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Design of an auditory guidance system for the blind with signal transformation from stereo ultrasonic to binaural audio

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Abstract

We have designed an auditory guidance system for the blind using ultrasonic-to-audio signal transformation. We first investigated the system requirements, and designed a simple but useful portable guidance system for the blind. The system derives visual information using multiple ultrasonic sensors, and transforms it to binaural auditory information using a suitable technique. The user can recognize the position of obstacles and the surrounding environment. The system is composed of two parts. One is a glasses-type system, and the other is a cane-type system with guide wheels. The former functions as an environment sensor, and the latter functions as a clear-path indicator. Wide-beam-angle ultrasonic sensors are used to detect bojects over a broader range. The system is designed as a battery-supplied portable model. Our design is focused on low power consumption, small size, light weight, and easy manipulation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 373-1 Kusong-dong, Yusong-gu, 305-701, Taejon, Korea

    Young Jip Kim, Chong-Hui Kim & Byung Kook Kim

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  1. Young Jip Kim
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  2. Chong-Hui Kim
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  3. Byung Kook Kim
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Correspondence to Young Jip Kim.

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Kim, Y.J., Kim, CH. & Kim, B.K. Design of an auditory guidance system for the blind with signal transformation from stereo ultrasonic to binaural audio. Artif Life Robotics 4, 220–226 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481178

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481178

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