Electronic guidance system for the visually impaired — A framework

Ability to move confidently is critical in maximizing independence, regardless of age and with or without existence of other disabilities. Orientation and mobility helps both children and adults to develop and master the concepts and skills which are necessary to move safely and efficiently within their world with confidence. Mobility for the visually impaired is always a great problem. With over 39 million visually impaired people worldwide, the need for one assistive device that allows a user to navigate freely is crucial. The traditional and oldest mobility aids for persons with visual impairments are the walking cane and guide dogs. The important drawbacks of these aids are the requirement of necessary skills, range of motion and little information being conveyed. A stick requires the person to come into close proximity with the obstacle to determine its location. This paper proposes the design and architecture of a new concept of Smart Electronic Guiding Stick for the visually impaired. The proposed combination of various working units makes a realtime system in which guidance will be provided in the form of audio instructions through the headset for both indoor and outdoor environments making navigation more safe and secure.