Abstract: A method of providing assistance from an assistant to a user, wherein the user and the assistant are remote from each other, includes obtaining an image of an area adjacent the user, transmitting the image from the user to the assistant, and displaying the image on a display to the assistant. The method also includes transmitting a message generated by the assistant relating to the image from the assistant to the user and audibly outputting the message to the user.

Abstract: A navigation system helps users navigate through an environment by a plurality of sensors. The sensors include one or both of short and long range sensors that detect objects within the user's environment. Information obtained from the sensors' detection of objects within the user's environment can be used to help the user avoid colliding with objects within the environment and help navigate the user to a destination. The navigation system may provide the user with audible feedback regarding the objects with the user's environment and/or instructions regarding how to avoid colliding with an object and how to navigate to a destination.

Abstract: A method of providing assistance from an assistant to a user, wherein the user and the assistant are remote from each other, includes obtaining an image of an area adjacent the user, transmitting the image from the user to the assistant, and displaying the image on a display to the assistant. The method also includes transmitting a message generated by the assistant relating to the image from the assistant to the user and audibly outputting the message to the user.