I-Cane Mobilo User manual

I-CANE MOBILO
I-Cane Mobilo User Guide
v. 4.0 (including new functionality 2016)

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1. Important
Thank you for purchasing an I-Cane Mobilo. If you treat the I-Cane
Mobilo with care, you may use it for years. Take the time to read this
user guide carefully before using the I-Cane Mobilo. Keep these
instructions for future reference.
If this guide contains photos and images they support the text, not
replace it.
What's in the box?
The shipping box of the I-Cane Mobilo contains the following products:
A smaller box with the handle of the I-Cane Mobilo and the charger
of this handle.
Two cane parts; joined together they are in total adjustable in
length.
A rolling cane tip with a screw connection which should be to the
lower part of the cane
Important: Keep the shipping box; it may be need for service and / or
return.
What is the I-Cane Mobilo?
The I-Cane Mobilo is an intelligent white cane for detection and
recognition, intended for persons who are blind or visually impaired. The
I-Cane Mobilo combines obstacle detection with navigation and provides
tactile warnings and directions using a unique Tactile Arrow that is
integrated in the handle of the cane. The navigation is based on the I-
Cane Go Application (App). This app should be installed on a
smartphone. Cane (handle with stick parts) and app (software) together
form the I-Cane Mobilo and communicate with each other via Bluetooth.

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Training required
As a user of an I-Cane Mobilo we strongly advise you to follow training
for the use of the Mobilo as a mobility aid. These courses are or will be
provided by a certified mobility instructor.
To use the I-Cane Go App effectively, you must have adequate
orientation skills and be sufficiently mobile as a pedestrian. The
instructions of the mobility instructor should always be followed. Traffic
regulations always have priority. The I-Cane Mobilo is developed as a
walking aid and should therefore only be used for this purpose. The user
is responsible for compliance with the foregoing.
Treatment of the product
Treat the I-Cane Mobilo with care and do not drop it.
Do not open the handle. This can damage the electronics and you lose
your warranty.
Do not expose the I-Cane Mobilo to extremely high or low temperatures.
Use and store the I-Cane Mobilo in places with a temperature between
minus 5°C and plus 35°C. The battery life may be shorter during cold
conditions.
Clean the I-Cane Mobilo only with a slightly damp and soft cloth. Do not
use chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which may damage the product.
The I-Cane Mobilo is splash proof but not waterproof. Do not put the
Mobilo underwater.
Charging
This product should only be charged with the adapter that is included in
the package. Never use an adapter other than the supplied or advised by
I-Cane Social Technologies. Charging fully an empty battery takes about
8 hours. See also 2.2 and 2.3.
Use in traffic
Remember to follow the traffic rules, and check traffic conditions before
you follow the instructions via the tactile arrow or spoken information.

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Obstacle warning
The obstacle warning is intended to alert for obstacles above the white
cane at chest and head height of the user. However, I-Cane Social
Technologies cannot guarantee that all objects are actually signaled. The
applied sensor with ultrasonic technique in the I-Cane Mobilo has
limitations in the perception of smooth objects, soft materials and small
objects at the sides of the scanned area.
The sensor cannot detect obstacles such as holes, stairs down and
curbs. For these obstacles, the cane and your own perception remain
necessary.
GPS shortcomings
The I-Cane Go App cannot give any guarantee about the reception of the
GPS signal in case of a limited satellite reach or malfunctioning of the
smartphone. GPS devices work best in an open outdoor area. GPS does
not work well inside a building, under a roof or in a tunnel. I-Cane Social
Technologies has no affect on the strength of the GPS signal. GPS
positions often differ a few meters from the specified location. The
program may indicate that the final destination is reached when in fact it
is a few meters away.
Navigation Program Go
The provided direction commands give support in following a route to a
destination, but should not be followed too literally. The program helps in
choosing the right street and the user shall use his/her orientation and
mobility skills to turn into it and follow it. This applies especially in case of
crossings. Stay alert to the traffic when using the directions information
of the I-Cane Mobilo.
Be always aware that the use of route navigation information and
obstacle warning is no guarantee of safety, and that even when using the
I-Cane Mobilo and I-Cane Go caution is advised.
Recycling and disposal
Do not put the product in household garbage. Follow local instructions
concerning the collection of electronic products marked by this
symbol.

