USER GUIDE - Optek Systems
Contents
1. UltraCan e SER GUIDE Congratulations on your purchase of the UltraCane mobility aid from Sound Foresight Technology Ltd We hope that it proves to be a valuable and helpful aid to your mobility With care your UltraCane should give you many years of trouble free use Please read these instructions carefully before using your new UltraCane and keep them in a safe place for future reference UltraCane User Guide 2 Table of Contents TAble OF Contento decena daba RAZE Ta 3 Get STAR a atada AA diana 4 Switching On amp Range SelectiON cccccocooocooccconiccccononcncanonncconornananorcnconcrcncarcnnrcncarconccncarenos 6 2 Tone Range Indication Beep SEQUENCE secsecccccsscssccscescessessescescessessescessessussscsssssesosss 6 Holding Your UItraCane occoncoccocoocoocooconcnoronconconconronrnnrnrnronro nro nronronnonnnnnnnccnnanaroncacarencananesa 7 Battery Al AAA LA 7 CHANGING the Batteries iii 8 Folding Your UITFOCONE ivvcoiiriciiiiiici iii iii 9 CHANGING the CONE Ti iii ii AA AA AAA AAA ANA AAA 4 a 9 USING YOUFUITACANE a a a 10 Should use the UltraCane like a traditional white CaMe ssssssessscsssscsscesscsssscenscsecsessecens 10 Should use Short Range or Long Range ssssesscssssssesccsesescccnscscecsceceesessesseuscenecssucseuscesecseues 10 Q How sensitive is the UltraCane ivi 11 Is there anything the UltraCane won t Aetect ccccccs2. and Sweeping techniques especially for locating down drops such as kerbs and steps These techniques and other instructions are described in more detail for use with the UltraCane in the instructional exercises guide which should be read in conjunction with this user guide Q Should I use Short Range or Long Range When you first start using the UltraCane experiment with it on both range settings If you find that the front button is buzzing too frequently giving you too much feedback then you might need to keep the cane switched on to Short Range This depends very much on your environment and how crowded it is with objects and obstacles Long Range is not really suitable for indoor use but you might find Long Range to be more useful when you are outdoors in less crowded areas In general deciding which range to use in a given situation is a matter of personal preference and level of experience with the UltraCane In any given journey you may wish to occasionally change ranges to suit your surroundings as you proceed on your way Alternatively you might choose to always use it on the Short Range setting UltraCane User Guide 10 Reminder The detection zone of the upper sensor is not affected by the range setting of the switch and is fixed at approximately 1 6 metres 5 feet Q How sensitive is the UltraCane The UltraCane will typically detect a lamp post 4 metres away This will help you avoid roadside signposts e
3. the tension in the bungee and then unhook the cane tip Hook on the new tip let go of the rubber sleeve and then gently allow the new tip to retract into the cane If you accidently let go of the bungee you will need to pull it back through the cane sections The technique to do this is explained in the Troubleshooting section UltraCane User Guide 9 Using Your UltraCane When you are familiar with the controls and comfortable with your hand position then you are ready to try walking and navigating with your UltraCane It is recommended that the first time you do this you do so in an area that is very familiar to you Please also review the instructional exercises guide in advance Q Should I use the UltraCane like a traditional white cane The traditional white cane is used by moving the cane from side to side in a tapping or sliding motion where the next footstep will fall This ensures that obstacles can be detected in the user s immediate vicinity by utilizing the tip of the cane to touch the obstacle The UltraCane has been designed as a primary mobility aid for vision impaired people as it incorporates a white cane However obstacle detection is obtained via the ultrasound sensors incorporated into the handle thus giving more advanced warning to the user of obstacles in their path and at head shoulder height When using the UltraCane it is important to use traditional white cane skills such as Shorelining Arc
