The development of a wearable goggle echolocation device to support people who are visually impaired with unhindered and unaided movement.

Abstract

The mobility of people with severe visual impairment is limited affecting their comfort and productivity. There are about 45 million people who are blind with global financial burden and annual global cost of productivity estimated to be USD411 billion according to World Health Organization report of 2024. The contributions of the people who are visually impaired to the gross domestic product (GDP) can be enhanced deploying technology. A novel sensory substitution device that enables people who are visually impaired or blind to fairly hear objects in place of seeing objects is proposed. The wearable echolocation device was developed using three ultrasonic sensors, one placed in the right, left, and middle of the goggle with each connected to a buzzer. Audible compass is implemented in the circuitry to guide the user on the direction while walking. In this configuration, the user is guided and alerted of any obstacle within the field of coverage and so can navigate to any desired destination unaided without relying on internet. The developed prototype is easy to use and does not require complex training. The echolocation device was tested by ten enrolled people that are visually impaired or blind who validated its effectiveness and efficiency. The device is comparatively low cost, noninvasive, energy efficient and mass producible.