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Protection of privacy and copyright
The privacy policy of I-Cane Social Technologies explains how we
handle your personal data and how we protect your privacy when you
use our products and services. By using our services, you agree that I-
Cane Social Technologies may use your data in accordance with our
privacy policies. www.I-Cane.org.
2. User Instruction
Instruction on First Use
I-Cane strongly recommends users of the I-Cane Mobilo to follow at a
regional instruction program at a facility for rehabilitation and education.
During this training, the obstacle warning will be explained and the first
route(s) will be recorded with you. The instructor helps to install the
navigation program on your Smartphone. Outdoor, the mobility instructor
focuses on the use of the I-Cane Mobilo as white cane and symbol cane
in combination with the obstacle warning, recording and using routes and
using the "Where-am-I-?”Functions.
Content of the user guide
1. Introduction to the I-Cane Mobilo (handle, feel arrow, push buttons,
sensors, stick parts and point)
2. Preparing for use
3. Obstacle Avoidance
4. Introduction to the App (Smartphone)
5. Where-am-I? Here-am-I! Send my location
6. Recording routes
7. Flexible navigation (Flex Route)
8. Paring the I-Cane Mobilo with the I-Cane Go (App)
9. Switching on and off of the obstacle function in the I-Cane Go
10. Using routes from the route list
11. Deviation from the route
12. Instructions for using the I-Cane Mobilo in bad weather
13. Troubleshooting
14. Contact
Appendix

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Instructions for use
1. Introduction to the I-Cane Mobilo (handheld grip, Tactile
Arrow®, push buttons, obstacle avoidance sensor, cane and
tip)
1.1 The I-Cane Mobilo consists of a handheld grip with Tactile Arrow,
push buttons, obstacle avoidance sensor, adjustable cane & point
and a hanging option. The handle contains electronics as well as a
rechargeable battery.
1.2 The navigation program with the name ‘I-Cane Go App’ needs to
be installed on an Apple Smartphone.
1.3 The I-Cane Mobilo offers advanced functionality versus a regular
white cane; e.g. obstacle avoidance and personal navigation. The
user interface is centered on the unique Tactile Arrow. This small
rotating ‘coin’ tilts to warn for obstacles (at the height of head and
shoulders) and rotates to provide navigation instructions.
1.4 The user is recommended to position the thumb or pointing finger
on the Tactile Arrow to receive the tactile instructions smoothly.
1.5 The vertical tilt movement is activated by the Obstacle Avoidance
Sensor (sonar), which is positioned in the front of the hand held
grip. This sensor scans the area above stick height and identifies
obstacles that endanger the head of the user.
1.6 When the Tactile Arrow tilts it means that an obstacle is noticed
and that the user should stop walking immediately to avoid a
collision.
1.7 Horizontal rotation indicates a direction instruction. The Tactile
Arrow has four basic directions: ‘Go ahead,’ ‘Turn left’, ‘Turn right’
and ‘Go back.’ There are also special commands for 'Start' and
'Destination Reached’.
1.8 Rotations are directed by the I-Cane Go navigation program (I-
Cane App) on the Smartphone.
1.9 Movements of the Tactile Arrow at height obstacles (tilt) and
changes in direction (horizontal rotation) can occur simultaneously.
1.10 All movements of the Tactile Arrow are supported by audio signals
(voice and/or beep).
1.11 On the handheld grip, positioned between the Tactile Arrow and
the Obstacle Sensor, one can find two tactile pushbuttons. These

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are designed to switch on and off the I-Cane (left) or to activate the
‘where am I?’ and Here-am-I! function.
1.12 The handle of the I-Cane Mobilo can be linked to the adjustable
cane that comes with one or more red bands, so that the user is
recognized by the general public (including Authorities) and
identified as a person with low vision.
1.13 The lower part of the adjustable cane can optionally be equipped
with a removable wheel (screw thread M8).
1.14 The handle of the I-Cane Mobilo contains a rechargeable battery.
The charging plug is positioned at the bottom of the hand held grip.
1.15 Note: make sure that the battery is always fully charged, as the
system does not inform the user about battery status. The battery
cannot be replaced nor overcharged.
1.16 I-Cane Mobilo can be used left handed as well as right handed.
For instructions with respect to the Comfy Wheel, see appendx.
2. Getting Started
2.1 Unwrap the I-Cane Mobilo (I-Cane recommends to store the
packaging for travel and/or service purposes).
2.2 The I-Cane Mobilo needs to be charged first. This is done by
connecting the I-Cane Mobilo with the adapter to the mains voltage
(110V –220 V). Charge the I-Cane Mobilo for 8 hours before using
it on the road.
2.3 A full battery can last for a few days, although this depends on the
user intensity. After a full charging cycle there is always sufficient
power for a full day (eight hours) of intensive use.
2.4 Mount the adjustable cane to the handheld grip using the rotary
clamping mechanism. Insert the stick part as far as possible into
the handle and turn the stick part to the right (clockwise) until it gets
fixed. Do not over fix! Then place the second part of the cane into
the fixed one the same way.
2.5 Screw the wheel into the lower cane (designated hole).
2.6 Adjust the stick length to the personal preference of the user while
using the second pole. Push in or pull out and then rotate
clockwise. Do not over fix!

