Title :
An obstacle segmentation and classification system for the visually impaired
Author :
Callaghan, Kieran J O ; Mahony, Michael J O
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. Eng., Cork Inst. of Technol., Cork, Ireland
Abstract :
In the majority of cases blindness is caused by retinal degenerative conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). However, blind individuals still retain central visual pathways and processing mechanisms. Recent advances in Time of Flight (TOF) imaging technology have presented new opportunities to develop improved sensory substitution systems for compensation of visual sensory loss. In sensory substitution information from an artificial receptor/sensor is coupled to the brain via a Human Machine Interface (HMI). The brain is able to utilise this information in place of what is usually transmitted from an intact sense organ such as the eye. The human brain has an adaptive capacity called plasticity. Research has shown that inputs from sensory substitution devices can reach numerous brain structures including those anatomically and physiologically related to the lost sensory modality. This is provided that the information from the HMI/artificial receptors is appropriate to restore function. The authors segmentation and classification system (VisionRE) aims at improving the shortcomings of the current state of the art by accurately segmenting and classifying 3D objects/obstacles in real-time and presenting the 3D information to the user in a more intuitive manner via a multimodal electro-tactile and audio HMI.
Keywords :
brain; handicapped aids; image classification; image segmentation; man-machine systems; medical image processing; neurophysiology; vision defects; age-related macular degeneration; audio HMI; blindness; brain adaptive capacity; central visual pathways; human machine interface; multimodal electro-tactile interface; obstacle classification; obstacle segmentation; plasticity; retinal degenerative conditions; retinitis pigmentosa; sensory substitution systems; time of flight imaging technology; visual processing mechanisms; visual sensory loss compensation; visually impaired; Arrays; Cameras; Humans; Laser radar; Pixel; Sensors; Three dimensional displays; Human-Machine-Interface(HMI); Sensory-Substitution Systems; Time of Flight (TOF);
Conference_Titel :
Optomechatronic Technologies (ISOT), 2010 International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Toronto, ON
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-7684-8
DOI :
10.1109/ISOT.2010.5687345