Real time indoor mapping, identification and guidance for visually impaired people - indoor environment

Abstract

The project consists of creating a system to map the environment near a visually impaired person (VIP), identify patterns, transform this information into aural and tactile signals capable of increasing the situational awareness of users as well as guide them. The system consists of 4 layers. 1 - User layer - responsible for the interface between the user and the system through a smartphone, augmented reality glasses and haptic sensors. 2 - Scenario Layer - Infrastructure composed of guidance beacons and cameras and LIDAR sensors to provide pattern identification information and collision avoidance guidance. 3 - Application server layer - responsible to merge data received from different sensor and generate guidance and identification solutions. 4 - Client layer - responsible for monitoring and controlling the entire system. As a tangible result of this project, a minimum viable product able to increase VIPs' situational awareness will be developed. The product will be user-centered designed and will address the needs for ergonomics, usability, safety and reliability standards. As demonstrated in the research project document, Section State of Art, these features represent a paradigm shift in relation to all commercially available products and applications, setting a competitive edge for the new startup company. In addition, the market to be explored will comprise the entire value chain associated with infrastructure and artifact involving, but not limited to: selling, installing, monitoring and evolving infrastructure to meet security and indoor guidance demands; sale and training in the use of artifact, monitoring and support to users. (AU)