4. anywhere the UltraCane has difficulties detecting objects Some surfaces such as long grass or rough or stony ground can cause unwanted sound echoes that can make the UltraCane vibrate occasionally when there may be no object present Take extra care when navigating these types of terrain UltraCane User Guide 11 Some types of car reversing sensors use the same type of ultrasonic signals as the UltraCane and may cause it to vibrate inappropriately Take extra care when in the presence of reversing cars Two or more UltraCanes being used together in close proximity may interfere with each other This can lead to either cane vibrating inappropriately from time to time Q Can I use my UltraCane in the rain The UltraCane has been designed to work normally in light rain showers without any problems However heavy or torrential rain will stop your UltraCane from working properly and should be avoided Prolonged or repeated exposure to water or heavy rain must be prevented at all costs as it may cause permanent water damage to your UltraCane If you are out with your UltraCane and are caught in heavy rain you should immediately switch the cane off and fit the rain cover provided to protect it during the period of heavy rain You can continue to use the UltraCane to navigate as a traditional white cane during the rain but the object detection functions will not be available whilst the cover is fitted You can remove the cover switch on your Ul
5. back at the same time Do not attempt to open the door by pulling on the rubber tab and do not attempt to lift the tab on the hinge side of the door cover When inserting fresh batteries the smooth negative terminal of one battery faces the spring contact on the inside of the hinged door and the raised positive terminal of the other battery faces the smooth contact of the door Close the door so that it clicks into place and then press down on the rubber tab so that it is seated securely Hinged plastic Rubber door cover Lift tab to access door Battery compartment access tab Figure Battery compartment access UltraCane User Guide 8 Folding Your UltraCane When folding away your UltraCane always fold the white cane sections from the handle end first and keep the sections against the back switch side of the handle Secure the cane sections against the handle using the wrist strap Warning Take care not to damage the two ultrasound sensors when folding the cane Figure Folded UltraCane Changing the Cane Tip Your UltraCane is supplied with a hook on style cane tip attached If you wish to change or replace the tip first unfold the UltraCane ensuring that all sections are fully engaged and then pull the tip out of the base of the cane to expose the bungee cord A rubber sleeve has been placed on the cord a few centimeters below the tip Hold or place a finger under this rubber sleeve to take up
6. consists of a single short beep which will repeat every 5 minutes until the batteries are replaced The UltraCane will continue to function normally during this period When the batteries have reached the end of their useful life a Flat Battery warning will be heard This consists of three long beeps which UltraCane User Guide 7 will repeat every 5 minutes until the batteries are replaced As a safety feature the UltraCane will not detect objects when the battery is flat The batteries should be removed and replaced Note that if the cane is switched off when the Flat Battery warning is heard and is then switched back on again shortly afterwards the batteries might have recovered enough for the UltraCane to function normally for a few more minutes This is normal ery Compa Changing the Batteries C ItraCane uses two AA batteries which are located in the battery compartment at the rear of the handle It is recommended that a quality brand of alkaline battery is used to give the longest operating life Rechargeable batteries can be used but are not recommended as their charge can drop off very suddenly It is wise to always keep a spare set of fresh batteries in the small pocket inside the UltraCane carry bag To access the battery compartment gently lift the rounded upper tab of the rubber door cover at the rear of the unit and then use your thumb to open the hinged plastic door by pressing down and pulling
7. cssscssssscnscccessenscenesscccsenscesessscscessseuseeuees 11 Q What should do if my UltraCane stops WOrking sssccccsssssssecccccsnssssececscnsssecsccsssssessecens 12 Troublesho0 NB siii TTT 13 UltraCane User Guide 3 Getting Started Your new UltraCane consists of a conventional folding white cane attached to a special handle containing an ultrasound radar system to detect objects and obstacles in the environment similar to the system used by bats The handle features a hand grip with two yellow feedback buttons on the upper surface and two ultrasound sensors that face forwards and upwards The handle also contains the battery compartment Warning Two large ultrasound sensors are positioned at the front of the handle Do not press these or try to manipulate them in any way Any damage to these sensors may cause the product to perform poorly Take care when unpacking as the folded sections of the white cane are held together under tension by an elastic bungee in a similar manner to a traditional white cane and they will snap together when unfolded Your UltraCane is supplied with a replaceable hook on cane tip a protective carry bag and batteries pre installed A spare set of batteries is also supplied An adjustable wrist strap is attached to the rear of the handle and this can be looped around the wrist during normal use The wrist strap also has a Snap Lock quick release safety feature This allow
