Philippine E-Journals

OBSTACLE DETECTION DEVICE FOR BLIND PEOPLE

Michael John O. Plaza | Rey Millikent N. Alamis | Kris Alman E. Calope | Shiela Mae V. Quinamot

 

Abstract:

The study aimed to create an obstacle detection device for blind people that would guide them especially with obstacles or obstructions in their proximity using audible warnings. The device was installed in a stick with four (4) ultrasonic sensors, a speech synthesizer and a microcontroller. The sensors were used to detect obstructions in the front, sides, and including head obstacles. The speech synthesizer produced human speech from the detected obstructions by the sensors and the main controller of the sensors and speech synthesizer was the microcontroller. The design was evaluated by five (5) Engineering Faculty, five (5) Electronics Engineers, five (5) cConcerned Citizens, fifteen (15) Students and five visually impaired individuals from Davao School and Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired. The methods used were experimental method, which involved development and incorporation of existing studies; and descriptive approach, which involved evaluation through implementation. The research evaluation results were proof that the device is very functional. The device able to detect obstructions relative to the user or the usually impaired individual, also it ables to produce audible speech that enable the user to know if there is an obstruction to their path.