Our Video

Our solution is a lightweight, handheld radar device that a pedestrian with a visual impairment can use to receive feedback if a moving vehicle is in range. This device helps the user decide if they feel it is safe to cross the street. To use the PocketSight device, the user walks up to an intersection and pushes the transmit button. He or she points the device down the street, and is given feedback. If a moving vehicle is in range, the device gives feedback to the user via a beeping sound in headphones or a blinking LED array. The speed of the vehicle corresponds to the beeping rate of the headphones and the blinking rate of the LED array. Therefore, faster speed corresponds to faster beeping/blinking. The distance of the vehicle corresponds to the pitch of the beeping and the number of illuminated LEDs. A vehicle at a close distance results in a higher pitch beep and more illuminated LEDs. The user decides whether they want feedback via sound, light, or both by way of the feedback choice button. This device helps visually impaired pedestrians feel safer about their decision to cross the street. Figure 1 displays a graphical depiction of the intended use of this device.