Projects
-
Wayfinding for blind persons using camera cell phones
We have developed a system that allows blind persons to find their way in an unfamiliar environment using a regular camera cell phone. Locations of interest are labeled with specialized color marker that are detected quickly and robustly by the cell phone. A blind user can thus be guided through these landmarks to destination.
Bagherinia, Bin, Gray, Manduchi. Work in collaboration with J. Coughlan of SKERI. Research funded by NIH and NSF.
-
Environment exploration using a virtual white cane
The long cane is the most widely used mobility tool for blind people. It allows one to extend touch and to "preview" the lower portion of the space in front of oneself. We are designing laser-based hand-held devices that enable environment exploration without the need for physical contact. Using active triangulation, our devices can identify obstacles and other features that are important for safe ambulation (such as steps and drop-offs).
Ilstrup, Yuan, Manduchi. Research funded by NSF.
-
Watch your head: A wearable sensor for head-level collision warning
We are developing a wearable system based on miniaturized ultrasound transducers that warns a blind person when he or she is about to hit their head against an obstacle. Neither the long cane nor a guide dog provide protection against obstacles above waist level. This system can be considered as a secondary electronic travel aid, complementing the use of a long cane or a guide dog. Since neither the long cane nor a guide dog provide protection against obstacles above waist level, this device has an important function in extending the “preview” space in front of a blind person, reducing the risk of collision and possibly increasing self–confidence and independence
Jameson, Manduchi. Research funded by NSF.
-
Teenvity: Persuasive Technologies to assist and motivate teenagers to be physically active
A lack of physical activity and increased sedentary lifestyles are some of the main contributers to increased obesity and overweight prevalence in teenagers, adoscents, and adults. Obesity increases the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers, which can have severe negative effects on the quality of lives for individuals. To help combat obesity, we are developing a mobile application to extrinsically and intrinsically motivate teenagers to be physically active. Our system includes physical activity based games, motivational agents, and automatic logging of activity in the system. The goal of this work is to explore and develop design guidelines for such systems using user centered design methods and established theoretical frameworks from psychology and health sciences.
-
The Prepared Partner: An advanced birth partner trainer simulation game
Labor and childbirth can be overwhelming, but with the proper preparation, it can instead be empowering. It has been shown that emotional, informational, and physical support is key in shortening labor, increasing maternal happiness, and decreasing the need for costly and painful interventions during labor. This video game training tool aims to train birth partners and first-time moms about the stages of labor, natural coping mechanisms, and interventions, while dispelling the myths of childbirth.