Design of an improved electronics platform for the EyeRing wearable device

Abstract

This thesis presents a new prototype for EyeRing, a finger-worn device equipped with a camera and other peripherals. EyeRing is used in assistive technology applications, helping visually impaired people interact with uninstrumented environments. Applications for sighted people are also available to aid in learning, navigation, and other tasks. EyeRing is a wearable electronics device with an emphasis on natural gestural input and minimal interference. Previous prototypes used assemblies of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) control and sensing solutions. A more custom platform, consisting of two printed circuit boards (PCBs), peripherals, and firmware, was designed to make the device more usable and functional. Firmware was developed to ameliorate the communication capabilities, microcontroller functionality, and system power use. Improved features allow the pursual of previously unreachable application spaces. In addition, the smaller form factor increases usability and device acceptance. The new prototype improves power consumption by X, volume by Y, and throughput by Z. Video input is now available, etc.