground and signal).
**Note: make sure to connect the wires to the appropriate location (color coded) on the sensor**
The finished product should look like this!
Soldering The Wires To the Speaker/Switch
1. Obtain two black wires and cut them 6 inches.
2. Then solder both wires to the hooks to the back of the 8 Ohm speaker.
3. Connect the adapter to the battery.
4. Connect the black and red wires to the plug on the adapter.
5. Then solder the red wires to the switch.
Connect Everything Together
1. Tie the sensor and speakers to the appropriate spots.
2. Run the wires from the sensors and speakers through the stick and into the box.
3. Lastly connect all of the wires, battery, and adapter to the Arduino.
FAQ's
Q: Will the walking stick made out of PVC pipes be able to withstand weight?
A: Yes, the pipe can withstand the weight and force that an average sized adult can produce.
Q: How will the person know when there is an object approaching?
A: The ultrasonic sensor will make a sound when an object is approaching to notify the vision impaired person.
Q: Why not just use an existing walking stick and attach the needed materials to it?
A: The inside of the pipe had to be hollow in order to run the wires through, which ordinary walking sticks do not possess.
Q: What is the main motivation of making the stick?
A: To help the visually impaired become more independent and be able to detect objects approaching.
Q: What is the main motivation of making the stick?
A: To help the visually impaired become more independent and be able to detect objects approaching.
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