Length of the SmartCane handle is nearly equal to one fold of the standard 5 fold white cane which means that length of the folded white cane and the folded white cane fitted with SmartCane device are almost equal.   In other words, the SmartCane device fitted white cane can be easily carried inside the office bag just like the normal white cane without any requirement of removing the device from the white cane.

 

Attaching and removing the device from the white cane requires pressing 2 grip locks simultaneously. This helps in avoiding accidental opening while walking. They would not get damaged even when used frequently.

 

Compatible white canes

 We have only developed the SmartCane device and not the white canes  The White Cane that comes with the device are from existing vendors and provided  omplementary with the SmartCane device. During the development phase, we were informed by user organizations that there are already several white cane suppliers in India. Hence we focused our attention on

engineering the device (designed as a detachable unit) and not the white canes.

 

During field trials, we realized that there are considerable variations in the existing white canes and people even have regional preferences. At present, the SmartCane  evice fits on the compatible white canes produced  by NIVH , Advance Engineering, NAB Workshop for the blind, and Worth Trust.

 

Saksham Trust, is maintaining an inventory of compatible white canes. You can always contact the Saksham Helpline (+91-11-64650655) and purchase compatible white canes in case your existing white cane gets damaged or if you prefer white cane from any of the above mentioned manufacturers or if you require a white cane of shorter or longer length.

 

SmartCane battery

 

SmartCane device uses in-device rechargeable battery. Device can be recharged just like a cell phone.  Once recharged, it can work continuously for 8-hours even if it continuously vibrating. On an average, with 1-2 hours daily usage, device can be used for a week without any need of

recharging.