| The development of a visual system for the detection of obstructions for visually impaired people Mitsuhiro Okayasu
The Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, vol. 23, no. 10, pp.2776-2779, 2009
Abstract : In this paper, the author presents a new visual system that can aid visually impaired people in walking. The system
provides object information (that is, shape and location) through the sense of touch. This visual system depends on
three different components: (i) an infrared camera sensor that detects the obstruction, (ii) a control system that measures
the distance between the obstruction and the sensor, and (iii) a tooling apparatus with small pins (φ1 mm) used in
forming a three-dimensional shape of the obstruction. The pins, arranged on a 6×6 matrix, move longitudinally between
the retracted and extended positions based on the distance data. The pin extends individually, while the pin tip
reflects the object’s outer surface. The length of the pin from the base surface is proportional to the distance of the sensor
from the obstruction. An ultrasonic actuator, controlled at a 15Hz frame rate, is the driving force for the pin movement.
The tactile image of the 3D shape can provide information about the obstruction.
Keyword :
Blind; Visual system; Infrared camera sensor; Ultrasonic actuator
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