eBraille: Reading-Aid for Visually Impaired

Conceptual eye-glasses that enable visually impaired persons to read and navigate their surroundings

Category

Assistive Technology

Year

2018

Status

Concept Development

Technologies

OCR, Computer Vision, Embedded Systems

Project Overview

eBraille is a conceptual eye-glasses that enable visually impaired persons to read and navigate their surroundings without assistance. It is a real-time image analytic glass designed for the visually impaired.

This device is capable of analysing an image to get information from it in real time. eBraille can detect and extract text or handwritten letters and digits in notes, newspapers, signboards, marker boards or any other source using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and converts this extracted text to speech.

The device also detects objects, products, and persons from images and communicates this information via speech to the user. The software (Image analytics) runs on-premise and doesn't require an internet connection, eliminating delays from cloud connectivity issues.

Design Thinking and Methodology

The idea for eBraille was born during a hardware hackathon I chaired in 2018. The hardware consists of a powerful processor capable of running image processing algorithms, four high-resolution cameras, a rechargeable battery, all embedded in stylish eyeglasses, and a Bluetooth earpiece for speech communication.

Key Considerations

  • Size of the device: Designed to be as compact as possible to avoid unnecessary load on the user.
  • Cost: Developed with rural areas in mind, reducing internet dependency for affordability while offering premium features for those who can afford it.
  • User Friendliness: Minimized buttons and icons in the software for intuitive operation.
eBraille 3D model

Screenshot of the completed 3D modeled eBraille before rendering

Design Process

1

Concept Development

Initial ideation during a hardware hackathon, focusing on assistive technology for visually impaired individuals. Brainstorming sessions to identify key features and technical requirements.

2

Technical Specifications

Defined the hardware components including processor requirements, camera specifications, battery life, and connectivity options. Established software requirements for OCR and object detection.

3

3D Modeling & Prototyping

Created detailed 3D models of the glasses design, focusing on ergonomics and aesthetics. Developed functional prototypes to test core features and user interaction.

Technical Specifications

4x
High-resolution 12MP cameras with ƒ/2.2 aperture
OCR
Optical Character Recognition for text extraction
Edge
On-device processing without cloud dependency
BT
Bluetooth connectivity with earpiece

Hardware Components

Core Components

  • High-performance processor
  • 4x 12MP cameras with advanced image stabilization
  • Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity board
  • Rechargeable button-cell battery with 12-hour life

Additional Features

  • 64GB onboard memory storage
  • Bluetooth earpiece with noise cancellation
  • Optional WiFi module for updates
  • GPS module for navigation assistance

Software Features

Computer Vision

  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for text extraction
  • Facial recognition for people identification
  • Object detection for environmental awareness

User Interface

  • Voice-controlled operation
  • Companion smartphone app for configuration
  • Customizable voice feedback options
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