Wearable Haptic-Response Object Sensing for the Visually Impaired

The paper presents a millimeter wave object detection technology for the visually impaired. A non-invasive PCB is designed to be used at shoe level combining with Body Area Networks (BANs) for tripping hazard detection. An accelerometer is used for calculating the orientation of the PCB. Time of Arrival (TOA) estimates derived from the Millimeter wave module trigger diverse haptic responses through DC Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) vibration motors. The device is engineered not to disrupt existing aids like white canes for the visually impaired.