• March Project Log Entry

    Jamil Mangrio • 04/17/2018 at 05:45 • 0 comments

    While I am conscious of the packaging issue, I am becoming more and more confident in using an eight zone system with two sets of zones for various distances as opposed the initial four zone idea. This increases the range of the device while also maintaining the refined close distance usability, making it a more practical device overall. I also looked more in depth into having a graduated increase in haptic output for more closely detected objects. I do not yet know the range of output that my planned motors will be able to produce, but I expect to implement some sort of identifying signal which can make clear to the user how close the obstacle is. Whether it be a more intense vibration, or a series of short vibration which increases in number the closer something gets, I plan on implementing some sort of identifier. This may work well with the two groups of zones for shorter or longer distances, but I would also have to come up with an identifier between those two. Additionally, I would have to account for the issue of separating these identifiers and having them be short enough to allow the device to give as continuous feedback as possible without getting stuck on one signal for too long. These issues will be solved with testing and trials for various haptic patterns. I may end up resorting to a system like Morse Code to make clear distinctions between things, but I doubt I will end up there; that is quite a complex system for the relatively simple information that this device should be outputting.

  • February Project Log

    Jamil Mangrio • 04/16/2018 at 19:27 • 0 comments

    I am currently planning on using a head-mounted design. The benefits of this are that it would be easy to take on and off as a sort of helmet, and that it would be easy for the user to keep their bearings, as we are used to hearing with respect to our head, not our body (meaning that even if the head is turned, the user understands where the sound, or in this case, the haptic output, is coming from.) A downside to this design is going to be packaging. With the current design, the wiring and components will be quite cramped on this helmet. It will take careful wiring and meticulous fastening to ensure that the device remains accurate. This may prove difficult with eight zones, so it may be a reason to stick to only four.