A Microcontroller-based guiding system using infrared and ultrasonic sensors for the blind

Date of Publication

2009

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Electronics and Communications Engineering

Honor/Award

Awarded as best thesis, 2009

Thesis Adviser

Alan Banes Landa

Defense Panel Chair

Jingel A. Tio

Defense Panel Member

Ann E. Dulay
Cesar A. Llorente

Abstract/Summary

In the past leading up to today, various types of electronic devices have been made for the blind. Some of the notable types include Braille-based devices, guiding and alerting devices for walking, and GPS navigation systems. However, the current innovation trend shows more focus and developments are being given to Braille-based devices and less concern are given in the development and improvement of guiding devices for the blind to walk safely. In this thesis, an improved guiding system is developed with the use of a microcontroller, infrared distance measuring sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, and vibrating motors. The guiding system provides capabilities to detect and discern different types of path obstructions that other existing systems do not have. These path obstructions include: (1) small obstacles, (2) walls, (3) low-level beam/ceiling, and (4) upward sloping stairways (National Building Code measurement standard).

The prototype has four main subsystems: (1) the walking stick, which holds three infrared distance measuring sensors and two ultrasonic ranging sensors for detecting path obstructions at the lower body level, (2) the hat, which holds an infrared distance measuring sensor for detecting low-level beams/ceilings that could hit the user on the head, (3) glove, which contains five vibrating motors for alerting the user of the type of path obstruction and its relative distance from the stick/hat, and (4) circuit box, which contains the intelligence of the system through a microcontroller that process the signals coming from the sensors and producing the necessary control signals to the vibrating motors for alerting the user.

An actual system test with ten (10) blind people resulted to an overall system performance rating of 7.8/10. Through actual blind user surveys, the device showed great potential in serving as a desirable alternative to the conventional cane being widely used by the blind.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU14979

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

215, A-22 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Blind; People with disabilities--Care--Technological innovations; Blind; Apparatus for the; Self-help devices for people with disabilities; Infrared detectors--Technological innovations

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