Design and Development of a Wearable Assistive Device Integrating a Fuzzy Decision Support System for Blind and Visually Impaired People.

Yassine Bouteraa

doi:10.3390/mi12091082

Abstract

In this article, a new design of a wearable navigation support system for blind and visually impaired people (BVIP) is proposed. The proposed navigation system relies primarily on sensors, real-time processing boards, a fuzzy logic-based decision support system, and a user interface. It uses sensor data as inputs and provides the desired safety orientation to the BVIP. The user is informed about the decision based on a mixed voice–haptic interface. The navigation aid system contains two wearable obstacle detection systems managed by an embedded controller. The control system adopts the Robot Operating System (ROS) architecture supported by the Beagle Bone Black master board that meets the real-time constraints. The data acquisition and obstacle avoidance are carried out by several nodes managed by the ROS to finally deliver a mixed haptic–voice message for guidance of the BVIP. A fuzzy logic-based decision support system was implemented to help BVIP to choose a safe direction. The system has been applied to blindfolded persons and visually impaired persons. Both types of users found the system promising and pointed out its potential to become a good navigation aid in the future.

Highlights

According to the WHO [1], 1.3 billion people suffer from visual impairment, of which the numbers of people with mild visual impairment, moderate to severe visual impairment, and the blind are 188.5 million, 217 million, and 36 million, respectively
The navigation support system was evaluated in a preliminary user study with some healthy participants and with blind and visually impaired people (BVIP) subjects
The proposed navigation system consists of an eyeglass frame, a hand band accessory, and an Robot Operating System (ROS)-based embedded controller

Summary

Introduction

According to the WHO [1], 1.3 billion people suffer from visual impairment, of which the numbers of people with mild visual impairment, moderate to severe visual impairment, and the blind are 188.5 million, 217 million, and 36 million, respectively. This solution presents limitations to recognizing obstacles, and it is difficult to use the cane in public places Inspired by these constraints, many techniques have been developed based on smart sensor technology and digital data processing to enhance the mobility of BVIP and help them to move freely in an environment regardless of its dynamic changes. Camera-based navigation systems provide useful information about the state of obstacles by capturing all environmental information and assist the user to select the preferred travel path. Tactile feedback has been used as a navigational assistive interface for the visually impaired to avoid user distraction with musical tones [36,37] For these systems, such drawbacks are found. We conclude with a summary of the work and a perspective

Design Requirements

Unit Description

Navigation System Architecture

Mechanical Design

Electrical Design

Navigation Approach

IF “depth” IS “medium” AND “human velocity” IS “medium” THEN “safety level”

Case Study

Experimental Setup and Tests with Healthy Participants

Experimental Setup and Tests with Visually Impaired Subjects

Conclusions