ProxiSense: IoT Smart Blind Stick with Voice Alerts for Obstacle and Water Hazard Detection

Visually impaired individuals often face challenges or difficulties when navigating unfamiliar environments or settings. These difficulties often stem from the fact that their ability to rely on visual cues is limited, making tasks such as detecting obstacles in front of them, identifying the presence of water, and knowing whether it's safe to cross the road or not, and navigating unfamiliar routes much more difficult. To address said issues, the researchers of the study developed ProxiSense, an Arduino-powered smart blind stick capable of detecting obstacles, the presence of water and its depth, and the state of the traffic light signals along with their countdown timer. The system leverages three different sensors: a color sensor for identifying the traffic light states, an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection, and a water sensor for water hazard detection. Furthermore, the system incorporates three different algorithms: the Traffic Light Crossing (TLC) Algorithm, the Sliding Window Algorithm, and the A * Algorithm. The TLC algorithm is used to assist the users, alerting them whether it's safe or not to cross the road. Meanwhile, the sliding window algorithm is utilized to forecast current weather conditions, and the a* algorithm is used to identify points of interest (POIs), providing users with directions and guiding them to their preferred locations. To further increase its reliability, the smart blind stick features voice alerts, sound alarms, and vibration motors for real-time feedback and interaction. Additionally, the system is also supported by a mobile application, allowing users or caregivers to view trip history, check today's weather condition, and set up new trips. To ensure that ProxiSense meets its specified requirements and objectives, the researchers conducted an evaluation using the ISO 25010:2011 software quality model. Functional Suitability had a mean of 3.50, classified as “Very High” Reliability had a mean of 3.48, rated as “Very High” Safety displayed a mean of 3.46, rated as “Very High”. Lastly, Interaction Capability showed a mean of 3.54, also rated as “Very High” The results of the evaluation across all criteria imply that the smart blind stick is functional and can be used for everyday navigation.