5 ms·

Here's an idea. Add some spinning gyros in the handle (spinning perpendicular to the ground). Picture holding a bike wheel... Then when the sensors detect an

by proee 16y ago

Here's an idea. Add some spinning gyros in the handle (spinning perpendicular to the ground). Picture holding a bike wheel... Then when the sensors detect an object the axis of the gyro tilt so that it cause the cane to move in the opposite direction of the object. This way you can "feel" objects as opposed to hear them. Amen?

mhb 16y ago
Gyros + batteries = heavy
- vyksyt 16y ago
  Actually, MEMS gyros (~3-4v power requirement) with NiMh batteries (~8.4v) might work. Just mount batteries near the handle.
  - ars 16y ago
    He's not suggesting using the hydro to detect position. He's suggesting using it for force feedback.
- proee 16y ago
  One would have to run the numbers before coming to that conclusion. A gyro spinning in a vacuum is very efficient and Li-ion battery amper-hour rating are quite impressive (meaning it could be small) Even something like an actuator that rises up over the thumb to indicate an object might be better than an audible tone. In the city, traffic could easily swamp your little speaker. The thumb could rest on the actuator and have 5-degrees of freedom. Woot.