Haptic-Based Walker for Individuals with Visual Impairments
摘要
This study introduces an innovative walker designed to enhance mobility and spatial awareness for individuals with visual impairments. By integrating haptic feedback and ultrasonic sensors, the walker provides a combination of tactile and auditory cues to help users navigate their environment more effectively. The design maintains the traditional walker framework but incorporates advanced technologies, including ultrasonic sensors, vibration motors, a buzzer, and a compact power unit. The walker is equipped with five strategically placed ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles in the user's path, ranging from objects at ground level to those at head height, ensuring comprehensive environmental awareness. The four vibration motors embedded in the handles deliver precise haptic feedback to indicate the proximity of obstacles, with varying vibration patterns corresponding to the distance of the detected objects. Additionally, a buzzer emits sound alerts to notify users of immediate obstacles, creating a multi-modal sensory experience. The user-friendly interface allows easy customization of feedback intensity, making it adaptable to individual needs. This design aims to empower visually impaired individuals by improving their navigation abilities, fostering independence, and enhancing overall mobility. The system’s practicality, combined with its low-cost implementation and ease of use, holds significant promise for broad adoption in aiding visually impaired communities.