Sonic electronic guide for the blind

Abstract

A microprocessor-based sonic electronic guide for the blind is described. The device uses the ultrasonic echoing technique with an array of transducers to automatically detect and measure the range of obstacles in and around a pedestrian path. It is also equipped with a facility to provide information on the lighting condition of the environment. Such information provides a more realistic appreciation of the environment for the blind, especially those who became visually handicapped due to sickness or accident. The information on the obstacles and the environment is conveyed to the user in an easily comprehensible audible speech by means of a speech synthesizing technique.