Authors: Assistant Professor R. Ayyappan, Bavadharani C, Mehandhiga M, Gowtham K, Chandru J
Abstract: The Smart Gaze Wheelchair is an innovative assistive mobility system designed to empower individuals with physical disabilities, particularly those affected by paralysis, by enabling hands-free wheelchair navigation using facial gestures. This technology combines computer vision, sensor integration, and IoT-based monitoring to provide a comprehensive solution for mobility, safety, and health tracking. At the core of the system lies the ESP32 microcontroller, which processes input from a camera and sensors in real time. Eye gestures—such as blinking a specified number of times or turning the head in a particular direction—serve as intuitive controls for wheelchair movement. For example, users can start motion by turn on the switch, move forward by blinking three times, move backward with five blinks, and stop with six. Directional control is managed by turning the head left or right and blinking once, enabling precise navigation without the use of hands or physical exertion. To ensure the user’s well-being, the wheelchair is equipped with a pulse sensor that monitors heart rate and a DHT11 sensor that tracks environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. These health parameters are transmitted in real time to the ThingSpeak IoT platform, allowing caregivers or medical staff to remotely monitor the user’s condition. Additionally, the system features an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection, preventing collisions, and an emergency SOS button that triggers instant alerts during distress. OpenCV, combined with a Sliding Window Algorithm, is utilized for facial gesture recognition, offering consistent performance even under variable lighting conditions. The wheelchair’s mobility is driven by DC motors connected to an L298N motor driver, ensuring smooth and responsive movement. This system not only improves the quality of life for users but also provides peace of mind to their families and caregivers. The Smart Gaze Wheelchair represents a significant step forward in accessible technology by combining independence, health monitoring, and safety into one cohesive and intelligent solution.
