SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT (SIP)

VISIONWARE:
OBSTACLES-DETECTING SHOES FOR THE BLIND

PROPONENTS:
RODRIGUEZ, JOHN LENON S.
FESTIJO, JOHN VELLY C.
RIVERA, JOEMHAR L.

MARCH 2025
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title

Page.......................................................................................................................2

Table of

Contents...........................................................................................................3

Abstract..........................................................................................................................

.4

CHAPTER I

Introduction....................................................................................................................

.5

CHAPTER II

Methods.........................................................................................................................

..6

CHAPTER III

Results...........................................................................................................................

.7

CHAPTER IV

Discussion.....................................................................................................................

..8
CHAPTER V

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................

10
 ABSTRACT

Navigating through urban and rural environments can be particularly

challenging for individuals with visual impairments.This paper presents an innovative
concept for a pair of shoes designed to assist blind individuals in detecting obstacles
on their pathway. These sensors continuously scan the immediate surroundings,
detecting obstacles such as objects in the path of the wearer. Upon detecting an
obstacle, the shoes provide immediate feedback to the user through a “beep”.
Additionally, auditory cues can be delivered through a small speaker or a bone-
conduction device, alerting the user to specific objects or potential hazards, such as
"obstacle ahead" real- time navigation guidance. Moreover, the app can direct users
along safe routes and provide information on nearby obstacles or points of interest.
The shoe’s obstacle detection system serves as a supplementary tool for
independent navigation, complementing existing mobility aids and enhancing the
overall safety and confidence of blind individuals while traveling.
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
Imagine walking down a busy street, surrounded by sounds and motion, but
without the ability to see. For blind and visually impaired individuals, the world often
feels like a maze of invisible barriers and challenges. Each step can be filled with
uncertainty, and every path forward requires constant attention and heightened
awareness. However, navigating the world doesn't have to be a daunting or
overwhelming task. What if there were a way to empower individuals with stool that
could sense obstacles and warn them before they encounter a hazard? This is
where the innovative concept of obstacle-detecting shoes for blind individuals called
Visionware comes into play, offering an exciting and transformative solution to
improving mobility, safety, and independence
Obstacles such as curbs, uneven surfaces, steps, people, or vehicles can
pose significant risks to those who cannot see their surroundings. For many visually
impaired individuals, the fear of encountering an unseen obstacle is an ever-present
concern, limiting their mobility and often leading to a diminished sense of freedom
and independence. There is, however, a growing need for innovative solutions that
allow blind individuals to navigate the world with more autonomy and confidence.
This is precisely where smart technology can make a profound difference.
Imagine a pair of shoes that can sense obstacles in the environment and
alert the wearer, enabling them to avoid hazards before they get too close. Smart
shoes designed to detect obstacles for the blind are quickly gaining attraction as
transformative tools that can change the way visually impaired individuals
experience the world.These shoes are equipped with an array of sophisticated
sensors, such as sensors that continuously scan the environment for potential
hazards. When the sensors detect an obstacle in the user’s path—whether it's a
person, a step, or a piece of furniture—the shoes send a signal to the wearer, often
through sound. This feedback allows the user to adjust their direction or speed, thus
avoiding the obstacles and reducing the risk of injury. The shoes provide real-time
data, offering the wearer the ability to make quick and informed decisions about
their movements, just as someone with sight would be able to do.
 CHAPTER II

METHODS
In conducting this study, the researchers utilize shoes for a blind people.
Many blind people cause an accident in their life because they cannot see the road.
The researchers came up with the concept of producing shoes for a blind person so
it will lower the cases of blind people causing accidents
Below are the procedures followed by the researchers to make an shoe’s
sensor for a blind person:

1. Materials preparation
Gather the following materials :
○ 9v Battery
○ Jumper Wire
○ Arduino uno
○ Ultrasonic sensor
○ Piezo buzzer
○ Shoes
○ Laptop or computer
○ Programming software (Arduino IDE)
2. Circuit Assembling process
Step 1: connecting the ultrasonic sensor to arduino uno
Step 2: connecting the piezo buzzer to arduino uno
Step 3: connect battery to arduino uno

3. Programming process
Step 4: using the computer program arduino uno with arduino IDE

4. Shoes assembly
Step 5: attaching the circuit to the shoes

Before starting the procedure, the researchers brainstormed different ideas to

plan the creation process. They discussed which variable to focus on first and the
best order for each step. After testing different methods, they carried out
experiments to improve the process. To find the best balance, they adjusted the
amounts of each variable and studied how they affected each other, making changes
for better results.
 CHAPTER III
RESULTS
The table below shows the different setups the researchers conducted of
finding the effective distance the shoes can detect an obstacle.

