Abstract

SO.19.02

Ultrasonic-based navigation support for blind and visually impaired people

Gamael A., Look M., Jürgens C., Clemens S.
University Eye Hospital Greifswald

Objective: Improvement of the mobility of blind people with a device that scans obstacles in real time and converts the respective information into acoustic signals.
Methods: The suggested device consists of an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic signal transmitter and a control and analysis unit. This unit triggers the emission of ultrasonic waves and analyses the echoes received by the transducer. Eventually, the presence of and the distance to obstacles in the nearby environment is derived from the received echoes and this information is used to trigger an acoustic signal. The device is intended to be worn like eyeglasses supported by a retaining band.
Results: Field tests with several blind persons were carried out which demonstrated that the device can substantially improve the navigation capabilities after a training period.
Conclusions: The ultrasonic-based navigation support device worn as a pair of eyeglasses improves the mobility of blind and visually impaired persons. In combination with established support devices such as a cane, the suggested device decreases threats for the users.

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