Crosswalk Assistance For The Visually Impaired

For the 21.2 million Americans who suffer from vision loss, crossing the street can be a stressful and potentially dangerous proposition. However, thanks to a partnership between UI engineers and commercial partner Campbell & Company, many visually impaired individuals soon may have a new tool that is already in their pockets – their cell phone.

Field tests currently are underway in Minnesota for a system utilizing features already available in many cellular phones including communications, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) functions and magnetic compasses. Specialized software allows these pedestrians to activate the crossing signal remotely without having to locate the physical button. Then, the GPS system monitors the position and direction of travel while crossing. As long as the crosser stays within the crosswalk, nothing happens. But stray outside the lines, and an audible warning activates alerting the pedestrian of their danger. It then provides directions on how to get back within the safety zone. Should the walker somehow end up in the middle of the intersection, the system automatically would turn every light red, stopping traffic and averting a potential disaster.

Impact

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If successful, this project not only has the potential to save numerous lives, it could also save time, money and energy. In order to implement the new system, researchers have developed a new way to wire the existing hardware stored in boxes at every stoplight that uses a technology called Ethernet over power line. By sending data over the unit’s power lines, the technology reduces a jumble of internal wires to only the two wires already required to power the unit.
Additionally, the collaboration between UI and Campbell & Company has the potential to utilize intellectual property to bring a new product to the market. Not only will this serve as a model for future endeavors, it could help the university grow into the future by supplying additional sources of funding.

Principal Contributors

Richard Wall, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
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