Abstract: A computer implemented method of mobile visual assistance to allow users to rapidly distinguish distances to and shapes of multiple objects. 3D images of the environment are obtained using a plurality of user worn video sensors, such as head mounted video cameras. The users are often equipped with a glove like device comprising pointing direction sensors and various haptic transducers. As the user moves though the environment, computer processors use the video sensors to detect various objects in front of the user and report these using secondary or coarse level haptic transducers. The user can use the glove-like device to point at various objects of specific interest, and the system can report further information such as shape or texture data using primary haptic transducers, allowing the user the haptic version of a sharper narrow field of view superimposed on a haptic version of a wider peripheral field of view.

Abstract: A device, system, and method of assistance for visually impaired users. The system comprises a plurality of video cameras, often head mounted, computer processors and associated support devices and algorithms configured for computer vision, and a user worn haptic band comprising a plurality (two or more) of distantly spaced haptic transducers. This haptic band is worn such that user's hands are free for other tasks. The system uses its video camera, depth processing algorithms, and object recognition algorithms (hardware and/or software based) to identify a limited number of navigationally important objects. The spatial locations of each object deemed important is output to the user by varying output to the haptic transducers accordingly. The system is configured to identify and report objects as generic objects, identified objects, and potential obstacle objects. The system can also optionally provide audio information or tactile graphics display information pertaining to these objects as well.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of mobile visual assistance to allow users to rapidly distinguish distances to and shapes of multiple objects. 3D images of the environment are obtained using a plurality of user worn video sensors, such as head mounted video cameras. The users are often equipped with a glove like device comprising pointing direction sensors and various haptic transducers. As the user moves though the environment, computer processors use the video sensors to detect various objects in front of the user and report these using secondary or coarse level haptic transducers. The user can use the glove-like device to point at various objects of specific interest, and the system can report further information such as shape or texture data using primary haptic transducers, allowing the user the haptic version of a sharper narrow field of view superimposed on a haptic version of a wider peripheral field of view.

Abstract: A device, system, and method of assistance for visually impaired users. The system comprises a plurality of video cameras, often head mounted, computer processors and associated support devices and algorithms configured for computer vision, and a user worn haptic band comprising a plurality (two or more) of distantly spaced haptic transducers. This haptic band is worn such that user's hands are free for other tasks. The system uses its video camera, depth processing algorithms, and object recognition algorithms (hardware and/or software based) to identify a limited number of navigationally important objects. The spatial locations of each object deemed important is output to the user by varying output to the haptic transducers accordingly. The system is configured to identify and report objects as generic objects, identified objects, and potential obstacle objects. The system can also optionally provide audio information or tactile graphics display information pertaining to these objects as well.

Abstract: A device, system, and method of assistance for visually impaired users. The system comprises a plurality of video cameras, often head mounted, computer processors and associated support devices and algorithms configured for computer vision, and a user worn haptic band comprising a plurality (two or more) of distantly spaced haptic transducers. This haptic band is worn such that user's hands are free for other tasks. The system uses its video camera, depth processing algorithms, and object recognition algorithms (hardware and/or software based) to identify a limited number of navigationally important objects. The spatial locations of each object deemed important is output to the user by varying output to the haptic transducers accordingly. The system is configured to identify and report objects as generic objects, identified objects, and potential obstacle objects. The system can also optionally provide audio information pertaining to these objects as well.