An eyeglasses-like stereo vision system as an assistive device for visually impaired. (1st January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Kai Wun; Lau, Tak Kit; Cheuk, Chi Ming; Liu, Yunhui
• Is Part Of: International journal of mechatronics and automation. Volume 4:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2014-01-01
• Subjects: stereo vision system -- visually impaired -- eyeglasses -- live video -- 3G network -- FPGA -- parallel programming -- stereo matching; Mechatronics -- Periodicals; Automation -- Periodicals; 629.8905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-1059

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, different electronic devices have been developed to assist visually impaired avoid obstacles. However, these devices fail to get the favour from them as similar information can be obtained from a white cane already. In this paper, we present a wearable stereovision device that composes of an eyeglasses and an embedded system. Comparing to other travel aids, our system not only can help avoid obstacles but also stream real-time video to mobile phone over 3G networks. A healthy sighted individual can make use of the live video feed to provide guidance to a visually impaired user when losing direction. Besides, the imaging devices are mounted inside an eyeglasses which greatly reduces the form factor and more favourable to the visually impaired who prefer not to stand out in public. And through a series of parallel programming techniques, we can also achieve real-time stereo-matching on images synchronised with FPGA for depth recovery with our embedded system.