Collision Avoidance Device For Visually Impaired C.A.D.V.I

Abstract The white cane is the most successful and widely used travel aid for the blind. This purely mechanical device is used to detect obstacles on the ground uneven surfaces holes steps and other hazards. The main problem with the white cane is that users must be trained. In addition this device requires the user to actively scan the small area ahead of himher and it cannot detect obstacles beyond its reach of 1 - 2 m. Another drawback of the white cane is that obstacles can be detected only by contact. This can become inconvenient to the user and the people around the user. Guide dogs are very capable guides for the blind but they require extensive training as well and are extremely expensive. Collision Avoidance Device for the Visually Impaired is a hands-free and a hassle-free pedestrian navigation system. It integrates several technologies including wearable computers image processing audio processing and sound navigation and ranging. This device focuses on bringing about an approach which would make a visually impaired person to walk through busy roads and help identify obstacles without any trouble. The device uses a digital camera to capture the image frames directly in front of the user and the processor implements image processing to determine the obstacle and a set of vibrational motors warns the user. The system also provides audio response. The sonar sensors detect obstacles in the users immediate vicinity. Upon detection the vibrational motors caution himher regarding the presence of obstacles. Image processing is used to provide the lateral distance between the obstacle and the user so as to provide distance perception. Being a real time system it accounts for real time changes by processing on current frames and is reactive by providing instant responses.