Researchers develop artificial intelligence glasses to help the blind

Researchers have developed a new system to help people with visual disabilities move in their environment using the cameras, headphones and artificial intelligence techniques, which can be an alternative to white sticks and other traditional ways. The new system relies on artificial intelligence to analyze the shots that a camera worn on glasses worn by the user, and gives him information about his website by sending audio warnings and vibrations. In a study published in the “Nature Machine Intelligence” journal, 20 people with visual disabilities participated in an experience to test this technology, and the results showed that the distance and velocity of the movement of the participants improved 25% compared to the use of sticks while passing an internal maze with a length of 25 meters. The components of the system showed that the study or system consists of glasses equipped with a camera that takes live images of the user’s environment, while a small computer treats these images using automatic learning algorithms that are trained to identify the presence of people and things such as doors, walls and furniture. The device is directed every 250 milliliters via sound signals over its environment as it is issued in the right or left earphone to direct it to the right direction to move freely and safely. The researchers also invented a smart patch in the form of a flexible “artificial leather” that the user carries on the wrists and fingers because it works as an extra navigation aid, which is provided with his own cameras and shakes to warn the carrier if there is a distance between 5 inches and 40 inches, and it is shaken when the user is right to warn it when catching it, it is to catch, and it is trapped. A practical test, and the researchers said that the new smart system could replace the eye and note that it was still experimenting. A recent scientific experience has revealed an innovative system that combines sound and touch, with the aim of helping people with visual disabilities to avoid obstacles during the movement, either within rooms or in public places. The researchers started with an experience with 12 participants with visual disabilities to determine the efficiency of the new system to help them avoid obstacles while walking in rooms. After undergoing a simple training on the use of the device, the participants could move in closed places with a speed similar to the one they walk as their sticks. In another experience, the regime continued its good performance when it was tested by 8 participants in realistic environments, including walking in the city streets, and entering a conference hall with furniture. This progress shows how artificial intelligence technologies can make a qualitative shift in the life of the blind by enabling them to communicate more independently and safely with their environment. “We are still proof of the concept, and the experience is needed to include a greater number of volunteers and from different age groups,” said Eduardo Fernandez Jofer. The research team is currently striving to improve the design of the device to use more light and easily as they look at the future to integrate the camera into a adhesive lens, which would make the device almost invisible.