Overview
What if a visually challenged person could perceive the environment around him without making any physical contact? What if he/she could distinguish whether the object is stationary or moving? If moving, is it moving away or towards? The Blind Navigator answers them all, taking the blind vision to next level.
The Blind Navigator is a simple electronic device which measures the distances from an obstacle using proximity sensors, simultaneously providing vibratory and audio (through earphones) responses to the user. This enables the blind to ‘map’ the environment around him and navigate safely.
The project is being accomplished under the guidance of Dr. K.M. Bhurchandi and Dr. Ashwin Kothari under Centre of Excellence (CoE), Electronics and Communication Engg. Dept, VNIT Nagpur.
Insight
Blind Navigator v1.0
The Blind Navigator v1.0 provides the user details of the environment in the form of acoustic and haptic feedback. The device uses ultrasonic sensors to compute the distances from the obstacle and maps it to the vibrational motors. The frequency of vibration varies accordingly along with the distance. The device also uses Android-based app to find the path to the destination, estimate the position and orientation of the obstacle and also generate voice commands. An embedded device is connected with the android using Bluetooth. The device is mounted on a specially designed piece of acrylic which is light in weight, fits easily in hand, is stylish and comfortable to use. In In a short time, the user can easily learn to locate the obstacles in his way to reach his/her destination safely.
Blind Navigator 2.0
The Blind Navigator v2.0 is more compact, light and comfortable as compared to the v1.0. Casing not only protects the circuitry components from the outer environment but also serves as a base for the device. It operates on a compact mobile battery and can work upto three hours. The battery can be charged using mobile charger making it cheap and reliable. This version provides audio response along with vibrational feedback to distinguish between the objects at left and right. Strap provides better grip with improved sensation of vibrations from motors. The sensor at the right helps to detect objects at knee level making it safer to use.
Blind Navigator 3.0
Along with obstacle detection from front and top, the Blind Navigator v3.0 is also capable of detecting depths. It is equipped with an assisting stick that helps the user to differentiate between a pit and a down-step. The vibrational frequency of the stick increases with depth. Also, the battery life is extended to 5-6 hours. The improved strap design ensures better grip and allows clear and distinct perception of objects at left and right.
Features
| EASY TO USE | The Blind Navigator is user-friendly and convenient. Wear it on your hand, and with the flick of a switch you’re good to go. |
| DURABLE AND VERSATILE | The Blind Navigator has an elegantly simple design and has no moving parts. It is very comfortable and can go for hours without physical exhaustion. |
| PRECISE | The sensors can operate upto a length of 2 metres, with a high accuracy of ±3cm. |
| DEPTH PERCEPTION AND AUDIO FEEDBACK | The new version is now unified with an assisting stick for depth detection and audio response for better perception. |
| EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE | The v3.0 has an extended battery life of nearly 6 hours. |
| AFFORDABLE | Unlike other blind-assisting gadgets in the market, the Blind Navigator is much lighter on your pocket. |
Tech Specs
SIZE AND WEIGHT
| DIMENSIONS | 100 x 70 x 40 mm (3.93 x 2.75 x 1.57 in) |
| WEIGHT | 0.164 kg |
TECH AND PERFORMANCE
| BATTERY | 1800 mAH |
| OPERATING VOLTAGE | 3.7 V |
| NET OPERATING CURRENT | 500 mA |
| RANGE | 2 metres |
| PLATFORM | Arduino IDE |
| CLOCK FREQUENCY | 8 MHz |