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Traversable area segmentation, indoor/outdoor Environment, possibility theory, fusion, reference window, visually impaired people, Computer Vision, Image Analysis Processing, and image segmentation

Autonomous collision avoidance for visually impaired people requires a specific processing for an accurate definition of traversable area. Processing of a real time image sequence for traversable area segmentation is quite mandatory. Low cost systems suggest use of poor quality cameras. However, real time low cost camera suffers from great variability of traversable area appearance at indoor as well as outdoor environments. Taking into account ambiguity affecting object and traversable area appearance induced by reflections, illumination variations, occlusions (, etc...), an accurate segmentation of traversable area in such conditions remains a challenge. Moreover, indoor and outdoor environments add additional variability to traversable areas. In this paper, we present a real-time approach for fast traversable area segmentation from image sequence recorded by a low-cost monocular camera for navigation system. Taking into account all kinds of variability in the image, we apply possibility theory for modeling information ambiguity. An efficient way of updating the traversable area model in each environment condition is to consider traversable area samples from the same processed image for building its possibility maps. Then fusing these maps allows making a fair model definition of the traversable area. Performance of the proposed system was evaluated on public databases, with indoor and outdoor environments. Experimental results show that this method is challenging leading to higher segmentation rates.

SOCCER fans, PEOPLE with visual disabilities, PROOF of concept, SOCCER tournaments, and SATISFACTION

Loss of eyesight inflicts multiple difficulties in everyday lives' tasks affecting not just the visually impaired but also their loved ones. The sense of being depleted by the otherwise visually perceived satisfaction from attending various events becomes a burden not just in terms of joy but also in relation to accompanying parties. The aim of this research work was to provide a worthy perceived experience of attending a soccer match with the company of a friend, centered at the visually impaired person's needs and perspective. The methodology developed was based on a holistic approach combining a number of creative tools, in order to explore, visualize and evaluate the proposed solutions, with advanced CAD modeling, rendering techniques and 3D printing technology for improved representation and prototyping of the final product. Evaluation via multi-criteria decision-making casted the developed system as quite usable, suitable for assisting the visually impaired users in absorbing valuable information regarding the real time progress of a live soccer event using the selves-developed tactile interface. That way, visually impaired people are able to use the final product with a great deal of success and "feel the view" and the "time" in a variety of cases, allowing them to better enjoy attending an entertainment event, such as soccer, with the interactive company of a friend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]