Computer vision-based clear path guidance for blind wheelchair users

We describe a system for guiding blind and visually impaired wheelchair users along a clear path that uses computer vision to sense the presence of obstacles or other terrain features and warn the user accordingly. Since multiple terrain features can be distributed anywhere on the ground, and their locations relative to a moving wheelchair are continually changing, it is challenging to communicate this wealth of spatial information in a way that is rapidly comprehensible to the user. The main contribution of our system is the development of a novel user interface that allows the user to interrogate the environment by sweeping a standard (unmodified) white cane back and forth: the system continuously tracks the cane location and sounds an alert if a terrain feature is detected in the direction the cane is pointing. Experiments are described demonstrating the feasibility of the approach. Categories and Subject Descriptors I.5.4 [Pattern Recognition]: Applications: Computer Vision. Gener...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: ASSETS
• Authors: Volodymyr Ivanchenko, James Coughlan, William Gerrey, Huiying Shen
• Keywords: ASSETS 2008, Computer Vision, Emerging Technology, Multiple Terrain Features, Terrain Feature