Ultrasonic indoor navigation prototype for visual impaired users

Abstract

There are a lot of solutions implemented for the visual impaired users, from simplistic and mechanical ones to more elaborated, using smart and cloud technologies. But most of the solutions are designed for outdoor use; only a few of them are designed and work also indoor. Our challenge was to create a device light, cost effective, easy to use and with small power consumption that will work perfectly as an add-on to the cane indoor. Searching for a solution that is both versatile and cost effective, we came across an ultrasonic sensor, a light, easy to use, cost effective and low power consumption module that fitted our needs perfectly. The sensor can spot an obstacle at minimum 2 cm and maximum 4 meters [1] from the user, which makes is it the perfect candidate for our purpose. Creating a system composed of a programmable board, a jack module, a headset and a library that translates the distance to the user, we manage to make a fully functional prototype that can help any visual impaired user, with a little training, navigate indoor. The upgrade of the system will include more sensors and also an AI algorithm that will help even more the user and make the training even faster.