Finger-Mounted Obstacle Detector for People with Visual Impairment

Abstract

Mobility is the ability to move. People with visual impairment has limited mobility as they have limited vision to move safely without colliding against obstacles. This paper presents a wearable device using technology to help people with visual impairment to detect obstacles. The device uses an ultrasonic sensor to obtain real time information of distance between device and obstacles. This information is interpreted into an audio feedback which will alert or notify users the presence of obstacles in their path. The device is small enough to be worn on the finger and direction of detection can be changed by pointing the hand or finger elsewhere. Three experimental testing were conducted to evaluate the prototype. First experiment was to determine the detection rate on indoor and outdoor obstacles of different sizes and shapes in a controlled environment. Second experiment was to test the prototype with participants wearing blindfolds (no vision simulator) and walking in an indoor environment filled with real life obstacles. Third experiment was conducted with participants wearing low vision simulators walking in an outdoor environment. Results showed the prototype works better for people with low vision than no vision. 

A Systematic Review of Wearable Devices for Orientation and Mobility of Adults With Visual Impairment and Blindness

“…We also observed that 16 studies (26.23%) reported smartphone connection. The use of smartphones varied from processing units [28], [34], [47], [54], capturing devices -camera [54], [64] and GPS [69] -, external communication [58], [67], [70] and user interface [1], [28], [47], [49], [62]- [64], [68], [70]. Gao et al [36] reported Bluetooth connection from prototype to smartphone.…”

“…The user interface was provided as output either by warning the user through voice commands, as observed in Bai et al [28], Ling et al [1], Siddhartha et al [62], Takefuji et al [68], or as a smartphone application featured in Lee and Medioni [49], Silva and Wimalaratne [63], [64], and Vignesh et al [70]. In Lee and Medioni [49], the user could choose where to go from a list of registered places or translate the names of the places by speech recognition.…”

“…Visually impaired people face several challenges to accomplish everyday tasks, especially when attempting to have safe and independent mobility. The ability to detect hazards is reduced with visual impairment, which can result in accidents, collisions, and falls, having a negative impact on their physical, psychological and social-economic development [1], [2], [3]. Visual impairment is often associated with mobility restrictions, leading to many health issues, including loss of independence, social isolation, reduced physical activity, and depression [4].…”