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2.7 The own body length and what the user is used to largely
determine the ideal length of the cane. New users preferably
consult their mobility instructor.
2.8 Large deviations - a longer or shorter cane –can have an effect on
the performance of the obstacle avoidance sensor. Familiarize
yourself with the operation and range of the sensor. See also
Section Obstacle Avoidance (3).
2.9 Push the left button in front of the Tactile Arrow to switch on the I-
Cane Mobilo. Switch the Mobilo on by pressing this button shortly
but firmly. The start of the Mobilo is confirmed by acoustic signals
(beep) and movements of the Tactile Arrow.
In order to switch off the Mobilo, push the button for approximately
5 seconds. Please note; when pushing the on/off button too long (>
5 seconds), the Mobilo will switch on again.
2.10 Always check the start of the Mobilo by turning the sensor towards
the wall or the floor.
2.11 The I-Cane Mobilo is now ready to detect obstacles, but not
operational yet for navigation purposes (see hereafter).
3. Obstacle Avoidance
3.1 The sensor on the I-Cane Mobilo scans the area above the cane to
detect obstacles at breast and head level. It includes hanging
objects such as branches, signs, tailgates of trucks, etc.
3.2 Obstacles positioned above the cane will naturally not be detected
and are potentially dangerous. Stop walking immediately when the
buzzer alarms and the tactile arrow tilts. When alarmed, use your
free hand to find out what the possible cause is, but it is generally
safer to look for the free passage around the object. Obstacle
detection and navigation functions can be operated simultaneously.
3.3 The scan area starts at 50 cm above the sensor to prevent
accidental activation by hand, head or jacket. The scan area width
is limited to 60 cm (shoulder width). The upper measurements run
in parallel with the tip of the cane touching the street.
3.4 Always carry the I-Cane Mobilo in a relaxed way in your left or right
hand. Keep the sensor directed upward. The arm with the hand
that holds the Mobilo relaxed beside or slightly held for the body.

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3.5 Hand position, body length and stick movements affect the
scanning area and thus the effectiveness of this function. Consult
your mobility trainer.
3.6 The sensor follows the movements of the cane. This has the
advantage that the position of the obstacle can be located (also left
and right) and be communicated to the user.
3.7 Wide movements and / or rotations of the cane might also notice
obstacles positioned in the direct surroundings outside the
immediate walking path. This might be somewhat uncomfortable in
the beginning, but may provide useful additional information in the
course of time, for instance when following a natural guideline or
specific landmarks.
3.8 On small footpaths along a natural guideline, it is advised to turn
the handheld slightly in the direction of the free space (street). This
averts the continuous activation of the sensor.
3.9 Practice this function in different situations to gain practical
experience and to reduce the risk of a collision.
Note: The obstacle warning starts automatically when switching on/off
the I-Cane Mobilo. When using the navigation program I-Cane Go, the
Obstacle Avoidance feature in the app can be switched on and off
separately. This is described later.
4. Introduction to the ‘I-Cane Go App’ on your smartphone
4.1 The I-Cane navigation program ‘Go’ is available as an App in the
App Store and suitable for most types of Apple smartphones (4S,
5, 5C and 5S, 6).
4.2 This manual assumes that you own an Apple smartphone and are
familiar with the Voice Over / Talkback / Zoom function. You must
also be familiar with the startup and shutdown functionality.
4.3 Download and install the I-Cane Go App. Follow these steps:
4.3.1 Go to the I-Tunes App Store and select the I-Cane Go App.
4.3.2 Click on Install.
4.3.3 Log in with your Apple ID (email address / password).
4.3.4 After confirmation, the I-Cane App will be downloaded and placed
on the screen.

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4.4 After installing the I-Cane App, one can start the navigation
program. You will hear the welcome message "Welcome to I-Cane
Go'.
4.5 Please note that when you open the navigation program for the first
time, you do not yet have the full functionality of the I-Cane Go
App. The additional functions will only be visible after making a
(wireless) connection with the I-Cane Mobilo. This procedure is
described in Chapter 7; Linking the I-Cane Mobilo with the I-Cane
Go (App).
4.6 The I-Cane Go navigation program offers four main functions: (1)
Where-am-I?, (2) Record Route, (3) Flexible Navigation and (4)
Start Route. These four main functions are presented at the
homepage of the navigation program.
The main functions are described separately below.
5. 'Where am I?' Here-am-I! and Send my Location
5.1 The most basic function of the navigation program is the "where am
I? ' function. Using this function the user will be informed about
street name, house number and place name. This will be spelled
out (audio) by the smartphone. Please note: the function requires
data traffic (internet).
5.2 This feature works best in an open street. We recommend taking
some distance (meters) from side streets and/or intersection.
5.3 The indicated number is approximate and I-Cane cannot guarantee
that your position meets that exact number. This number can also
be on the other side of the street, especially in narrow streets.
5.4 In order to listen to the ‘Where am I?’ one might consider extra
amplification using an external earpiece, headset with bone
conduction, collar speaker or carrying case. Should the message
be overruled by surrounding noise, then the 'Where am I?’ function
can simply be repeated.
Note that the prolonged use of earplugs at full volume can cause
hearing loss.
5.5 The ‘Where am I?’ function can be activated by the right button on
the I-Cane Mobilo (the smartphone can be kept away). Press this
button briefly. A double tone indicates that the function is activated.
Wait for the result. This may take a few seconds.