Smart walking sticks and body worn sensors that detect nearby objects have been tried in the past to help visually impaired people avoid hitting obstacles. Yet, the technology tended to be more annoying than helpful, beeping anytime anything was near. A truly smart proximity sensor should instead predict a chance of hitting an object rather than just being told that something is near. Researchers from Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Schepens Eye Research Institute have developed a body worn device that can do just that.

The prototype system has a wide angle camera on the front that tracks objects in proximity. It actually predicts potential collisions, beeping when there’s a good chance the wearer might strike something. They tested the system with tunnel vision and hemianopia volunteers walking through a 41 meter-long course with 46 objects throughout, each as tall as the participants. The study showed that folks wearing the device had a reduction in collisions with objects by 37% compared to when not using a walking aide.

source:iovs.org