Microcontroller Based Smart Walking Stick for Visually Impaired People

A paramount aspect of human beings has a sense of vision that naturally gifted by God. But some people are not capable to visually perceive things. Generally blind person use normal stick or help of others for moving. But while using normal stick they can't detect hole, fire, slippery place and objects that are above waist. In this work, a simple, cordial walking stick is designed and implemented utilizing ultrasonic and infrared sensors which can detect the direction and position of the obstacle(s) and water in front of these people and withal gives fire alarm to avail them for walking with less contingency. A microcontroller based proposed system was designed which makes the system as a complete prototype. Basically, the ultrasonic and IR sensor transmits an electromagnetic wave which travels toward the obstacle and back to the sensor receiver. The calculated distance value is compared with the pre-defined value and determines whether the obstacle is present or not. The 3D CAD software was used to design the sensor holder. An Up-Mini 3D printer was used to print the sensor holders which were mounted on the walking stick. Therefore, the sensors were fixed in the right position. The aim of designing this stick is to provide a convenient and safe method to frequently move so that the blind may forget about their disabilities.