TL;DR:
- Students from the Ramaiah Institute of Technology developed OurVision, a low-cost wearable device for the visually impaired.
- OurVision utilizes computer vision techniques to read text aloud and assist with navigation.
- The device incorporates optical character recognition, machine learning, and Google APIs.
- The project received a grant from EPICS in IEEE and collaborated with the National Association for the Blind.
- OurVision can read text from various sources, translate multiple languages, and works without Wi-Fi.
- The estimated price of the device is US $206.
- Plans for future enhancements include currency recognition and color detection.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking endeavor, a group of students from the Ramaiah Institute of Technology’s IEEE Computational Intelligence Society chapter in Bangalore, India, has created a remarkable low-cost wearable device aimed at assisting people with visual impairments. Named OurVision, this innovative device utilizes cutting-edge computer vision techniques to read text aloud to users and aid them in navigating their surroundings. The profound goal behind this groundbreaking creation is to empower the blind community, providing them with enhanced educational and career opportunities, as well as the ability to lead independent lives. Powered by state-of-the-art technologies such as optical character recognition, machine learning, and Google’s application programming interfaces, OurVision represents a beacon of hope for the visually impaired.
Fueling this noble initiative is a generous grant of US $4,400, awarded to the IEEE CIS chapter by EPICS in IEEE. This monetary support was made possible through the invaluable contributions of compassionate donors and a fruitful partnership with the IEEE Foundation. The student team, driven by their passion and commitment, successfully transformed an idea into a fully functional solution. Collaborating closely with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in Karnataka, India, they exemplified the spirit of community engagement and made a tangible impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals.
Megha Arakeri, an esteemed faculty member and an active IEEE member, leads this remarkable project. She enthusiastically shares, “With this device, visually impaired individuals can read and move around independently, just like their non-blind peers.” The significance of such a device cannot be overstated. OurVision possesses the remarkable ability to read text aloud from various sources, including books, periodicals, billboards, posters, and traffic signs. Furthermore, it can seamlessly translate text into multiple languages, including English, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi. This portable companion empowers users to read effortlessly in any location, irrespective of the lighting conditions. Even in situations where text alignment is incorrect due to improper handling, OurVision promptly notifies the user, ensuring an uninterrupted reading experience. Additionally, it enhances spatial awareness by describing nearby objects and their respective distances, thereby facilitating seamless navigation.
One of the most remarkable aspects of OurVision is its independence from Wi-Fi connectivity. This groundbreaking feature ensures uninterrupted functionality, even in areas with limited network coverage. As a testament to their dedication, the student team successfully built 11 devices, which are currently housed in the esteemed NAB library. To avail themselves of the device, users simply sign them out. Already, approximately 100 students affiliated with the NAB are benefitting from this extraordinary innovation. The team worked diligently with the organization, incorporating valuable feedback and insights.
With an estimated price of just US $206 (17,000 rupees), OurVision is poised to revolutionize accessibility for the visually impaired community. Latha Kumari, NAB mobility officer, expresses her satisfaction, stating, “The visually challenged students using this device for their studies and navigation have provided excellent feedback on its efficiency and portability, surpassing the performance of other devices they have previously used. To extend this invaluable benefit to a larger number of visually impaired students, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with Professor Arakeri and her exceptional student team to develop more devices with enhanced features, incorporating feedback from the students.” The appreciation and admiration for Professor Arakeri and her students’ efforts are palpable within the blind community.
While the device is yet to be released to the market, the team’s ambitions extend far beyond its current capabilities. Their future plans involve incorporating additional features, such as currency recognition and color detection, to further augment the device’s functionality and versatility. By continuously expanding its capabilities, the team aims to unlock a myriad of opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
Undoubtedly, the design and development process of OurVision has been a tremendous learning experience for the students involved. Members of the IEEE CIS student chapter expressed their gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained throughout this journey. Moreover, they actively imparted their newfound expertise to students at M.S. Ramaiah High School, acquainting them with the intricacies of the design process and affording them the opportunity to contribute to a technical solution for a community in need.
Playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey was Ruby Annette Jayaseela Dhanaraj, an esteemed AI researcher and machine learning engineer at Matilda Cloud in Richardson, Texas, who served as the EPICS in IEEE mentor assigned to the project. Reflecting on the student’s accomplishments, Jayaseela Dhanaraj commends their exceptional efforts and profound understanding of the utilized technologies. She remarks, “The students’ dedication and expertise are truly remarkable, and their enthusiasm to further enhance the product is inspiring.”
For Jayaseela Dhanaraj, this mentoring experience was nothing short of fulfilling. She considers herself fortunate to have contributed to a technology that holds the potential to positively impact the lives of countless visually impaired students. It is this unwavering commitment and collaboration that fuels the advancement of technology for the betterment of society, empowering individuals with disabilities and underscoring the indispensable role of innovation in shaping a more inclusive world.
Conclusion:
The development of OurVision presents an exciting opportunity in the market. By addressing the needs of the visually impaired community through a low-cost wearable device, this innovation has the potential to revolutionize accessibility. The integration of advanced technologies and its versatility in reading text and aiding navigation positions OurVision as a game-changer in empowering visually impaired individuals. With its affordability and future plans for enhancements, the market for assistive devices can anticipate a significant shift towards more inclusive and user-centric solutions.
