The Mission
During college, our team of five students developed an assistive device aimed at improving the quality of life for deaf individuals. The goal: provide visual alerts to users in response to loud noises in their vicinity.
The Problem
Deaf individuals face daily safety challenges:
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Traffic hazards - unable to hear approaching vehicles
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Emergency alerts - sirens, alarms, warnings go unheard
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Social awareness - missing when someone calls their name
The Solution
A pair of glasses equipped with directional sound detection:
Hardware Components
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Two microphones - one on each side for directional sensing
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Two LEDs - positioned on each side for visual alerts
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Adjustable threshold - customizable sensitivity settings
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Lightweight design - comfortable for all-day wear
How It Works
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Microphones continuously monitor surrounding sounds
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When a noise exceeds the user-defined threshold, the system activates
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The LED on the corresponding side flashes
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User receives both alert AND directional information
The Impact
This device provides:
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Improved safety - awareness of approaching dangers
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Greater independence - confidence navigating public spaces
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Non-intrusive alerts - visual cues that don't disturb others
Personal Significance
This project deepened my commitment to assistive technology. The experience of building something that could genuinely improve someone's life was transformative. It planted seeds that would grow into my focus on prosthetics and human augmentation.