Not-So-Blind Ambition

Can you imagine what a GPS for blind people would be like? We may not be there yet, but a research project at the University of Arkansas could be the next best thing. Dr. Cang Ye and his team are making over the standard white cane often used by the visually impaired into a high-tech portable navigation device using sophisticated laser technology. They are incorporating a 3D imaging sensor system called Flash LADAR (laser detection and ranging) into the cane, which will inform the user of key environmental factors such as possible obstacles.¹

The Flash LADAR system creates a 3D model of the cane user’s environment by capturing a rapid sequence of exposures, less than a nanosecond apart. Two images are obtained with each exposure, measuring the intensity and distance of each pixel. A special algorithm developed by Ye’s research team calculates the user’s position relative to the surrounding environment and compares the intensity and distance data from each set of sequential images to track and inform the user where s/he is and where s/he is going. The algorithm output will be processed through 3D data segmentation software to identify potential obstacles, which will be audibly communicated to the user.¹

Needless to say, this new cane is expected to greatly improve navigation for the visually impaired community. Who knows? Maybe the next version will give directions in response to vocal command prompts. “Cane, take me to the beach!”

-KB

¹Coxworth, Ben. "Developing a 'smart Cane' for the Blind." Gizmag. 04 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 Nov. 2013.