Ultrasonic Echolocation Device for Assisting the Visually Impaired

Curr Med Imaging. 2020;16(5):601-610. doi: 10.2174/1573405615666190423141647.

Abstract

Background: Echolocation is a technique whereby the location of objects is determined via reflected sound. Currently, some visually impaired individuals use a form of echolocation to locate objects and to orient themselves. However, this method takes years of practice to accurately utilize.

Aims: This paper presents the development of a sensory substitution device for visually impaired users, which gauged distances and the placement of objects.

Methods: Using ultrasonic technology, the device employed a method of echolocation to increase the user's independence and mobility. The main components of this device are an ultrasound transceiver and a miniaturized Arduino board. Through research and prototyping, this technology was integrated into a biomedical application in a watch form factor which provides feedback to the user regarding the measured distance by the ultrasonic transducer.

Results: The output of this process is a tactile feedback that varies in intensity proportional to the distance of the detected object. We tested the device in different scenarios including different distances from a different material. The difference between the device reading and the actual distance, from 0 to 400 cm was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: It is believed this device will boost the confidence of the user in navigation.

Keywords: Echolocation; haptic feedback; navigation; ultrasonic transducer; visually impaired..

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blindness / rehabilitation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self-Help Devices*
  • Ultrasonics / instrumentation*
  • Ultrasonics / methods*
  • Visually Impaired Persons