Raspberry Pi-Powered IoT Device for Blind Navigation Using MobileNetV3-SSD Image Processing

Individuals who have visual impairments encounter difficulties when it comes to safely and autonomously exploring their immediate environment. The present study introduces a novel intelligent blind stick that incorporates several technologies with the aim of enhancing the navigation capabilities of those with visual impairments. The blind stick incorporates a Raspberry Pi 4 as its central processing unit, accompanied by ultrasonic sensors, a soil moisture sensor, a GPS module, and a GSM module. Ultrasonic sensors are used for the purpose of stair detection, while soil moisture sensors are utilized to identify surfaces with high moisture content. The GPS module serves the function of tracking the geographical coordinates of the user, while the GSM module facilitates communication with emergency services. The blind stick incorporates MobileNetV3-SSD image processing technology for real-time object detection. The system uses image processing to identify any obstacles in the user's path. The system provides a warning if the obstacle is located at a distance of 50 cm from the user. The efficacy of the blind stick was assessed in several settings, encompassing both indoor and outdoor locations. The findings revealed its proficiency in detecting a wide range of items, encompassing individuals, automobiles, and fauna. The blind stick also effectively identified the presence of staircases and wet surfaces. The findings of this study indicate that the intelligent blind stick has considerable potential as an emerging technology to enhance the navigation capabilities of those with visual impairments, enabling them to traverse their environment with increased safety and autonomy.