Innovative Smart Sensing Solutions for the Visually Impaired

Abstract

Although several aids have been developed to help people with visual impairment in the accomplishment of daily activities, indoor and outdoor navigation remains a critical task when considered both as a technological and a social issue. The development of new technological approaches (such as the use of smart multi-sensor architecture) allowing for the perception of the neighboring environment and providing the user with an optimized form and degree of information are activities focused by researchers working on the field. In the chapter some systems currently being developed at the D.I.E.E.S. in Catania are briefly discussed, highlighting the efforts dedicated to develop smart methodologies for the optimization of the information the user is provided with. In particular, the attention will be focused on the PYRUS system, which adopts a multi-sensor architecture and quite complex smart post-processing to provide the user with information useful to perform urban mobility tasks, and orientation and mobility aid based on a multi-sensor network of ultrasound transducers to localize the user in the environment and to guide him/her in a safe way through the environment.