A Multidimensional Walking Aid for Visually Impaired Using Ultrasonic Sensors Network with Voice Guidance

Abstract

The application of engineering practices in medicine has immensely contributed to the recent findings in biomedical research areas. One of the products of this application is the development of sophisticated aids for physically challenged people. In this paper, visually impaired walking aid is designed and implemented using a network of ultrasonic sensors, thereby capable of detecting the direction and position of obstacle(s). The performance and functionality are also improved by the addition of alert light, and voice guidance signal which is relayed to a miniature headset. The recorded voice alerts the user of the presence and direction of the obstacle(s). The prototype of the multidimensional walking aid was able to detect obstacles within the range of 0m to 1m at the left, right and front of the stick with an appropriate voice alert. The test results of the prototype showed that the stick can efficiently guide its user.