Microcontroller-based Navigational Aid with Global Positioning System for the Blind

Microcontroller-based Navigational Aid with Global Positioning System for the BlindAUSTRIA, Jay Kenneth ZBAUTISTA, Ryan IFERNANDEZ, Raezelldon Stephen DMENDIGORIA, Sadirit OQUIRAY, Zarah Laurice MRUPISAN, Aryhanne Mae ASORIANO, Amanda RIntroductionWhite cane is a tool used by the blind. It is designed to get clues about their environment and use this information for quick reaction. It is a way of people to recognize that the users are visually impaired or have disabilities. However, the white canes functionality remains limited for the blind people, relying on the users ability to detect objects. Traveling or simply walking down a crowded street may pose great difficulty. SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY-INSTITUTE FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC. (SLU-IIEFI) SLU-IIEFI aims to make education accessible and available to all learners regardless of whether they have physical, sensory, or mental impairments and assures equitable success in education through inclusive practice.

ObjectiveThis study is to add features into the cane to provide a better mobility device. The implementation will help the students of SLU-IIEFI as well as other blind people in detecting obstacles and in identifying their current locations by providing audible names of the places within Baguio City.Block DiagramINPUTPROCESSOUTPUTPower SupplyUltrasonic SensorsGPS ModuleMemory CardMicrocontrollerMotor DriverBluetooth TransmitterVibratingMotorsBluetooth Earpiece

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The Microcontroller-based Navigational Aid Cane with Global Positioning System for the Blind converts the inputs from the ultrasonic sensors and GPS module into a corresponding distance and audio format respectively. The microcontroller serves as the central processing of the system that would output signals to the motor driver which produces different strength of vibrations and to the Bluetooth transmitter for a corresponding audio output which can then be heard by the blind person through Bluetooth earpiece.6Actual Picture

Fr. Jessie Hechanova with Engr Bonifacio Dela PenaSummaryThe Microcontroller-based Navigational Aid Cane with Global Positioning System for the Blind converts the inputs from the ultrasonic sensors and GPS module into a corresponding distance and audio format respectively. The microcontroller serves as the central processing of the system that would output signals to the motor driver which produces different strength of vibrations and to the Bluetooth transmitter for a corresponding audio output which can then be heard by the blind person through Bluetooth earpiece.ConclusionThe system is designed and constructed to provide a better navigational aid for the blind by using ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles with a maximum of two meters and Global Positioning System to provide the current location of the user. Also, the project is capable of operating without the need of computer interface. Through this, the system would be affordable for its users.

RecommendationsFor the obstacle detector, use camera to identify what type of obstacle is approaching or add more ultrasonic sensors to provide a wider range of detection.

For the GPS module, use a higher specification GPS module so that the system can receive coordinates indoors.

For the GPS module, use a GPS module with higher specifications and smaller in size that can receive coordinates indoors.Bill of MaterialsMotor Driver ModuleMaterialsPriceQtyAmountResistor0.542Transistor7214Capacitor326Diode5210PHP32Memory Card ModuleMaterialsPriceQtyAmountResistors0.563PHP3This section shows the prices of the components and materials used in the construction of the hardware and software designs of the system.11Bill of MaterialsBluetooth TransmitterMaterialsPriceQtyAmountResistors0.5213.5mm Jack30130Bluetooth Transmitter7501750PHP781Bill of MaterialsOthersMaterialsPriceQtyAmountFemale Break-away Header0.4156Soldering Lead10330Male-Male Jumper Wire32575Matrix Board35135Electrical Tape24124Toggle Switch30260Spray Paint1001100Fiber Glass90190Bolt and Nut40140Aluminum10110Door Hinge515PHP475Bill of MaterialsMaterialsPriceQtyAmountUltrasonic Sensor2002400Gizduino X109011090GPS module138511385Vibrating Motor100220018650 mAh Battery1003300Bluetooth 3.0 Earphone4801480Bluetooth Transmitter7811781Memory Card Module313Motor Driver32132Cane3001300Others4751475TOTALPHP5446Video