Title: Analysis, design and implementation of electronic navigation device for visually impaired persons

Authors: Abiodun O. Ogunsanya; Omini E. Okoi

Addresses: Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria ' Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: In this paper, we describe an electronic navigation system, a wearable device intended for obstacle detection and navigation purposes for visually impaired persons. Three ultrasonic sensors, a passive infrared sensor, a programmed microcontroller, GPS module, memory card, audio stimuli feedback, and vibro-tactile feedback comprise the inexpensive, commodity hardware, were connected in a closed circuit. They were used to detect barriers at a distance of up to 1 m. The passive infrared sensor was utilised to detect both animate and inanimate impediments. Initial results of the experiment demonstrate that using the wearable navigation system, the percentage collision rate was reduced, that is 90.1% reduction, 50% reduction in response time, and 98% of variance in distance detection using regression analysis compared to conventional guide care. The device shows dependable response to obstacle detection with minimal error. This demonstrates that wearable navigation device is safe and has the potential to improve quality of life of visually impaired persons.

Keywords: visually impaired; obstacle detection; wearable navigation device; convectional guide care; microcontroller.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEI.2024.140804

International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2024 Vol.16 No.5, pp.476 - 492

Received: 15 Feb 2022
Accepted: 06 Jun 2022
Published online: 03 Sep 2024 *

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