Karthik Kulkarni

1. Project overview:

Physical disabilities in children can be detected in early stages. A child who cannot walk properly has to be motivated to walk so that he can have better and healthier legs. It can also help strengthen muscles and improve the reflexes of incapacitate and growing children.
The concept for the project was suggested by Mr. R. S. Okhade of the USHAS, Hubli – a local centre for exceptional children. As per his suggestion, a system will be designed electronically, much like an interactive game that intends to encourage children to walk aiding their muscles’ development. Children being the focus of the project, an effort will be made to make the system more interactive and amusing so that active participation is promoted.

2. Background Information/Problem Statement:

Walking disability in children is a major health problem in India and other developing countries. The disability may be genetic, hereditary (Muscular Dystrophy) or due to the injuries, etc. Irrespective of the cause, lesser use of leg joints leads to improper growth of leg muscles, consequently leading to walking impairment. The rate of impairment increases, if not addressed appropriately and may eventually end up in permanent disability.
There are various kinds of muscular disabilities. For example, Muscular
Dystrophy. A quarter of a million kids and adults are living with Muscular Dystrophy. It is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles that help the body move. All forms of muscular dystrophy, however, grow worse as muscles progressively degenerate. MD weakens muscles over time, so children, teens, and adults who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do things like walking or sitting up.
There are things that children with MD and other muscular disabilities can do to help their muscles. Certain exercises and physical therapy can help them avoid contractures, a stiffening of the muscles near the joints that can make it harder to move and can lock the joints in painful positions. A program of regular, light exercise can help keep muscles in good condition.
So there’s a need to design a tool that can help the muscles of disabled children and at the same time, make it interactive and fun.

3. Social Benefits:

The project benefits people with muscular disabilities like those with Muscular Dystrophy, Guillian-Barre Syndrome and other walking disabilities. Initially, the project will be implemented in USHAS, Hubli. The subjects of the project will be the students of this centre. The students of this school will also be involved in the testing of the project.
The system can also be installed in Play homes and Kindergartens. It will be fun, learning and exercise for the children.

4. Goals:

Goal #1: To slow progression of complications, avoid/delay contractures in
children having Muscular Dystrophy – by exercising their joints.
Goal #2: To bring joy and maximize the subject’s quality of life, bring respite to
sick children – by making the system fun to use by incorporating fancy lighting and
music, make it look more like a game than like a course.
Goal #3: To improve eye-limb coordination in growing children.
Goal#4: To improve the Auditory and visual Reflexes.

5. Proposed Design and Working:

The system will come interfaced with a square grid of tiles (that can be setup on
the floor of a room). The heart of the system is a microcontroller (AT89S52) into which
code is written to perform the desired operation. The unit will come with an easy-tooperate
interface enabling the instructor to change operating modes and speeds. Mode
defines the pattern in which the tiles glow. Speed refers to the time duration between
glowing of two consecutive tiles. The subject has to step onto the tile while it is still
glowing, for the game to continue. The aim of the game is to step on all the glowing tiles
within the prescribed time and complete all the levels. As the subject improves upon his
performance, the operator can increase the mode and speed.

6. Methodology:

1. The target subjects will be studied and the system will be designed to suit
their needs.
2. The system will be realized electronically. Microcontroller, digital ICs,
relays etc will be used.
3. The system will first be tested on an electronic development board. Once
it is working satisfactorily, the system will be made stand-alone.
4. Materials used for tiles will be tested for strength and durability and a
prototype model of the tile will be readied.
5. The system will be demonstrated to our client(s) and on their acceptance;
the system will be implemented completely.
6. Keeping the completed unit under test for discrepancies, if any.

7. Facilities required for the project:

Development tools required for the project will be provided by the Department of Electronics and Communication and Department of Mechanical Engineering,
BVBCET, Hubli.

8. Budget Estimate:

The budget is estimated for 36 sqft flooring with 36 tiles.
Sl. No. Equipments and Supplies Estimated Cost

1. Materials for tiles –
fibre glass (36 sqft)
Wood for frame
Rs. 3600/-
Rs. 1800/-
2. Electronics Components (Bulbs, relays) & Circuitry Rs. 5400/-
3. Labour Charges Rs. 3000/-
4. Miscellaneous Rs. 1200/-
Total Estimate Rs. 15000/-

Appendices:

Appendix A: Proposed Timeline

Month one:
 Week one – visiting the subjects at USHA school (an institute for the
disabled), Hubli.
 Week two – designing the electronic circuit.
 Week three – making a prototype model of the tile, testing the
materials for strength and durability.
 Week four – making the unit a stand-alone system and troubleshooting,
if any.

Month two:
 Week one – implementing it in the school.

Appendix B: Project Guides

1. Mr. R. S. Okhade,
Management Consultant.
2. Prof. B. L. Desai,
HOD, Dept. of Electronics and Comm., BVBCET, Hubli.
3. Ms. Sunita Shirahatti,
Lecturer, Dept. of Electronics and Comm., BVBCET, Hubli.

Appendix C: Project Team

1. Ajay Bhat,
3rd year BE Electronics & Comm., BVBCET.
ajay2day@gmail.com, Ph: 9449333095
2. Sagar Medikeri,
3rd year BE Electronics & Comm., BVBCET.
sagar.medikeri@yahoo.com, Ph: 9739864887
3. Sagar Karur,
3rd year BE Electronics & Comm., BVBCET.
sagar2day@gmail.com, Ph:9480211397
4. Suyash Ugare, Team Leader
3rd year BE Electronics & Comm., BVBCET.
suyashugare@gmail.com, Ph: 984415644
Snaps

Technical Details:
Circuit Diagram

Download the Code