Abstract
In this paper, we have given the design and development of a new wearable device that assists visually impaired individuals to travel independently and confidently. The newly proposed device is based on range-based sensors and would work effectively in both indoor and outdoor conditions. It is constructed in the form of two separate modules; one module is designed such that it can be attached to the waist belt of the user, and the other module is designed to wear it on ankle of the user. Both the modules communicate with each other using wireless communication and can cover the full front environment of the user. The information about the front environment is transmitted to the user, via headphone, by sending a set of voice instructions, stored in a memory card added in the belt module. In order to use the device in crowd mode, appropriate networking techniques were also implemented in the prototype such that the interference of two or more devices in the close vicinity can be avoided. In the end, effectiveness of the device is analyzed and proved by conducting experiments and obtaining statistical results.
Highlights
With the advances in technology, commercial hardware and software applications are developed to make life easy for people with physical weakness
Most of the visually impaired people move by using conventional methods, i.e., white canes, guide dogs, tactile paving, and in some other cases move with the help of another person, called as sight guide [2, 3]
With the evolution of technology, there is an immense need for the development of easy-to-use devices that would be helpful for the visually blind people in mobility
Summary
With the advances in technology, commercial hardware and software applications are developed to make life easy for people with physical weakness. At least 2.2 billion people of the world have a vision impairment or blindness [1]. They may belong to a category, with moderately visually impairment, severely visually impairment, or totally blind. With the evolution of technology, there is an immense need for the development of easy-to-use devices that would be helpful for the visually blind people in mobility. In this way, visually impaired individuals may travel independently with confidence and participate in daily activities
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