8. from the tip end until the bungee loop is accessible and then attach a long length of thin string or thin wire through the bungee loop Feed this string or wire back through the removed sections of cane and then use it to pull the bungee loop all the way through so that you can hook on your cane tip If all the cane sections have come off the bungee then before reassembling the cane you will need to identify which section goes into the handle and which goes at the tip Note that only one of the sections will fit into the handle and only one of the remaining sections will be the correct snug fit for the tip The correct tip section has a larger white ferrule If a section will not engage into the handle then it is a mid section or the tip section Do not force a section into the handle If after reassembly the tip seems to be very wobbly in the cane then the section with the white ferrule has ended up in the middle of the cane Remove the tip and re order the cane sections accordingly Q How can check that my UltraCane is working properly A e Listen for the 2 tone switch on beep sequence e Listen for the ticking from the sensors e Wave your hand in front of each sensor in turn at a distance of approximately 1 metre and check for buzzing from the buttons Q How do get help A Contact the manufacturer via the website www ultracane com UltraCane User Guide 13 Product Care and Maintenance e Do notuse liquid or aeroso
9. is moved between the two range settings The length of the second beep provides an indication of which setting you have selected a short beep for Short Range and a longer beep for Long Range UltraCane User Guide 6 Holding Your UltraCane The UltraCane is designed to be used in either hand and should be held so that the thumb lightly covers the two small yellow buttons If the cane length is correct then the hand position will feel natural to the user and the ultrasound sensors will be angled for best performance Figure Hand position When the UltraCane is switched on the two buttons will buzz as obstacles are detected The button nearest the front of the handle will buzz when obstacles are detected by the sensor facing forwards and the button nearest the back of the handle will buzz when obstacles are detected by the sensor facing upwards This combination gives the user an indication of obstacles immediately ahead of them from ground level to head height but in a relatively narrow corridor The buzz rate of the buttons increases as you move closer to obstacles Note It is important that you do not press the buttons as this will deaden the buzz intensity You should experiment with your hand position to get maximum sensitivity The wearing of thick gloves is not recommended as this will also deaden the intensity Battery Warnings When the batteries are getting low the UltraCane will sound a Low Battery warning This
10. l cleaning agents thinners abrasive or corrosive materials on your UltraCane Use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt or marks e Do not allow liquids to spill onto your UltraCane or subject it to excessive smoke dust mechanical vibration or shock e Do not immerse your UltraCane in water e Do not drop your UltraCane e Do not store your UltraCane near heat sources such as radiators cookers etc e Do not use your UltraCane for other than the intended use e g as a walking stick e Do not keep credit cards and transport tickets with magnetic strips next to the UltraCane when it is operating it could affect the data on the magnetic strip e Do not leave your UltraCane within reach of young children The product is not a toy e Do not attempt to open up your UltraCane other than to replace the batteries using the hinged door There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit and opening up the product in any other way will invalidate the warranty Contact your retailer or our customer service department if the product requires attention e Do remove batteries before storing your UltraCane for extended periods of time e Do not leave discharged batteries in the product as they may leak and cause corrosive damage e Do not mix old and new batteries e Do not dispose of old batteries in a fire as they may explode e Do not open or mutilate the batteries Released electrolyte from the batteries is corrosive and may cause bur
