DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICS TRAVELLING AID FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED (IETA-VI)

Abstract

The dynamic nature of the environment poses a big challenge to the visually impaired in navigation. This compels most of the visually impaired persons in the developing countries, who generally do not get any technology support, to depend on the visual sense of others, thus, undermining their independence. The intelligent electronic travelling aid for the visually impaired (IETA-VI) designed and developed by the authors and reported here, intends to provide solution to the navigational challenges of the visually impaired individuals. The system utilizes the ultrasonic detection technology for detecting any obstacle in his/her path, and then converts the distance to the obstacle into voice using voice synthesis technology so as to inform the visually impaired user. The device uses GPS and GSM technologies to determine the location of the user and to send this location to his/her care givers on mobile phone, respectively. The device also recognizes the voice signals of the visually impaired when in distress, by making use of voice recognition technology and send SMS to his care givers giving his location and asking them to help him. In a moment of emergency, when the visually impaired requires the attention of his/her care givers, the device provides three alternatives: The first alternative it provides is an emergency key, which when pressed will automatically send the location of the visually impaired to the care givers. The second alternative is that the visually impaired shouts (gives a voice command), the device responds by sending the location of the visually impaired to the care givers. The third alternatives take care of the situation when the user is unconscious or cannot even speak. This is provided by the display device, which displays the names and contact details of his/her care givers, so that someone can offer a helping hand.