08-08-2012, 03:59 PM
Design of an Obstacle Detection System for the Blind
57_Design of an Obstacle Detection System for the Blind_SrikrishnaP_RNSIT.pdf (Size: 288.92 KB / Downloads: 50)
INTRODUCTION
There are approximately 37 million blind and visually-impaired people in the world, out of which 15 million are from India [1]. The blind face difficulty in locomotion as they are unable to perceive the environment with their limited senses. Conventional guide dogs and long canes help them „understand‟ the environment up to a lesser extent.
The cane is the most commonly used aid by the blind for navigation as it is affordable even for the poor. It is easily portable and less complicated. It enables them to tap the area in front of them and detect obstacles like irregular surfaces, holes, stairs, etc.
BLOCK DESCRIPTION
The Obstacle Detection and Navigation System is attached to an ordinary white cane.
The transmitter of the Ultrasonic Ranger module transmits ultrasonic waves. The ranger outputs a signal to the microcontroller on reception of the waves reflected by obstacles.
The Microcontroller activates the vibrator which in turn alerts the user with multi-vibratory stimuli. This indicates to the user about the impending obstacles.
Rechargeability
To make the system energy-efficient,
energy generating units are attached to the
system. Dynamos are used as the energy
generating units. Two kinds of dynamos are
used in the system. They are-
Bottle dynamo: It is similar to the ones
used in the bicycles for lighting. This
dynamo is fitted to the cane in such a
way that the rotating end of the dynamo
touches the wheel. A sensitive dynamo
is used for this purpose. A separate
handle may also be used to rotate the
dynamo shaft in order to charge the
battery when the user is stationary.
FUTURE WORK
The Obstacle Detection System can detect potholes and other low-lying obstacles only when they are close to the user. The efficiency can be improved by using Pattern Recognition using LASER light as the path illuminator.
Navigating in a particular environment and recognition of various things can be made simpler by integrating RFID detector to the cane. Passive RFID tags are fixed on the different objects which need to be identified. When the cane is taken near the object, the passive tags get activated. With the help of an earphone, the user is informed about the nature of the environment.
CONCLUSION
There is a considerable improvement in the navigation of any environment by a blind person. The vibrator glove helps even audio-visually impaired people in perceiving the surroundings. The Ultrasonic Ranger provides a cheap way to detect obstacles.