11. ns or injury to the eyes or skin The electrolyte may be toxic if swallowed UltraCane User Guide 14 The technical specifications for this product and the contents of the User Guide are subject to change without notice This productis not intended for use by children without supervision C E Sound Foresight Technology Limited 40 Freemans Way Harrogate HG3 1DH Tel 44 0 1423 359711 Website www ultracane com Email info ultracane com A This symbol on the product and accompanying documents means that the product is covered by the European Directive 2002 96 EC All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities The correct disposal of your old appliance will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health For more detailed information about disposal of your old appliance please contact your city office waste disposal service or the supplier Please contact your local authority for further details of your nearest designated collection point Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the EU This symbol is only valid in the European Union If you wish to discard this product please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal UltraCane User Guide 15 UltraCane Sound Foresight Technol
12. ogy Ltd 2011 User Guide v1 6 UltraCane User Guide 16
13. s the strap to be separated from the handle by giving it a sharp tug Note that this feature should only be used in an emergency situation such as if the UltraCane becomes trapped in closing doors UltraCane User Guide 4 Feedback buttons Battery compartment access tab A y Ultrasound sensors lt 4 RO IS White cane sections held under tension Replaceable cane tip Figure The UltraCane and its component parts UltraCane User Guide 5 Switching On Range Selection The On Off switch is located on the underside of the handle The switch has three positions Off On Short Range and On Long Range On Short Range On Long Range Figure The On Off switch When Short Range is selected the UltraCane will detect obstacles that are within approximately 2 1 metres 7 feet of the handle in the forward direction When Long Range is selected the UltraCane will detect obstacles that are within approximately 4 metres 13 feet of the handle in the forward direction Note that the Range setting only applies in the forward direction The detection range in the upward direction is fixed at approximately 1 6 metres 5 feet from the handle Note When the UltraCane is switched on you will hear ticking from the ultrasound sensors This is normal The ticking rate decreases 16 seconds after switch on 2 Tone Range Indication Beep Sequence A 2 tone beep sequence will be heard each time the switch
14. tc as you make you way along the pavement It will detect smaller objects especially if they have flat surfaces and you are directly in front of them It will detect smaller diameter bars and posts closer in as well as bushes plants and fabrics Obstacles such as bags lying on the floor 3 4 metres away will be picked up in Long Range mode but possibly not in Short Range as they might be out of the ultrasound beam Q Is there anything the UltraCane won t detect It is not possible for the UltraCane to detect drops in ground level such as Stairs kerbs and holes and therefore it is important to maintain good traditional cane skills when using the UltraCane to locate down drops The UltraCane might not detect soft fabrics or small obstacles at the limit of the range setting As a rule it works best with hard surfaces as these give a stronger ultrasound echo The UltraCane will not detect objects within 30 cm 12 inches of the sensors The UltraCane detects objects by shining a beam of sound out into the environment over the tip of the cane This means that the UltraCane has a small quiet zone close to the cane tip where it cannot detect low height objects such as rising kerbs at the side of the road The size of the quiet zone depends on the length and angle of the cane and the height of the object In general you will have more warning of the presence of low height objects on the long range setting Q Is there
15. traCane and continue your journey as normal once the rain passes If your cane does get wet allow it to dry naturally in the open air at room temperature Q Do need training to use the UltraCane If you already use a long white cane you should find using the UltraCane straight forward to adapt to The feedback you receive through your thumb accesses a part of the brain that creates mental maps so when your brain has become used to the signals you will find that you can move around with less effort than before To assist you further we have developed some UltraCane training techniques which you will receive along with the user guide There are also many rehabilitation and mobility officers who have undergone training in the UltraCane You should contact your local mobility officer for further guidance Q What should do if my UltraCane stops working The UltraCane is modeled on the traditional white cane and so in the unlikely event that the electronics fail while you are out you will still be able to use it as a traditional white cane to reach your destination UltraCane User Guide 12 Troubleshooting Q My UltraCane doesn t seem to be working What should do A Check that the batteries have been installed correctly Try replacing the batteries with fresh ones Q While attempting to fit a new tip accidently let the bungee slip and now the cane is slack How do re fit the bungee A Simply remove sections of cane
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