Smart Glasses for Blind Assistance with Ultrasonic Sensor and SMS Alert

Smart Glasses for Blind Assistance with Ultrasonic Sensor and SMS Alert

In today’s world, technology plays a significant role in empowering those with disabilities. Smart Glasses for Blind Assistance is an innovative engineering project designed to assist visually impaired individuals in safely navigating their surroundings. This project utilizes an ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles and sends an SMS alert to emergency contacts when an object comes dangerously close, ensuring that users receive both immediate feedback and reliable support in potentially hazardous situations.

Project Overview and Objectives

The primary goal of the Blind Man Assistance project is to provide a compact and reliable navigation aid that improves safety and independence for people with visual impairments. By using smart glasses embedded with an ultrasonic sensor and a GSM module, this project sends a notification in emergency scenarios to help caregivers stay informed and enable quicker response times. This project is an ideal choice for engineering students looking for innovative and meaningful project ideas in embedded systems and assistive technology.

Download:- Synopsis of the project

Download:- PPT of the Project

Components Used in Blind Assistance Smart Glasses

To create this Blind Assistance System, several key components are utilized:

1. Arduino Nano:
   The Arduino Nano serves as the central processing unit, coordinating signals from the ultrasonic sensor and GSM module. Its compact design and efficient processing capabilities make it perfect for wearable projects like this.
2. Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04):
   This sensor plays a vital role in detecting obstacles in the user’s path by emitting ultrasonic waves. If an object is within a specified range, the ultrasonic sensor calculates its distance and relays this information to the Arduino.
3. GSM Module (SIM800L):
   The GSM module is responsible for sending SMS alerts when obstacles are detected within 12 inches. The SMS is sent to a predefined emergency contact, which ensures that help is notified if an accident is likely.
4. Buzzer:
   An active high buzzer is used for providing audible feedback when obstacles are detected. The buzzer alerts the user to objects within 45 to 12 inches, allowing them to avoid possible accidents.

These components together make up the Blind Man Assistance System, ensuring obstacle detection, audible alerts, and SMS notifications in emergencies.

Circuits Diagram of the Project

Project Kit:- Click Here OR Contact at +91-8571964488 / 8684884488 ( Call or Whatsapp )

Code of the Project

// Define the pin numbers for the ultrasonic sensor
const int trigPin = 2;  // Trigger pin for sending ultrasonic waves
const int echoPin = 3;  // Echo pin for receiving reflected ultrasonic waves

// Define the pin number for the buzzer
const int buzzerPin = 7;  // Pin connected to the buzzer

// Define the minimum and maximum distance thresholds in inches
const int minDistance = 12;  // Minimum distance (in inches) for SMS alert
const int maxDistance = 45;  // Maximum distance (in inches) for activating the buzzer

// Setup function
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Start serial communication at a baud rate of 9600 for debugging
  
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);  // Set trigPin as an OUTPUT to send pulses
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);   // Set echoPin as an INPUT to receive pulses
  pinMode(buzzerPin, OUTPUT); // Set buzzerPin as an OUTPUT to control the buzzer
}

void loop() {
  // Trigger the ultrasonic sensor
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);  // Ensure the trigger pin is LOW before sending a pulse
  delayMicroseconds(2);        // Wait for 2 microseconds
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH); // Set the trigger pin HIGH for 10 microseconds to send a pulse
  delayMicroseconds(10);       
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);  // Set trigger pin LOW after pulse is sent

  // Read the duration of the pulse on echoPin
  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);  // Measure the time the echoPin is HIGH (in microseconds)

  // Convert the duration to distance in inches
  int distance = duration * 0.0133 / 2;    // Calculate distance in inches (duration / 2 and convert to inches)

  // Print the distance to the Serial monitor
  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);      // Display distance in inches
  Serial.println(" inches");

  // Check the distance and take action
  if (distance >= minDistance && distance <= maxDistance) {
    // If the object is within the range, activate the buzzer
    digitalWrite(buzzerPin, HIGH);  // Turn buzzer on
    Serial.println("Object detected - Buzzer ON");
  } else if (distance < minDistance) {
    // If the object is too close, send an SMS alert
    sendSMS();  // Call the function to send an SMS
  } else {
    // If the object is out of range, turn off the buzzer
    digitalWrite(buzzerPin, LOW);  // Turn buzzer off
  }

  // Delay before the next reading
  delay(300);  // Wait for 300 milliseconds before taking another reading
}

