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Computer Vision-Based Terrain Sensors for Blind Wheelchair Users

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Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP 2006)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 4061))

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Abstract

We demonstrate computer vision techniques designed to aid blind or severely visually impaired wheelchair users. These techniques will be used to sense important features in nearby terrain from images collected by cameras mounted rigidly to the wheelchair. They will assist in the detection of hazards such as obstacles and drop-offs ahead of or alongside the chair, as well as detecting veer, finding curb cuts, finding a clear path, and maintaining a straight course. The resulting information is intended ultimately to be integrated with inputs from other sensors and communicated to the traveler using synthesized speech and/or audible tones and tactile cues, supplementing rather than replacing the user’s existing cane, guide dog and wayfinding skills.

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© 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Coughlan, J., Manduchi, R., Shen, H. (2006). Computer Vision-Based Terrain Sensors for Blind Wheelchair Users. In: Miesenberger, K., Klaus, J., Zagler, W.L., Karshmer, A.I. (eds) Computers Helping People with Special Needs. ICCHP 2006. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 4061. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/11788713_186

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/11788713_186

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-36020-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-36021-6

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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