RF and RFID Based Object Identification and Navigation System for the Visually Impaired
01 Jan 2019-pp 533-534
TL;DR: The proposed model taps into the acoustic abilities of a Visually Impaired Person (VIP) and provides an affordable solution to the existing problem of lack of sophisticated technological assistance to the VIPs.
Abstract: The proposed model taps into the acoustic abilities of a Visually Impaired Person(VIP). An RFID based system is used to help the VIP identify any particular object of his need. In addition to RFID module, an Ultrasonic sensor is used to avoid obstacles and to provide various feedback for pinpointing the object. A series of acoustic actuators is used to trigger the required navigation for the VIP. The model uses two-way localization, one using acoustic stimuli and the other using RFID. The proposed model provides an affordable solution to the existing problem of lack of sophisticated technological assistance to the VIPs.
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TL;DR: Preliminary tests provide encouraging results, indicating that the prototype of the smart assistant has the potential to help visually impaired people to achieve a high level of independence in daily activities.
Abstract: People with visual impairment are the second largest affected category with limited access to assistive products. A complete, portable, and affordable smart assistant for helping visually impaired people to navigate indoors, outdoors, and interact with the environment is presented in this paper. The prototype of the smart assistant consists of a smart cane and a central unit; communication between user and the assistant is carried out through voice messages, making the system suitable for any user, regardless of their IT skills. The assistant is equipped with GPS, electronic compass, Wi-Fi, ultrasonic sensors, an optical sensor, and an RFID reader, to help the user navigate safely. Navigation functionalities work offline, which is especially important in areas where Internet coverage is weak or missing altogether. Physical condition monitoring, medication, shopping, and weather information, facilitate the interaction between the user and the environment, supporting daily activities. The proposed system uses different components for navigation, provides independent navigation systems for indoors and outdoors, both day and night, regardless of weather conditions. Preliminary tests provide encouraging results, indicating that the prototype has the potential to help visually impaired people to achieve a high level of independence in daily activities.
3 citations
27 Jan 2023
TL;DR: In this article , the authors provide valuable insights for researchers working on assistive technologies for people who are blind or visually impaired, specifically focusing on indoor and outdoor navigation systems, starting from early investigations on electronic travel aids to the more recent utilization of advanced artificial vision models.
Abstract: In the field of research for assistive technology, the advancement of navigational tools for those who are blind had emerged as a major concern. This article offers valuable insights for researchers working on assistive technologies for people who are blind or visually impaired, specifically focusing on indoor and outdoor navigation systems. To create such systems, it is important to study past research in this area, starting from early investigations on electronic travel aids to the more recent utilization of advanced artificial vision models. This paper aims to provide an effective vision for researchers to use in developing technological instruments for the visually impaired. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of various technological approaches in order to achieve the challenging goal of creating an effective navigation system. We carried out a separate systematic review because papers in this field tend to focus more on software-based computer vision solutions than on hardware. We have analyzed 191 relevant studies published between 2011 and 2022 to create a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. This systematic mapping process will assist researchers, engineers, and practitioners in making informed decisions by identifying shortcomings in current navigation assistance technology and proposing new and improved smart assistant applications that can ensure the safety and accuracy of direction for people who are blind or visually impaired.
1 citations
References
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TL;DR: A complete navigation system based on low cost and physically unobtrusive sensors such as a camera and an infrared sensor based around corners and depth values from Kinect's infrared sensor that operates adequately by both blindfolded and blind people.
Abstract: For a number of years, scientists have been trying to develop aids that can make visually impaired people more independent and aware of their surroundings. Computer-based automatic navigation tools are one example of this, motivated by the increasing miniaturization of electronics and the improvement in processing power and sensing capabilities. This paper presents a complete navigation system based on low cost and physically unobtrusive sensors such as a camera and an infrared sensor. The system is based around corners and depth values from Kinect's infrared sensor. Obstacles are found in images from a camera using corner detection, while input from the depth sensor provides the corresponding distance. The combination is both efficient and robust. The system not only identifies hurdles but also suggests a safe path (if available) to the left or right side and tells the user to stop, move left, or move right. The system has been tested in real time by both blindfolded and blind people at different indoor and outdoor locations, demonstrating that it operates adequately.
58 citations
"RF and RFID Based Object Identifica..." refers background in this paper
...One such proposed systems makes use of a single image and processes the spatial depth of the objects around the user, but this system is quite different from what we seek to do because the result does not necessarily identify the object [4]....
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TL;DR: The dissociation of memory capacity and fidelity provides further evidence for enhanced verbal ability in the blind, supported by their broader structural and functional brain reorganisation.
48 citations
"RF and RFID Based Object Identifica..." refers methods in this paper
...VIPs are particularly good at Sound Localization and this ability has been utilized in different research areas for VIPs, for example in [7]....
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TL;DR: This article proposes a navigation system that uses RFID as the main technology to guide people with visual impairment in unfamiliar environments, both indoor and outdoor, complementing the traditional white cane and providing information about the user's geographical context.
47 citations
"RF and RFID Based Object Identifica..." refers background in this paper
...Two types of systems are proposed to address blindassistance: a) with sensors mounted on a cane [1], [2], and b) with sensors mounted on a head module or glasses....
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TL;DR: The findings of the current study indicate that similar degrees of benefit to sound-source localization and speech understanding in complex listening environments are possible with 2 very different rehabilitation strategies: the provision of bilateral CIs and the preservation of hearing.
Abstract: Purpose To assess the role of interaural time differences and interaural level differences in (a) sound-source localization, and (b) speech understanding in a cocktail party listening environment f...
34 citations
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: The goal of the project "SmartVision: active vision for the blind" is to develop a small and portable but intelligent and reliable system for assisting the blind and visually impaired while navigating autonomously, both outdoor and indoor.
Abstract: The goal of the project "SmartVision: active vision for the blind" is to develop a small and portable but intelligent and reliable system for assisting the blind and visually impaired while navigating autonomously, both outdoor and indoor. In this paper we present an overview of the prototype, design issues, and its different modules which integrate a GIS with GPS, Wi-Fi, RFID tags and computer vision. The prototype addresses global navigation by following known landmarks, local navigation with path tracking and obstacle avoidance, and object recognition. The system does not replace the white cane, but extends it beyond its reach. The userfriendly interface consists of a 4-button hand-held box, a vibration actuator in the handle of the cane, and speech synthesis. A future version may also employ active RFID tags for marking navigation landmarks, and speech recognition may complement speech synthesis.
10 citations
"RF and RFID Based Object Identifica..." refers background in this paper
...Two types of systems are proposed to address blindassistance: a) with sensors mounted on a cane [1], [2], and b) with sensors mounted on a head module or glasses....
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