Smart shirt for obstacle avoidance for visually impaired persons

In this chapter development of a smart shirt system enabling obstacle avoidance for visually impaired people is presented. An innovative approach based on integration of electronics to textiles is used to design a smart shirt. Adaptation of sensor and actuator methodology to textiles and their performance in terms of signal quality and accuracy are analyzed. An algorithm based on a neuro-fuzzy controller for obstacle avoidance with microcontroller programming is introduced. Finally, a smart clothing prototype including ultrasonic sensors, vibration motors, power supplies, and microcontroller is presented. The working principle of the system is based on two main functions: sensing the surrounding environment as well as detection of obstacles via sensors and guiding the user by actuators through a feedback process interpreted in a signal-processing unit. This system is easily worn as a garment and able to identify an obstacle's position in front of the wearer accurately within the detection range. 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.