Shahd Mohammed Al-Omani, a computer engineering student at the University of Hafr Al-Batin, has not experienced blindness herself, but she empathized with the challenges faced by the visually impaired. This motivated her to apply her engineering skills to invent a smart cane and glasses designed to alert visually impaired individuals when they approach any objects, utilizing three levels of sensors.
According to Shahd, "I was moved by the story of a blind person and thought about how I could design an invention to alert the visually impaired of obstacles in their path, making it easier for them to navigate using the smart glasses and cane, helping them cope with the challenges faced by blind individuals of all ages, build confidence, and lead a normal life." She started with a simple project idea and, thanks to her family’s support and her university professors, she managed to transform her basic project into an innovative solution that serves this demographic.
Shahd added that the invention aids blind individuals when they come close to any object; the device emits a sound or vibration according to the person's preference, with the sound and vibration varying based on the height of the object. A touch sensor is integrated into the cane's handle to control distance; the device detects nearby objects up to 50 cm away and those farther away up to 150 cm. The developed cane and glasses are wirelessly connected to alert the visually impaired person of obstacles ahead at a safe distance to avoid them.
Regarding the importance of the device, Shahd stated, "The device makes life easier for visually impaired individuals safely, allowing them to lead their personal lives normally and easily while boosting their self-reliance." She is optimistic about the near future and mentioned that her invention is registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. She participated in the health innovation hackathon at King Saud University in Riyadh, as well as in the rural health conference at the University of Hafr Al-Batin.
She concluded by expressing her dream to further develop the device with enhanced accuracy and safety, adding numerous features to cater to visually impaired individuals, whether children, adults, or those with other health conditions, ensuring it meets all their needs. Additionally, she aspires to create a smart handle that can measure blood levels and heart rates to empower all visually impaired people to use the cane and glasses.
