[/caption]by Carol Forsloff - More than one-third of persons with visual impairment don’t navigate independently outdoors, but new wearable technology is allowing the blind to “see” in new ways that will help them be mobile in environments that they often find difficult.
Detecting small obstacles in one’s path has been the major problem for the visually impaired. Up until the advent of the new technologies, the blind have had to rely upon the cane or a guide dog. Experts say, however, that these aids don’t give the level of independence and avoiding obstacles that the new technological devices can.
The USC School of Engineering provides research and development of technology that can aid those with mobility issues. Vision sensors are developed to help users attain a higher level of confidence about navigating independently. They are also relatively low in cost.
Scientists at USC have developed wearable devices that utilize computer vision algorithms for providing navigational assistance to patients with impaired vision. One of these is a vest that is paired with a head-mounted stereo camera on a helmet that allows tactile cues to alert about the presence of obstacles and allow the user to navigate a safe path.
Electronic mechanisms to aid the blind, from cars to mobility aids, provide a new direction for those with low or no vision to gain independence and offer a solution for people to become more involved and active in the community.
