Wearable Computer System Reflecting Spatial Context

Abstract

We have a lot of interests to wearable computer as an IT technology has been advanced. Although aids for disabled persons are also developed variously, those for visually impaired persons were limited. In this study, we proposed a wearable system that can do walk safely to the destination for the visually impaired persons. Our system guides a user to arrive at destination using marker information detected by camera. Also it uses multiple ultrasonic sensors array to detect and avoid obstacles. After recognizing position and orientation of markers attached on the indoor ceiling, we can estimate relative direction to destination. At the same time, we simplify a complex spatial structure in front of user into some patterns by means of ultrasonic sensors and determine an avoidance direction by estimating the patterns. Our system helps users to arrive to destination safely without others help.