Development of an intelligent guide-stick for the blind

An intelligent guide stick for the blind was developed. It consists of an ultrasound displacement sensor, two DC motors, and a micro-controller. The total weight is 4.0kg, and the width and the height of the guide stick are 24 cm and 85 cm, respectively. Computer simulations were performed in order to find the traces of the guide stick at three different paths using an in-house Visual C⁺⁺ software. Actual experiments were also performed to compare with the computer simulation results. The difference between the actual experiment and the simulation was 1.19 cm in the straight path. However, the difference alter the first 90° turn was 9.3 cm and became 11.9 cm after the second 90° turn. Nevertheless, the intelligent guide stick followed the path of the road successfully avoiding the obstacle. The intelligent guide stick will help the blind travel with providing more convenient means of life.