Sensor-Based Assistive Devices for Visually-Impaired People: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Globally, 285 million people experience visual impairment, with 39 million totally blind.
• Existing assistive systems for the visually impaired often have limited capabilities.
• There is a need for improved assistive devices to enhance quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comparative survey of wearable and portable assistive devices for the visually impaired.
• To showcase the progress in assistive technology for this population.
• To identify improvements, advantages, disadvantages, and accuracy of existing devices.

Main Methods:

• Literature survey and comparative analysis of assistive devices.
• Detailed discussion of significant devices presented in scientific literature.
• Evaluation of device performance, including accuracy and limitations.

Main Results:

• Identification of key advancements in assistive technology for visual impairment.
• Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various wearable and portable devices.
• Summary of the current state-of-the-art in assistive devices for the visually impaired.

Conclusions:

• Existing assistive devices show progress but still have limitations.
• Further research is needed to develop devices ensuring safety and independent mobility.
• This survey provides a foundation for future innovations in assistive technology.