Setup Distance (meters) Shoe Sensor For Blind Person

Response

1 2m No response

2 1.75m No response

3 1.5m No response

4 1.25m No response

5 1m Beeping every 1 seconds

6 0.75m Beeping every 0.75 seconds

7 0.5m Beeping every 0.5 seconds

8 0.25 Beeping every 0.25 seconds

9 0 Beeping at very fast rate

Table 1. Sensory Capability of the Shoe Sensor For Blind Person

CHAPTER IV
DISCUSSION
The results of this study demonstrate that the smart shoe system for visually
impaired individuals is effective in detecting obstacles at a distance of 1 meter or
less. The sensor-based system provides auditory feedback in varying intervals
based on proximity, allowing the user to anticipate and avoid potential hazards. This
functionality significantly enhances mobility and safety for visually impaired
individuals by offering a hands-free navigation aid.
From the conducted experiments, the data indicates that the shoe's ultrasonic
sensors effectively detect obstacles, activating the buzzer at increasing frequencies
as the object comes closer. The response pattern ensures that users receive early
warnings, allowing them to adjust their path in real time. The gradual increase in
beep frequency, from 1-second intervals at 1 meter to rapid beeping at close
distances, provides clear and intuitive signals that enhance spatial awareness.
The primary goal of this project is to address the limitations of traditional
mobility aids, such as canes, which rely on physical contact rather than proactive
detection. This study focuses on developing a shoe sensor designed to detect
obstacles and provide real-time alerts to blind users, thereby enhancing their
independence and safety. The growing number of visually impaired people
worldwide emphasizes the critical need for more effective mobility options. Many of
these people have difficulty navigating unfamiliar situations, which increases their
risk of falls and collisions. Existing technology, such as guide dogs or smart canes,
are sometimes expensive or unavailable to many people, leaving a void for
affordable and user-friendly alternatives. This problem remains due to a scarcity of
widely available, affordable, and technologically advanced mobility aids adapted to
the needs of blind people. By incorporating sensors into footwear, our study intends
to create a hands-free alternative that improves spatial awareness and lowers
reliance on traditional aids. This study investigates the effectiveness of the shoe
sensor system, its potential impact on the lives of blind people, and how such
innovations might help to build a more inclusive society.

CHAPTER V
Conclusion
In conclusion, the smart shoe for the blind is an innovative project that has the
potential to significantly improve the lives of visually impaired individuals. By utilizing
sensors, haptic feedback, and artificial intelligence, the smart shoe can provide real-
time information about the user\'s environment, enabling them to navigate with
greater independence and safety.The success of this project will depend on several
factors, including the accuracy and reliability of the sensor technology, the
effectiveness of the haptic feedback system, and the user-friendliness of the device.
Future work the smart shoe for the blind should focus on improving these factors to
create more seamless and effective user experience.Another important area of
future works ensure that the smart shoe is accessible and affordable for all
individuals who could benefit from it.Shoes equipped with obstacle-detecting sensors
for blind or visually impaired individuals offer a promising solution to enhance
mobility and safety. By Integrating technologies such as sensors, haptic possibly
these shoes can alert the wearer to nearby obstacles, providing real-time assistance
in navigating unfamiliar environments. This innovative system could greatly improve
the independence of visually impaired individuals, reducing the risk of accidents and
increasing their confidence while walking. While challenges such as battery life,
comfort, and precise feedback must be addressed, the potential benefits of such
shoes make them valuable tool in improving accessibility and quality of life for blind
individuals.
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