An integrated wireless indoor navigation system for visually impaired

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated wireless system that helps a visually impaired person navigate within an indoor environment. The guidance process to help the person navigate uses a ZigBee wireless mesh network to localize the user and a compass to determine his/her orientation. The system uses a server to calculate an optimal path from the user's present location to the target location or item to be reached. The system receives voice commands from the visually impaired person and generates audio responses to guide the person. The mobile unit of the system is compact and requires relatively low power. Overall the system has minimal intrusion level and the results of various testing scenarios showed it was successful. The results also showed that the accuracy level depends on the available ZigBee modules within the mesh network and the particular zone.