IoT-Based Navigation Assistance for Visually Impaired People

This project presents the design and implementation of a smart blind stick prototype aimed at enhancing the mobility and safety of visually impaired individuals. The Blind Stick integrates an ultrasonic sensor, GSM module, GPS module, USB web camera, speakers, and a switch, to provide object detection, alert generation, and location sharing functionalities. The prototype leverages an Arduino microcontroller to efficiently manage the sensor data and interactions. And also using NodeMCU the data will uploaded to webserver for remote monitoring. The ultrasonic sensor is employed to detect obstacles in the user's path, triggering a buzzer alert to warn the user of potential collisions. The integration of a switch allows the user to initiate an emergency alert. Upon pressing the switch, the GSM module sends a text message containing GPS coordinates to a designated contact, facilitating rapid assistance in case of emergencies. Additionally, the Blind Stick prototype capitalizes on computer vision techniques through the utilization of the YOLO (You Only Look Once) framework. Connected to a PC, the Blind Stick leverages a USB web camera to capture images. Detected objects are then identified using YOLO, and corresponding audio alerts are relayed to the user through the earphones, enabling the user to understand their surroundings more comprehensively.

The integration of sensor and modules in the Blind Stick prototype underscores its potential to significantly enhance the independence and safety of visually impaired individuals. The obstacle detection, emergency alert system, and object recognition capabilities collectively contribute to a comprehensive and practical solution. Future work may involve refining the prototype, optimizing the object detection algorithm, and exploring additional features to further empower visually impaired users in navigating their environment.

Keywords: Blind Assistance, GPS module, GSM module, Arduino, NodeMCU