A novel obstacle avoidance system for guiding the visually impaired through the use of fuzzy control logic

Abstract

This paper presents an intelligent framework that includes several types of sensors embedded in a wearable device to support the visually impaired (VI) community. The proposed work is based on an integration of sensor-based techniques and a computer vision-based technology in order to introduce an efficient and economical visual device. The 98% accuracy rate of the proposed sequence is based on a wide detection view that used two camera modules and a detection range of approximate 9meteres. In addition, we introduce a novel obstacle avoidance approach based on the image depth and fuzzy control rules. In this approach, each frame divided into three areas. By using the fuzzy logic, we were able to provide precise information to help the VI user in avoiding front obstacles. The strength of this proposed approach aids the VI users in avoiding 100% of all identified objects. Once the device is initialized, the VI user can confidently enter unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, this implemented device can be described as following: accurate, reliable, friendly, light, and economically accessible that facilitates the indoor and outdoor mobility of VI people and does not require any previous knowledge of the surrounding environment.