Project Overview
EyeVend is an adapted vending machine for the visually impaired, using a speaker to read out the contents of the vending machine, and high-contrast buttons to improve the visibility of the selection buttons.
What is EyeVend
Background
EyeVend began as a project in Design For America, where my team practiced human-centered design to identify the problem and ideate a solution. The next year, I led the team that engineered and installed the device at the Cleveland Sight Center.
After winning an award from CWRU’s Student Entrepreneurship Fund, the project continued with aspirations of translating the project into a business. We were accepted into NSF I-Corp, where we conducted 20 customer interviews which ultimately led to the decision to translate the project to an open-source design. Seth Walters and I are working on finishing the design today.
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Understanding the Problem Space
Residents and staff continuously had difficulty navigating and identifying foods inside the current vending machine-- even with modifications.
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Frustration
Loss of independence
Low Morale
What did members of Cleveland Sight Center Feel?
Main Features
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Custom high-contrast 3D printed buttons sit over a vending machine’s preeixsting selection buttons to improve readability
Buttons alongside each row of snacks in the vending machine can be pressed to read out the contents of the row.
Ridges along each of the 3D printed buttons convey understanding without requiring braille.
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EyeVend centers around the RP2040, a microcontroller by Raspberry Pi.
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Buttons alongside each row of the vending machine are connected on the same signal wire. Each button presents a unique voltage on the wire when pressed. A 16-bit ADC samples the signal and translates the voltage to the corresponding row.
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Audio files for each row are stored on an on-board SD card connected to the Raspberry Pi.
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A 16-bit DAC and speaker driver IC drive an 8-ohm speaker to read out the contents of each row of the vending machine.
System Architecture
Reflections & Takeaways
I have lots of experience and stories from my time attempting to lead the EyeVend team. This role presented numerous challenges and learning opportunities, as I navigated the complexities of leadership and project management.
I especially enjoyed collaborating with the mechanical team on EyeVend. Working closely with them allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the mechanical aspects of our project and fostered a collaborative environment where interdisciplinary ideas flourished.
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