A 2D Vibration Array for Sensing Dynamic Changes and 3D Space for Blinds´ Navigation

This paper presents a 2D vibration array for detecting dynamic changes in 3D space during navigation and provides these changes in real-time to visual impaired users (in a form of vibration) in order to develop a 3D sensing of the space and assist their navigation in their working and living environment. This vibration array is a part of the Tyflos prototype device (consisting of two tiny cameras, a microphone, an ear speaker mounted into a pair of dark glasses and connected into a portable PC) for blind individuals. The overall idea is of detecting changes in a 3D space is based on fusing range data and image data captured by the cameras and creating the 3D representation of the surrounding space. This 3D representation of the space and its changes are mapped onto a 2D vibration array placed on the chest of the blind user. The degree of vibration offers a sensing of the 3D space and its changes to the user.