Description

Blind Person’s Smart Stick Using Arduino, GPS, GSM, Ultrasonic Sensor, LDR, and Water Sensor

This smart stick is a highly functional device designed to assist blind or visually impaired individuals in navigating their environment safely. By integrating multiple sensors and communication modules, it offers comprehensive support, allowing users to be more independent while ensuring that help is always within reach.

This project is a smart stick designed for visually impaired individuals, integrating various sensors and technologies to assist them in navigating their surroundings. The stick uses an Arduino microcontroller to process data from sensors like an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04), light-dependent resistor (LDR), water sensor, GPS, and GSM module. It also includes a push button for emergency alerts, making it a comprehensive tool for ensuring the safety and independence of blind individuals.

1. Ultrasonic Sensor ​​​​Logic Overview:

• No Obstacle (Distance > 150 cm): If the distance is greater than 150 cm, there is no object in the immediate path. The buzzer remains off.
• Obstacle Detected Between 150 cm and 30 cm: When an object is detected between 150 cm and 30 cm, the buzzer starts beeping with a variable delay. The closer the object, the faster the buzzer beeps. The delay between buzzer beeps decreases as the object gets closer to 30 cm. This gives the user an idea of how close the obstacle is.
• Very Close Obstacle (Distance <= 30 cm): When the object is closer than 30 cm, the buzzer will beep continuously, indicating an immediate obstacle

2. Light Detection with LDR (Night Mode)

An LDR (light-dependent resistor) is attached to the smart stick to detect the surrounding light conditions. If it senses low light (indicating it is nighttime or a dark environment), the stick activates a specific buzzer frequency to alert the user that it is dark. This feature helps the user understand the environmental lighting condition without requiring external assistance. The unique beep pattern for night mode differentiates it from the obstacle detection sounds.

3. Water Detection

A water sensor is included in the stick to detect whether the path ahead is wet or dry. If the water sensor detects water, indicating a wet or slippery surface, the buzzer emits a special beep pattern that alerts the user to be cautious. This feature helps prevent the user from slipping or walking into hazardous areas, especially in conditions like rain or near puddles.

4. Emergency Alert Button

The stick includes a push button on the handle, which serves as an emergency alert mechanism. If the blind person feels they are in danger or needs assistance, they can press this button. When pressed, the Arduino triggers the GSM module to send an emergency SMS with the user’s GPS location to two pre-configured relatives or guardians. This feature provides an added layer of safety by allowing the user to call for help whenever necessary.

5. Location Request and Response via GSM

In addition to the emergency button, the GSM module allows the user’s relatives to request their location at any time. By sending a predefined SMS command to the stick, the GSM module in the stick will automatically reply with an SMS containing the GPS coordinates of the blind person’s current location. This feature is useful for family members or caregivers who want to ensure the user’s safety or track their location in real-time.

6. GPS Module for Location Tracking

The GPS module continuously tracks the location of the blind person. It provides location data for both emergency situations (when the button is pressed) and when the relatives request it via SMS. This ensures that the user’s location can be easily tracked and shared as needed.

Summary of Features

Ultrasonic Sensor for Obstacle Detection: Provides feedback via buzzer depending on the distance to the obstacle, with increasing beep frequency as the user approaches an object. The buzzer sounds continuously when the object is very close.

LDR for Night Mode Detection: Detects low light conditions and triggers a distinct buzzer sound to inform the user that it is nighttime or dark.

Water Sensor: Alerts the user with a specific beep pattern if water or a wet surface is detected on the path.

Emergency Button: Allows the user to send an emergency SMS with their location to relatives by pressing a button on the handle.

GSM-Based Location Requests: Relatives can request the user’s location at any time by sending an SMS, and the stick will reply with the GPS coordinates.

GPS Module: Tracks the user’s location for emergency alerts and location requests.