Agile and cost-effective ultrasonic module for people with visual impairment using a headphone jack: Implications for enhancing mobility aids

Abstract

Over 80% of the world’s people with visual impairment are living in countries which are financially dire. And over 50% of them are above the age of 50 years. The need for a system or of technology that would enable this sector of people to perceive the world in much the same way as the rest of us is imminent. The article presents a novel way to eliminate the use of data acquisition system (DAQ) systems/micro-controllers by incorporating a headphone jack. With the aid of a headphone jack, a cost-effective wearable ultrasonic module that would enable people with visual impairment to virtually see is implemented. Unlike conventional walking canes or its derivatives that do not offer effective feedback, the ingenuity in the proposed module is that it offers audible feedback to the user. The ultrasonic sensor is coupled with the headphone jack and the output of the sensor is relayed to the earphones with the help of a free mobile app (Mic To Speaker). This substantially reduces the cost of the module (since no DAQs/micro-controllers are used) and the processing needed as well.