Development and Evaluation of an “Ultrasonic Visor” for Enhancing Navigation and Mobility Among Visually Impaired Individuals on Lima, Peru
摘要
Visual impairment imposes significant restrictions on individuals’ mobility, safety, and autonomy, limiting their active participation in society. The prevalence of visual problems, caused by accidents, aging, or medical conditions, highlights the need for innovative technological solutions to improve the orientation and support for this group. This project develops a visor equipped with ultrasonic sensors designed to enhance the mobility, safety, and autonomy of visually impaired users. Through an applied methodology and experimental design, the device uses ultrasonic technology to alert users about nearby obstacles within their environment, with a configurable detection distance from 20 mm to 8 m. The research is based on analytical methods and experimental observations, evaluating critical variables such as sensor accuracy, detection range, reliability, battery life, integration with existing technologies, and manufacturing cost. Preliminary results indicate that the ultrasonic visor significantly improves users’ ability to navigate their environment safely and independently, reducing the reliance on assistance from others and enhancing their quality of life. The social impact of the device is notable, promoting inclusion, autonomy, and well-being of visually impaired individuals, while contributing to greater social awareness and understanding of their needs.