SMART STICK FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Keywords:
YOLO Algorithm, Raspberry Pi, Object Detection, Assistive Technology, Visually Impaired, Real-Time Processing, Audio Feedback, Ultrasonic Sensor, Distance Measurement, Buzzer Alert, Smart Stick.Abstract
When it comes to a person's visual impairment, it can significantly hinder them from functioning independently. This paper presents a case of assistive technology employing the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm integrated into a blind stick with a camera attached to a Raspberry Pi processor. The system aims to perform real-time object detection and recognition, converting the visual information to be an audio form for the users. The hardware configuration contains a camera linked to a Raspberry Pi, which acts as the processor for the data retrieved through the camera. An earphone is linked to the Raspberry Pi in which the guidance and navigation audio prompts are communicated through and to navigate the user. This algorithm captures and distinguishes objects in the camera view, which has been specially tailored for real-time performance on the Raspberry Pi. Not only does the system recognize particular objects, it also mentions the distance the objects are from the user, providing voice outputs like Person detected 123.3 cm away. It also activates a buzzer to alert the user audibly when the system detects walls or other obstacles. Thus, the system provided to the users transforms the visual information using connected earphones with trained data into understandable information which is encoded in audio form. This paper presents the methodology, implementation and results of the prescribed system.
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References
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