ExploraVision Program – The Ocular
We have one last entry to show you from the world’s largest K-12 science and technology competition!
Students from St. Catherine’s Gifted Program were selected from over 4,800 entries across Canada and the US for Honourable Mention in the Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) ExploraVision Program.
Big congratulations to all of the students who participated!
From left to right: Marcin, Erica, Sarah
Invention: The Ocular
Details: The Ocular is a GPS device for the visually impaired. It has a camera at the front so the GPS is almost like eyes. It has a microphone so that the user is able to give directions to where he/she wants to go, and it has speakers on both sides of the head so that the user can clearly hear the Ocular’s directions. The Ocular’s camera will scan the area so that it knows where the person is at that moment, then the Ocular’s wireless connectivity and global positioning system will search for directions based on the desired destination. The Ocular will give detailed instructions on how to get there on foot. For example the instructions might be: walk five medium-sized steps, stop, and then you’ll find a crossroad. Cross to the other side and take 11 medium-sized steps.
I spoke to team member Erica about the Ocular.
OWL: Why did you create the Ocular?
Erica: We were brainstorming different ideas that would help a lot of people. Then we thought of people who are visually impaired and we wanted to help them go places without having a walking stick or guide dog.
OWL: What sort of skills came in handy while working on this project?
Erica: Writing skills, design skills, and web graphics.
OWL: What advice do you have for others who are interested in science and technology inventions?
Erica: Make sure that you research past inventions related to yours. For us, we had to think of guide dogs. You should understand the impact of past inventions and include them in your brainstorm.
To find out more about the ExploraVision program, click here.
I really enjoyed hearing about each of these projects and best of luck to all of the entrants next year.
A special thanks to Mr. Stephen Halliday who worked hard to make these blog posts happen!
-Kim, owlblog@owlkids.com
