Implementation of a positioning system to correct the trajectory of visually impaired people inside pools

Implementation of a positioning system, using artificial vision and actuator networks, to reduce the path error in persons investing in pools

Abstract

This research work had as aim the implementation of a positioning system, using artificial vision, and actuator networks to decrease the trajectory error of blind people in the semi-Olympic swimming pools, eliminating so the manual method tapping. The system has three nodes, one of pictures acquisition, composed by an USB camera. One of processing composed by a computer where the acquired pictures are processed. A receiving node with vest shape conformed by an MCU node that allows the communication through WIFI with the processing node which shows the competition beginning, the swimmer’s deviation grade with respect to the central line of the lane, and the swimmer’s approximation to the top and bottom limit of the lane. Messages that are codified through two vibrator engines placed to the left and right side of the vest. As a result of the tests it was determined that the nodes communicate to distances from up 90m linearly, and to depths from up 12cm. The system sends the proximity warnings 4m before arriving to the up limit, 3m before arriving to the bottom limit and 10cm to the left or right with respect to the central line of the lane. The speed that it took to the system to process and send the information is less than 230ms, wherewith it is concluded that the developing system achieves to correct the swimmer’s trajectory giving him/her security and decreasing the accidents risk, constituting itself as an helping tool, to encourage the inclusion of blind people to the recreational activities development or aquatic competitions. It is recommended to design the charge circuit wirelessly to allow the waterproofing with a hermetic seal of the structure that hosts the receiving module circuit.