Development of guide stick navigation for blind person using digital compass and global positioning system

Abstract

The limited use of navigation technology poses a risk to blind person becoming lost, while in a foreign place and causing them to rarely travel. The purpose of this study is to design guiding sticks for blind person by tracking and homing. The position of coordinates and wind direction is processed into information on sound signals and vibrations. The method used in this research is GPS bearing and inverse angle, using compass and ultrasonic sensors. Afterwards, the data output in this system is directional information in the form of sound, besides information in the form of an obstacle when in front of the sensor. The test results prove that the GPS bearing method can produce a more stable direction. However, GPS accuracy can decrease when it is blocked by trees and buildings. While the inverse angle method, GPS data is stored on the data logger, which does not require GPS accuracy when determining direction. The angle of the direction is more accurate if the average angle when tracking is not too wide.