ABSTRACT

This project is aimed at constructing an electronic walking stick for the visually impaired which should automatically warn the user through vibration while giving out an audio output whenever an obstacle is in front of the user.

The system basically consists of three parts namely: the ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) which is based on the ultrasound technology, the signal processing unit which is based on an 8-bit microcontroller (PIC18F4550) and the output system consisting of a vibratory output as well as an audio output relayed through an ear-piece. Voltage pulses from the sensors which correlate well to the obstacle distance are fed to the microcontroller for the measurement of its distance.

 From the tests performed, it is observed that the pulse frequency measured by the sensors can be used to compute the obstacle distance whose results compare well with the ultrasonic readings. By proper steps, time and knowledge, one was able to couple the components together to achieve the desired functions which are stated in the various chapters of this report. This system can be used to assist the visually impaired thereby enabling them move safely and accurately around their environment.