Fingersight
What is it:
A cheap, convenient assistive technology for the visually impaired for navigation and localization.
Who worked on it: Invented by Dr. George Stetten, this project has been an ongoing development of the Visualization and Image Analysis Laboratory (VIA Lab) at the University of Pittsburgh with partnership with the Robotics Institute and Psychology department at Carnegie Mellon University.
My Roles:
1/ the sole repair, maintenance, data collection, and operation the OptoTrack Certus
2/ fabrication of the harness, including CAD modeling and customization
3/ training and unsupervised run of IRB approved human subject experimentation
4/ data organization from human subject trials
How does it work:
Relying on a camera and computer vision, the device can detect objects of choice. After the visual input is received, information about the location of the object is processed. The user then receives vibrational cues based off anatomical orientation to guide the user to the object.
Why:
Accessibility should be at the forefront at bioengineering design. Being a part of the VIA Lab means collaboration between different genders, races and ability to achieve optimal design.
Rapid Prototyping Timeline
Selected Presentations
For more information and access to FingerSight publications, go to https://www.vialab.org/main/Publications/OriginalPapers.html
Sources:
S. Satpute, J. Canady, R. L. Klatzky and G. Stetten, "FingerSight: A Vibrotactile Wearable Ring for Assistance with Locating and Reaching Objects in Peripersonal Space," in IEEE Transactions on Haptics. doi: 10.1109/TOH.2019.2945561
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=8861082&isnumber=4543166
Canady, J. R., Satpute, S. A., Klatzky, R. L., & Stetten, G. (2018, October). Validating FingerSight with a 3D Infrared Tracking System. Accepted abstract for Science 2018, Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh.
Satpute, S. A., Canady, J. R., Klatzky, R. L., & Stetten, G. (2019, March). FingerSight: A Device for the Blind. Poster session presented at Carnegie Mellon Forum on Biomedical Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA: Carnegie Mellon.
Canady, J. R., Satpute, S. A., Klatzky, R. L., & Stetten, G. (2018, October). Validating FingerSight with a 3D Infrared Tracking System. Poster session presented at BMES Annual Meeting 2018, Atlanta, GA.