Infrared Guided White Cane for Assisting the Visually Impaired to Walk Alone

Abstract

This study proposes an indoor navigation system using a white cane equipped with an infrared beacon and receiver installed on the ceiling of a facility, and sound and speech as an option for assisting visually impaired persons to walk alone. This support does not require extensive facility modifications or detailed environmental mapping, and is compact and simple enough to be used and obtained as a tool, like a white cane. This support was verified by a visually impaired person, and its potential to be used as a stand-alone walking support was demonstrated.