Orientation device for the visually impaired and elderly

In Vietnam, the visually impaired and elderly face significant mobility challenges due to limited support. As of World Sight Day 2024, approximately 2 million Vietnamese are blind or have low vision, many of whom cannot afford treatment. These individuals often struggle to identify directions and obstacles, making them vulnerable to accidents, especially at intersections with traffic lights.This project aims to develop a device that acts as an extra “eye” for the visually impaired and elderly, improving their safety and integration into society.

The device utilizes an Arduino board as its central processing unit, receiving and interpreting signals from various sensors as:

• A distance sensor detects obstacles and triggers audio or vibration alerts. If an object comes too close, the device will trigger an alert through a vibration motor and speaker, keeping the user informed of potential hazards.
• A color sensor identifies traffic light colors and provides voice instructions. This allows the device to differentiate between red and green lights, providing crucial audio instructions to the user. 
• A tilt sensor detects falls and sends an emergency message with a call to a designated contact. This wearable system offers real-time assistance for safe navigation.

These core functionalities work together to create a comprehensive orientation system. The user receives real-time feedback on their surroundings through a combination of audible alerts, vibrations, and potential future integration with GPS for location tracking and health monitoring via heart rate and SPO2 sensors.