Enhancing Accessibility for the Visually Impaired: a Smart Device Solution Using AI and Image Processing

EasyChair Preprint 10577

Abstract

Visual impairment is a physical disability that affects a significant number of people worldwide, resulting in difficulty with everyday activities such as reading, socializing, crossing roads, and driving. Blind individuals often rely on assistive devices like walking sticks to navigate their surroundings. Although research is ongoing to address blindness, there is still a long way to go to find a solution. While there are ideas to help the visually impaired, many lack the technological implementation required. This research project aims to make daily tasks easier for visually impaired individuals of all categories by developing a smart device that uses artificial intelligence and image processing to detect faces, colors, and various objects. The device notifies the user of these detections through sound or vibration alerts. The project also includes a survey involving visually impaired individuals from the local community. Open CV and Python are the programming languages used for implementation, and the prototype investigates algorithms for detecting objects, including a warning signal for obstacles. Ultimately, this research will positively impact the healthcare sector by leveraging smart technology to support the visually impaired.

Keyphrases: AI, Blindness, IoT

@booklet{EasyChair:10577,
  author    = {Amira Ahmed},
  title     = {Enhancing Accessibility for the Visually Impaired: a Smart Device Solution Using AI and Image Processing},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 10577},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2023}}