Science Fair Case Studies Eyes for Ice - science fair case studies for blind and visually impaired - tells of a high tech invention by a 7th Grader.

Experiments with Visually Impaired Blind and People
Based on my discussion with an official of a non-for-profit agency who works with the blind and visually impaired, I post my request on a user group (www.visuallyimpaired.yahoo). They said it would take a couple weeks before anyone would reply. I posted my request and waited for an answer.

• Case Study 1
  Mr. X (a blind person) and Mrs. Y (a visually impaired) replied. They where willing to test my product Eyes for Ice. They lived in Gastineau, Canada and where kind enough to invite me to there house. My interview is summarized below.

  What month is the worst time for black ice?
  March and February when the ice is starting to melt and is not melted yet.

  Can you detect ice with out any device?
  Some time, but hardly we can feel the slippery vibration.

  Are there any other ways to detect ice?
  Sometimes feel ice through our feet depending on the vibration. But this is always a challenge to the blind and visually impaired.

  Do you think a beeper should be attached to the mobility cane?
  No, I find beepers are kind of annoying.

  Can you detect water through your cane?
  Yes, when the cane passes through the water.

  
  

• Case Study 2
  Ms. Z, instructor for orientation and mobility, tested my product Eyes for Ice. After testing the device she gave two suggestions.

  Field of view: Blind and visually impaired should have a field view of shoulder width. If the field of view is more than shoulder width it will lead into a dilemma. The user might think the black ice is within the next few feet and prepare for it but really it is off to the side. This would lead into some problems and confusion.

  Sound: Ms. Z also claimed that the beeper was too low. She stated this would be a major dilemma, if a car is passing at the same time when my product detects ice. There is possibility that the user may not hear it.

  
  

• Case Study 3
  Mr. A., a blind person, said that he was willing to test my product Eyes for Ice. After testing the device on a driveway (which contained spot ice), he stated that my device was excellent and was very helpful. Unfortunately I could not interview him since he was rushing to his work. Conclusions and What would I do next time? To improve the lifestyle of blind and visually impaired people, my project developed an innovative technology.

Conclusions from my study are as follows

1. My research proved that there is no device available to detect black ice.
   
2. Based on discussion with CNIB, my product requirements were identified.
   
3. I identified suitable components, after extensive investigation and developed my product “Eyes for Ice.”
   
4. Eyes for Ice was tested at different ice intensities and proved that the technology can warn the user about black ice and snow.
   
5. Eyes for Ice was tested at different heights and performed well for five different heights.
   
6. Eyes for Ice was tested at different field of view and performed well up to1.2 m.
   
7. Human experiments with “Eyes for Ice” will be continued.
   
8. Overall, my hypothesis is correct and future study will replace the buzzer with a vibrator.

References
World Health organization Report, 2003.
Operation Eye Sight
World Health Organization
Opto electronics
Operation Eye Sight

Sathya listed his Acknowledgements, but because we do not have permission to put them online, they have been deleted.