Ultrasonic sensor configuration for mobile robot navigation systems to assist visually impaired person

Abstract

Ultrasonic sensor is one of the electronic components used in designing a mobile robot navigation system to assist visually impaired person. However, no guideline or algorithm has been established so far to ease the selection and determination of optimum number of ultrasonic sensors to be used and the layout for the sensors. The purpose of this study is to obtain an algorithm that can be used as a guideline for selecting appropriate ultrasonic component model. The algorithm is used for determining the optimum numbers and optimum layout for ultrasonic sensors of interest when used for a mobile robot navigation system for a 180° obstacle detection using theoretical calculations. All theoretical values obtained are compared with real-time data using an actual ultrasonic sensor placed on experimental platform. This set up is used with different numbers and placements using the selected ultrasonic sensor, HC–SR04 and is compared with the theoretical values for validation. Then, relevant equations are used to calculate the number of sensors and layout used for another ultrasonic sensor, MA40B8 to show the correctness of the equations used in this study. The MA40B8 ultrasonic sensor was originally used for a 360° obstacle detection system. It is proven that the equations used in this study are valid theoretically and experimentally. The algorithm can also be used to decide the optimum numbers and optimum layout for ultrasonic sensors for a 180° obstacle detection.