Head-Level Obstacle Detector for Visually Impaired

Head-Ievel obstacle detector appears to be a helpful aid for the visually impaired. The detector is ultrasound-based and is used with a white cane. The chest was identified to be the best option for fixing. Testing had two phases, indoor and outdoor, both with visually impaired end users. In phase 1, indoor testing was conducted in a gym using a route with ten artificial obstacles. We found the method to be safe for verifying the functionality of the sensor and mounting. It was also found to be an effective method for learning how to use the device. Indoor testing has shown that the device also reliably detects narrow horizontal obstacles (simulation of branches) at a head level. It also does not detect obstacles on the sides of the user that do not directly threaten him, and so it does not cause unnecessary feedback that would distract the user. Importantly, we did not find any false positive detections. However, the stabilization of the fixing needs to be improved. In phase 2, the outdoor testing, five blind used the detector for four weeks in their everyday life. This method did not provide information about the reliability of detection (the blind do not see it) but indicated a good recognizability of the feedback and good wearability. All blind testers have seen benefits in using the detector.