Evaluation of RU-Netra - Tactile Feedback Navigation System For The Visually Impaired

An evaluation of novel tactile navigation system for the blind is described in this paper. The handle processes ultrasonic sensor signals and conveys information to the user through variable and synchronized vibrations, which will enhance the sense of orientation and distance for the user. Various tactile perception patterns are used to convey information to the user using sensitivity of the hand. These schemes give feedback to the user using various vibrating patterns which are dependent on three parameters namely intensity of vibration, location of the vibro-tactile actuator and the pulse duration of sensing signal. We are showing different navigation scenario results of the device on 15 sighted users of different age group, genders and hand sizes by making them blindfolded. The prototype has an ergonomic design, is lightweight, compact, and adjustable to different hand sizes