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Prof. Vineet Kumar Vashishtha, Tabish Majrooh, Krisan Kumar Gupta, Prashant Kumar Gupta, Vikas Kumar
(KIET GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS DELHI NCR)
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Abstract: Blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as those with physical disabilities, encounter challenges in daily mobility
due to poor visibility, involuntary movements, and a lack of timely assistance systems. One potential solution to alleviate their
difficulties is to design an assistive device capable of taking corrective actions based on location, proximity, and fall detection. This
research aimed to develop a cost-effective, comfortable, and easily manufacturable smart helmet to facilitate safe and smooth
mobility for the visually impaired.
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I. INTRODUCTION
The population of individuals who are completely blind or visually impaired is on the rise. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), there are 253 million people globally living with visual impairments, with 36 million experiencing blindness
and 217 million facing moderate to severe visual impairments. The prevalence of chronic eye diseases contributes significantly to
vision loss worldwide, with 81% of visually impaired individuals aged 50 and above. Adolescents suffering from end-stage
blindness, approximately 1.4 million, require visual rehabilitation therapy to enhance functionality and reduce disability.
Independent mobility is essential for visually impaired individuals to lead fulfilling lives, yet many face challenges while walking,
especially in unfamiliar environments. Walking difficulties arise from muscle weakness, visual distress, and obstacles along the
path, leading to injuries and falls. Falls can have varying outcomes, from minor injuries to severe consequences, especially when
timely assistance is unavailable. Crossing roads or walking along footpaths poses significant risks for visually challenged
individuals, further highlighting the need for safe mobility aids. Our prototype smart helmet addresses these challenges by
providing essential features for safe and smooth walking. Notably, our device incorporates a unique straight-walking aid feature,
enhancing stability and reducing the risk of accidents. The helmet's attachment to the head maximizes acceleration detection during
falls, while internal foam padding helps mitigate head injuries. In case of a fall, the helmet automatically triggers a rescue message
to pre-assigned contacts, facilitating timely assistance through GPS tracking. Additionally, the helmet's wireless system enables
automatic door unlocking at home, further expediting rescue operations.
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II. METHODOLOGY
A.Objectives
The primary objectives of our project are to develop a compact, self-sufficient system for visually impaired individuals to navigate
their environment safely and to design a portable system for ease of use. Our proposed system comprises two modules: obstacle
detection and fall detection, each essential for ensuring user safety.
B. Hardware Requirement
1) Node-MCU: We utilize the Node-MCU board, which offers similar functionalities to the Arduino Uno but with built-in Wi-Fi
capabilities. This board facilitates wireless communication and data transmission, crucial for our smart helmet's operation.
Hardware Requirement
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Components Description Quantity

1 Node-MCU Wi-Fi Development Board 1
2 MPU6050 6-axis Gyroscope/Accelerometer 1
3 Breadboard Solderless Breadboard Mini 1
4 Jumper Wires Connecting Wires 4
5 Helmet Head Gear 1
6 Ultrasonic Sensor 4
7 GSM Module Chip 1
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2) MPU6050 6-axis Gyroscope: The MPU6050 is a 6-axis gyroscope and accelerometer module, representing the world's first
integrated motion tracker with six axes. It integrates a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a digital motion processor.
The MPU6050 is equipped with three 16-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to convert the outputs of both the gyroscope and
accelerometer into digital signals. This allows it to accurately track even the smallest movements with precision.

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3) Breadboard: A breadboard is a thin plastic board used for holding electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and
chips. It is commonly employed for developing electronic circuit prototypes, allowing for easy assembly and modification of
circuits. Breadboards can be substituted with electronic circuit boards for more permanent work.

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4) Ultrasonic Sensor: The ultrasonic sensor is a versatile device primarily utilized for measuring the distance of objects within a
certain range. It operates effectively within a range of 2cm to 450cm, offering a wide spectrum of detection capabilities. This sensor
employs two digital pins to communicate the distance information it gathers.
Functioning on the principle of sending out ultrasonic pulses at a frequency of approximately 40kHz, the sensor then awaits and
listens for the echo returning from the object. By calculating the time taken for this echo to return in microseconds, it accurately
determines the distance between itself and the object in question.
One notable feature of the ultrasonic range sensor is its ability to trigger pulses at a rapid rate, reaching up to 20 times per second.
This enables real-time detection and response to changes in the object's position or distance. Remarkably, it can identify objects
located up to 3 meters away, while also detecting those as close as 3 centimeters with precision.
To operate efficiently, the ultrasonic sensor requires a stable 5V power supply. This ensures consistent and reliable performance,
making it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries and scenarios.

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5) GSM Module: A GSM module, also known as a GPRS module, is a chip or circuit used to establish communication between
mobile devices or computers and GSM or GPRS systems. It enables wireless communication over cellular networks, facilitating
data transmission and voice communication.
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III. PROPOSED METHOD
A. Signal Acquisition
1) Sonar Sensor: We employ HC SR04 ultrasonic range modules for non-contact distance measurement. These modules provide
accurate distance measurements from 2cm to 400cm, enabling effective obstacle detection.
2) Accelerometer and Gyroscope: The MPU6050 sensor combines a gyroscope and accelerometer in a single chip, facilitating
precise motion tracking. This sensor's high sensitivity allows for accurate fall detection based on angular deviations and acceleration
measurements.

B. Detection Algorithm
1) Obstacle Detection Algorithm: The HC SR04 module automatically sends ultrasonic signals and detects echo returns to identify
obstacles within a predefined range. If an obstacle is detected within the user's vicinity, the system triggers an alarm to alert the
user and prevent collisions.
2) Fall Detection Algorithm: Our system utilizes a threshold-based approach to detect falls by comparing accelerometer and
gyroscope data with predefined thresholds. Upon detecting a fall event, the system initiates a rescue message to pre-assigned
contacts, ensuring prompt assistance.
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IV. CONCLUSION
We have successfully developed a prototype smart helmet designed to enhance the mobility and safety of visually impaired
individuals. The helmet's integrated features, including obstacle detection and fall detection, provide essential support for safe
navigation. With a nearly 85% success rate in detecting and mitigating falls, our device offers a practical solution to reduce
accidents and improve surveillance, ultimately promoting independent living among the target group.
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V. FUTURE SCOPE
Our smart helmet presents opportunities for further improvement and enhancement. Future iterations could incorporate advanced
features such as face detection and object recognition using machine learning algorithms. Additionally, providing directional path
assistance to users could further enhance their mobility and autonomy.
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REFERENCES
[1] T. Shany, S. J. Redmond, M. R. Narayanan, and N. H. Lovell, “Sensors based wearable systems for monitoring of human
movement and falls,” IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 658-670, 2012.
[2] L. Qiang, J. A. Stankovic, M. A. Hanson, A. T. Barth, J. Lach, and G. Zhou, “Accurate, fast fall detection using gyroscopes and
accelerometer derived posture information,” in Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Wearable and Implantable Body
Sensor Networks (BSN ’09), pp. 138-143, Berkeley, Calif, USA,
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