A remote guidance system for the blind

This paper explains the concept and reports tests of a remote guidance system for the blind. The system comprises two parts - a remote operator´s terminal and a blind person´s mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is a small electronic device which consists of a digital camera, GPS receiver and a headset. The two terminals are wirelessly connected via GSM and the Internet. The link transmits video from the blind traveller, GPS data and provides duplex audio communication between the terminals. The GPS location of the blind traveller and real time video captured from the mobile camera are displayed on the remote operator´s terminal. The remote operator can navigate the traveller to a destination point and warn him of dangerous obstacles. System trials were carried out in an urban environment. As the system is in the development stage, mainly emphatic trials have been conducted so far. In this paper we list the main functional features of the system, its advantages and current shortcomings.