There aren’t a lot of options for those with a high degree of vision loss and other visual impairments to navigate the world independently. This is crazy considering, as of 2018, the American Foundation for the Blind reported 32.2 million American adults experienced vision loss. In 2010, the World Health Organization estimated 285 million people worldwide were living with low vision. Of those, 39 million are blind.
What is Visual Impairment?
Essentially, visual impairment is a general term covering a range of visual function from “low vision” to “completely blind.”
The American Foundation for the Blind describes low vision as “uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with daily activities.” A blind individual is completely unable to see (“legally blind” is a broader descriptor.) Vision loss or blindness can be caused by disease, injury, or genetics.
Existing Technology Products for Blind Individuals and People with Vision Impairment
One benefit of our modern, technological society is the existence of both high-tech and low-tech assistive technology options.
Low-tech Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired
When you think about aids for the blind, you probably think of canes, braille, audiobooks, and guide dogs.
You may have also seen video magnifiers, accessibility features on computers (including text magnification), text-to-speech programs, and voice-recognition software to assist those with vision impairment.
High-Tech Assistive Technology
Smartphones have put a wealth of assistive technology in the pockets of people who need it. For example, the Be My Eyes app available on Apple iOS and Android connects blind and low-vision users with a sighted person via video chat. The app uses the phone’s camera to send an image to the sighted volunteers, who can help identify colors, read text, or provide whatever assistance is needed in real time.
Microsoft has taken this assistive app idea one step further. Microsoft’s Seeing AI app uses your phone’s camera to view your surroundings and will narrate what it sees. The AI can read text, identify products by scanning barcodes, and even recognize people.
Assistive Technology for Computers
For blind or visually impaired computer users, most operating systems come with a built-in array of accessibility options. Users who can’t see their computer screen have the option of screen readers. This software is able to describe images on the screen using alt text and read web pages with text to speech technology.
If a user prefers the tactile experience of reading braille over listening to a voiceover, braille displays can be attached to your computer. Refreshable braille displays will translate sections of text from the computer screen to braille as the user moves their curser.
Independent Navigation for the Visually Impaired
Sighted people tend to take independent navigation for granted. There’s a map built into your iPhone, street signs and tourist maps to help find your way in new cities, traffic lights to keep cars from hitting you.
For blind and visually impaired people, canes and guide dogs help avoid obstacles and alert others to your low vision. But those still require you to know where you’re going.
The previously mentioned smartphone apps can connect you with volunteers or AI to read street signs from your camera. Google and Apple maps do provide audio navigation. However, some blind individuals struggle with smartphones because they can’t navigate the touchscreen.
Assistive technology products exist to help those with visual impairment navigate their day-to-day lives. However, there is nothing quite good enough to help the blind navigate independently.
Yet.
A New AI Backpack for the Visually Impaired
Intel AI-Powered Backpack Helps Visually Impaired Navigate World
University of Georgia researchers have created a new technology to help blind individuals or people with low vision navigate independently. What’s the tech? A backpack utilizing Intel’s artificial intelligence (AI) software, a GPS module, and a 4K camera.
The lead researcher, Jagadish K. Mahendran specializes in computer vision for robots. He came up with the idea while talking to a visually impaired friend about daily problems she faces. “And I was struck: For the past few years, I’ve been teaching robots how to see things while there are people who cannot see things and need help,” Mahendran said.
About the Backpack
The computer sees through an AI camera that can be embedded in a vest or fannypack to view the wearer’s surroundings. It then works with the laptop or computer in the backpack to notify the wearer of signs or obstacles via Bluetooth earbuds.
The spatial camera, by Luxonis, can read signs, detect crosswalks, see changes in elevation, and detect potential obstacles. The Bluetooth earphones connect the wearer to the computer, alerting them of said obstacles or hazards. Also, the user can talk to the computer via the earphones.
Because of the built-in GPS, the computer can even provide the wearer with location information.
Why a backpack?
As previously mentioned, current aids for the visually impaired (specifically canes and guide dogs) have limitations. Plus, they attract attention.
The University of Georgia team went with a backpack for its portability and inconspicuousness. The Intel Movidius chip that powers the technology is small but powerful.
When can I get one? Well, it might be a while
Don’t rush to Amazon just yet.
The as-yet-unnamed backpack was revealed on March 24, 2021, and still has a lot of development and testing ahead of it. Unfortunately, it could be years before this tech is readily available.
The next step is for the project to raise funds and get more testing underway. So far, the researchers have a team called Mira, which is made up of visually impaired volunteers.
“We want this solution to be inclusive and as transparent as possible,” Mahendran said. “Our main motto is to increase the involvement of visually impaired people in their daily activities and reduce their dependency on others.”
Why Choose Assil Gaur Eye Institute for your eye care?
The doctors at AGEI offer world-class eye care and vision correction, specializing in emergency eye care, LASIK vision correction, treating cataracts, glaucoma, and a wide variety of cornea and retinal conditions, to name a few. At AGEI, you will experience state-of-the-art medical facilities that bring together revolutionary technologies with experienced ophthalmologists. Our goal is to help you achieve your personal best vision.
Please call 866-945-2745 or visit us here to make an appointment online if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms to determine the best time to schedule an exam.
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We are conveniently located throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. Our ophthalmologists are available at locations in or near Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. We are conveniently located near West Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, and Encino, to name a few.
