Diseño e implementación de un prototipo de geolocalización para asistencia en navegación de personas invidentes.

Abstract

Blind people currently face limitations in navigating unfamiliar environments due to the lack of visual information. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis is to create a prototype (initial model example) that facilitates the movement of individuals with this type of problem along a predetermined route within a defined area. The prototype must-have features and conditions that ensure optimal functionality, meeting the possible needs of the user. A quantitative methodology was employed for its construction. An experimental program was designed and implemented based on the positioning coordinates received from a GPS to generate route-following instructions, establish the boundaries of a safe zone, and retransmit these coordinates via the LoRaWAN protocol to plot them on a map, aiming to create a near-real-time geolocator for the prototype user. Through a Dashboard, the trajectory tracking was successfully plotted, and follow-up instructions and alerts generated, either by obstacle detection or deviation from the safe zone, were successfully notified to the user and the responsible person according to the established programming. The data transmission times via LoRa and the GPS error margin are within the limits established by the technology and the device, respectively. The designed prototype operates favorably, performing all these actions synchronously, aiming to attract the attention of potential users thanks to the benefits included in the prototype.