A novel method of detecting stairs for the blind

Abstract

This paper proposes a device that helps the blind detect stairs. A simple, efficient approach based on ultrasound sensing measures the distance from the user’s head to the ground and detects changes that represent a step up or a step down. Our system is built on a pair of sunglasses and employs an ultrasound sensor, a gyroscope, an Arduino Nano, and two buzzers. The wearer uses calibration to store a reference distance, which is later utilized to determine the presence of steps. Measured results indicate that the rate of false alarms depends on numerous factors, such as the width of the passageway, proximity of other objects, the subject’s height, and his/her walking gait.