Science Experiments
Eyes for Ice: an Innovative Technology
For Blind and Visually Impaired

As noted below, some informtion has been withheld because the Sathya's invention is in the midst of being patented. This is a very long and expensive process.

Background
In 2001, approximately forty five million people were blind and one hundred and thirty five million people were visually impaired. Every five seconds, one person in the world goes blind and every minute a newborn becomes blind. In 2001, in Canada about two hundred and ninety thousand people were blind from ages fifteen to sixty-five.

The blind and visually impaired face many hurdles in everyday life. Tools for the blind and visually impaired are progressing day-by-day. Each new technology and software is a step closer for blind people in leading an independent lifestyle.

Hypothesis
By applying technology, I predict a product can be developed to detect ice. For this hypothesis, I carried out four experiments - Experiment #1 (Ice intensity factor), Experiment #2 (Height factor), Experiment #3 (Range factor) and Experiment #4 (Human factor). If these experiments performed well, then my technology can improve the lifestyle of blind and visually impaired people.

Problem
Blind and visually impaired people face many hurdles in their life. In Canada and most of the Northern part of Unites Sates of America, black ice is a hazard. Even though so many tools are available in the society, none aids them for the hurdle of detecting black ice. My project attempts to overcome this hazard.

Phase 1 (July 2005) – Research: Types of Traveling Canes
I started the research phase in July, 2005. Cane is a commonly used tool to aid the blind and visually impaired. There are three types of canes, White support cane, Identification cane and Mobility cane.

The height of the White Support Cane can be adjusted to suit the user. It is very sturdy, with a skid-free rubber foot white with red bottom section and black handle.

This cane is not only meant to help the user in finding objects but to give support so that the user will not fall. The cane has a hard sole making it very sturdy giving the user more safety. It can be used to find objects.

The Identification Cane is one of the most common types of cane for blind people. Identification Canes are more to warn people that the user is blind.

It is useful because it can be folded into a small bundle for transportation. It can be used to detect objects but it is not as efficient as the other canes.

The long mobility cane can use as a bumper and a probe. It is used mainly for unfamiliar places. It needs special training from National Institute of Blind orientation and mobility instructor.

This cane is longer than any other cane. Due to its long structure, it is hard to operate. It is sweep back and forth just like any other cane for use. It can detect objects better than white or identification canes.

Not lots of people own this cane because of complexity to use and training requirement.





Phase 2 (August 2005) Product Requirements
(detail of the product itself is not listed on purpose).

I started my second phase of requirements gathering in August, 2005. While having a discussion with an associated that works with the blind. They made suggestions as to what to include in my product, which I did achieved.

Phase 3 (December 2005) Building My Product
I started this phase in December of 2005.(detailed information has been withheld on purpose)

Science Fair Projects - Eyes for Ice is continued where you can view the experiments and results for the science projects for blind and visually impaired people.