Development of a textile integrated obstacle detection system for visually impaired people

随着人口老龄化，视力受损者的人数预计也会增加。因此 为他们提供辅助设备以维持或改善他们的生活质量至关重要。即使 白色手杖被广泛使用，它们允许检测地面上的障碍物，但不防止 与躯干或头部水平的物体碰撞。超声波检测设备是有用的，并提供反馈 但它们也是笨重的，沉重的，并使残疾人蒙羞。这是 iMerciv希望将EMFi材料嵌入纺织品中，并将其与振动传感器相结合， 提醒佩戴者有障碍物。振动传感器，在纺织品以及，将被定位在不同的 衬衫中的位置和振动的定位将指示对象的方向。的整合 纺织品中的这些元素将允许更谨慎和美观的外观，同时提供准确的反馈， 高水平的援助。 该项目将是CTT集团，Cegep de St-Hyacinthe和iMerciv之间新联盟的结果， 他们将首次合作加拿大的专门知识和存在将得到加强， 智能纺织品，以及残疾人辅助设备领域， 医疗费用。

With an ageing population, the number of visually impaired persons is expected to grow as well. Therefore, it is vital to provide them with assisting devices in order to maintain or improve their life quality. Even though white canes are widely used, they allow the detection of obstacles on the ground but do not prevent from collision with objects at the torso or head level. Ultrasonic detection devices are useful and provide feedbacks all around the person but they also are bulky, heavy and stigmatising for handicapped persons. This is the reason why iMerciv wants to embed EMFi materials into textile and coupled them with vibrating sensors to alert the wearer of an obstacle. The vibrating sensors, made in textile as well, will be positioned at different places in a shirt and the localisation of the vibrations will indicate the direction of the object. The integration of these elements in textile will allow a more discreet and aesthetic look while providing accurate feedbacks and high level of assistance. This project will be the result of a new alliance between CTT Group, Cegep de St-Hyacinthe and iMerciv since they will be working together for the first time. Canada's expertise and presence would be strengthened in smart textiles but also in the area of assisting devices for handicapped people which might positively impact the health expenses.