Energy-Efficient Localization System for the Blind Based on an Awake/Sleep Scheduling Scheme

Abstract

The mobility of blind individuals is restricted by their inability to perceive their surroundings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 billion people suffer from blindness or poor vision that cannot be treated. Several techniques can use in the localization for the blind. Most localization system buildings use wireless sensor network (WSN) technology, but WSNs are a major source of energy consumption. Therefore, saving power in localization systems is a vital requirement. In this paper, a power-efficient portable localization system (PEPLS) based on WSN was implemented. In this system, location information was acquired via global positioning system (GPS) and transmitted via global system for mobile (GSM) and ZigBee protocols. These radio frequency modules increase power consumption. Therefore, an awake/sleep algorithm was used to decrease the power consumption of the PEPLS. The main components of the prototype PEPLS were GPS, GSM, ZigBee, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) units as well as an Arduino Nano Microcontroller. The proposed awake/sleep algorithm reduced the current consumption of the PEPLS to about 25 mA relative to classical operation, which consumes 156 mA. Consequently, a power savings of 84% was accomplished. Moreover, comparisons with other related works demonstrated that high power savings were achieved.