Energy and Cost Efficient Navigation Technique for the Visually Impaired

Abstract

This paper illustrates a cost and energy efficient technique for navigating a visually impaired user through an obstacle ridden path. It analyses the most suitable sensors and their performance regarding the specific application. A control unit processes various sensor inputs relating obstacle's distance and spatial information, and provides a 3D sensory stimulus to the user by means of vibrating motors. With the sensory stimulus the user is able to predict the obstacles and navigate through them without collisions. The technique proposed is ergonomic and economic. Thus, it can provide an affordable aid to visually impaired users. The testing has been implemented using ultrasonic sensors, Arduino mini microcontroller and vibrator motors. The technique was successfully implemented by blind folding the subject (user) to record the results. (Abstract)