// Function to send SMS
void sendSMS() {
  Serial.println("AT+CMGF=1");  // Set SMS mode to text mode
  delay(200);                   // Short delay to allow the command to process

  Serial.println("AT+CMGS=\"+917477470065\"");  // Set recipient's phone number
  delay(200);                   // Delay to allow command to register

  Serial.println("Object too close!");  // Content of the SMS message
  delay(200);                   // Delay before sending the message

  Serial.write(26);             // Send ASCII code 26 (CTRL+Z) to end and send the message
  delay(2000);                  // Delay to allow the message to send
}

Video Demonstration

How the Blind Man Assistance System Works

The working principle of this project relies on the real-time processing of sensor data to determine proximity to obstacles. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Continuous Scanning:
   The ultrasonic sensor continuously emits ultrasonic waves. When these waves hit an object, they bounce back to the sensor, allowing it to calculate the object’s distance.
2. Buzzer Alert Activation:
   If an obstacle is detected between 45 and 12 inches, the Arduino triggers the buzzer. The audible alert notifies the user, helping them steer clear of potential obstacles.
3. Emergency SMS Notification:
   If an object is detected within a distance of less than 12 inches, the system considers it an emergency. The GSM module then automatically sends an SMS alert to the emergency contact with a message indicating an immediate obstacle.

This seamless integration of sensors and communication ensures that the blind assistance device provides both immediate and long-term support.

Applications of Smart Glasses for Blind Assistance

1. Assistive Device for Visually Impaired Individuals:
   The primary application of this project is to aid individuals who are visually impaired, helping them avoid obstacles and notify caregivers if they encounter hazards.
2. Enhanced Safety in Public Spaces:
   This project can be especially beneficial in crowded or unfamiliar environments, where visually impaired users may have a higher risk of encountering obstacles.
3. Personal Safety Device:
   This project’s functionality makes it adaptable as a personal safety tool for individuals in hazardous environments, alerting them to nearby objects.
4. Educational Project for Engineering Students:
   This project is an ideal choice for engineering students interested in building innovative, practical projects involving Arduino, IoT, and embedded systems.

Advantages of the Blind Assistance Project

1. Increased Safety for Visually Impaired Users:
   By alerting users to nearby obstacles and notifying emergency contacts, this system provides an extra layer of safety.
2. Real-Time Obstacle Detection:
   The ultrasonic sensor continuously monitors for obstacles, allowing users to detect objects well in advance.
3. Compact and Lightweight Design:
   With Arduino Nano at its core, this project is compact enough to be integrated into wearable devices.
4. Scalability and Adaptability:
   This project can be expanded or modified for various applications, making it highly adaptable for future developments.

Disadvantages of the Blind Man Assistance System

1. Limited Detection Range:
   The ultrasonic sensor has a limited range of up to 45 inches, which might not be sufficient in certain outdoor or large-area environments.
2. Dependency on GSM Network:
   The SMS feature requires a strong GSM network, which may not be accessible in remote or rural areas.
3. Weather Sensitivity:
   The ultrasonic sensor may face issues in extreme weather conditions, which can affect accuracy.

Future Scope of the Blind Assistance System

1. Integration of AI and Object Recognition:
   Future iterations could incorporate AI to distinguish between different obstacles, providing more specific feedback.
2. Voice Feedback for Enhanced Navigation:
   Adding voice feedback can help users understand obstacle type and distance more intuitively.
3. Battery Optimization and Solar Charging:
   Implementing power-saving techniques or adding solar panels could make this device more energy-efficient.
4. Location Tracking with GPS:
   Incorporating GPS would enable location tracking, allowing caregivers to monitor the user’s whereabouts in case of an emergency.
5. IoT-Enabled Monitoring:
   Using IoT capabilities, real-time data can be monitored on a mobile app, offering caregivers an additional layer of support.

Project Kit:- Click Here OR Contact at +91-8571964488 / 8684884488 ( Call or Whatsapp )

Conclusion

The Smart Glasses for Blind Assistance project represents a groundbreaking approach to assistive technology. By combining Arduino with ultrasonic sensors and GSM communication, these smart glasses provide a comprehensive solution for the visually impaired, enhancing both safety and independence. This project serves as an excellent example of how embedded systems and IoT technology can improve lives, offering a meaningful solution for both users and caregivers.

For engineering students and professionals, this project opens doors to explore the integration of smart sensing and IoT in wearable devices. By continuing to improve and innovate, we can look forward to even more sophisticated solutions in the field of blind assistance technology, making our world a more inclusive place.