wiiCane version 3.0

This new version of the wiiCane is a significant improvement over the previous one. The construction is similar to version 2.0 (machined and welded aluminum), but it is smaller and lighter. the aluminum fixture is very rigid, so you can really feel every nuance of tactile information transmitted up the shaft of the cane. It also seems to be well-balanced, regardless of how you point the wii remote. So, with this design we can experiment with a variety of light placements, including at the goal end of the course, on the floor, on the ceiling, or on the user's body. We now have to decide whether to use the adjustable length cane, or if we should just make four of fived fixed length versions. If everyone agrees that this is a good approach, I will ask Accufab up in Ithaca to make five more, and we can experiment with various finishes and branding strategies (logos, etc.)

WiiCane version 2.0

This version of the WiiCane is made by chopping standard graphite shaft cane and removing an 8" section near the grip. We then installed a custom aluminum fabrication that returns the cane to its original length. the aluminum part holds a pivoting cradle, which in turn holds the Wii Remote device. The device can be pivoted around 360 degrees without significantly unbalancing the cane so that we can test using IR light sources in various positions. In terms of balance, stiffness and general feel, this version is considerably better than the previous plastic one. The tradeoff here was weight. This version is significantly heavier than version 1.0, and so we have re-engineered the part. It will arrive this week from Accufab in Ithaca. I will put together a new prototype for testing and see if the aluminum version will work. The next cane-based question is whether we should use multiple fixed-length canes or if we should try using an adjustable length cane. Gene is looking into that question now.

Research on veering

According to an article in the New York Times, our work on WiiCane is highly relevant to ongoing research in the multi-sensory perception. The article discusses work by Dr. Jan L. Souman of Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. Dr. Souman is seeking scientific explanations for the "lost hiker" phenomenon, where people without access to visual cues always loop back on themselves when they are intending to walk in a straight line. One interesting outcome of this work is that it debunks the theory that the tendency to veer is an outcome of one leg being shorter than the other, since circling can happen in either direction (in the same individual). While WiiCane is not intended as a training system for hikers, I think we should pay attention to this parallel line of inquiry. If we can demonstrate that, using corrective and supportive audio and/or vibratory feedback, it is possible to teach people to walk straight, the research community may be interested to know about this. I sent Dr. Souman an email about WiiCane, I will post his response if he replies.