Embedded Assistive Stick for Visually Impaired Persons

Abstract

In this paper, a smart stick is intended and executed to aid blind persons so that they can walk independently without much difficulty. Firstly, pothole detection and avoidance system are implemented by setting the ultrasonic sensor at 30-degree angle on a suitable blind stick to sense if there is a hole or staircase in front of the blind at about 30 cm distance to avoid a person from falling and as a result may be producing many damages. Secondly, a moisture sensor is placed at the down of stick to measure the degree of water land soil moisture in forward-facing of the user and aware him as soon as that degree exceeds a measured level that may submerge the foot of him. Thirdly, knee above obstacle detection and avoidance system is implemented by using an additional ultrasonic sensor on the top of the stick to turn an alarm and vibration ON when there is a person, obstacle or wall at a distance of 50 cm in front to avoid an accident and thus helping the person to move independently. Fourthly, an ultrasonic sensor is placed down the stick at about 20 cm from the ground level to detect and avoid knee below obstacles and stairs at a distance of 70 cm in front of the user. Fifthly, a wireless remote consisting of RF modules (transmitter and receiver) is implemented, so if a person drops stick or forget it somewhere, he can press a switch of the remote consisting of transmitter part, and as a result alarm with vibrations will turn on, so the user can know the location of the stick. The stick is implemented practically using single wheel leg blinding cane, Arduino microcontroller three ultrasonic sensors RF modules. Also, two buzzers and two vibration motor are used on the stick to fit on when any difficulties occur.