Blind Guide: An assistive device for improving the performance ofvisually impaired runners

Abstract

People with poor vision may engage in less physical activity due to their reduced vision. Frustration caused by their total reliance on a guide's schedule for their training. Research through various resources validated the issues that the majority of visually impaired runners experience and how performance is affected by relying on a guide. There is an urgent need to assist those individuals in improving their running performance. Existing assistive devices are complex and inaccessible. The use of complex technology and high prices makes it difficult for the user to afford an assistive device. Blind Guide is a wearable armband assisting a blind runner to run independently. The Device on the user's bicep will detect the barrier at a specific distance from the user and haptic feedback in the form of vibrations will be used to help the user to stay in the safe zone. The second device on the user's forearm will be notified about the distance covered in the forward movement of vibrations. Direct user observation, surveys, interviews, and experiments are done to search for a solution that will assist the user in independent running. The prototype was run through a usability test to compare how well the user performed before and after. The outcomes of the user testing confirmed the efficacy of the suggested proposal. Further information concerning user opinions and improvements that we should implement to our prototype was gathered. They will no longer need a guide because an entirely new aiding device has been developed, which will improve their performance while simultaneously lowering their reliance on others. Moreover, it is anticipated that the suggested solution will make it easier to do additional research on runners who are blind.