Blind navigation proposal using SONAR

We present here the results of our effort to develop a navigation system for the visually impaired using Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR). SONAR system has widespread applications in underwater scenarios. Here, we have focused on its use in real-time detection of an obstacle. Our goal is to create a portable, cost-effective, lightweight, unobtrusive, and unprecedented system for the blind, to improve their movement without human assistance. Satellite navigation based on Global Positioning System (GPS) is not accurate enough to guide pedestrians, especially around cities. The performance of the obstacle avoidance strategy described in the system depends primarily on the SONAR sensors used. The effect of their limitation on the proposed system is presented in detail. Our results indicate that a group of sonar devices, appropriately positioned with respect to one another, together make up a system that is suitable as a navigation aide for the visually impaired.