Smartphone application to assist visually impaired people

Portable devices are nowadays largely used among people. These devices have a lot of potential in aiding visually impaired people on a daily basis. This paper presents an android application for smartphone, especially made to assist these persons. The application uses MEMS sensors from a smartphone and also the information received from a few external sensorial modules. The hardware modules form together an assistive portable system. Communication between smartphone and external modules is made via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Because the users are visually impaired, this application interface is designed to meet the necessary requirements. Moreover, the communication between smartphone and its user is made through a text-to-speech software module. The assistive activities covered by these modules, range from making a phone call, to indoor and outdoor guidance. According to tests, the assistant system that uses this android application proves to be efficient, portable, small, cost-effective and does not require many hours of training.