New virtual map for visually impaired people

Models based on video scenes can make it easier to locate in a new city.

Scientists in Greece have developed a new system capable of converting video into virtual touchable maps for the blind. These three-dimensional maps use force fields to display walls and roads so visually impaired people can better know the layout of buildings and cities.

'Imagine that I was blind and I wanted to go to New York, at which time I needed a map,' said Konstantinos Moustakas, researcher of the Virtual Mapping Project.

Pathfinder: A new system capable of creating virtual maps can help visually impaired people determine the location of a new area.(Photo: KARIN LAU / ISTOCKPHOTO)

Architects occasionally create 3D models for the blind, but these models can only be used for one person at a time. Paper maps with ridges that express the path are not ideal, because they cannot convey enough information. With Mr. Moustakas's system, a digital version of deep painting can be used by many people around the world at the same time.

To create virtual depths, scientists first filmed the video of an architectural model. The video is then processed into consecutive frames using a software developed by Moustakas's research team. When the angle of the camera changes, the software will track each building and decide the shape and location of the building. That data is used to create three-dimensional force field lines for each building."Each point on the grid line has a force value linked to each other, " Moustakas said.

The two interfaces are able to interact with each other to simulate force fields by applying a pressure on the user's hand: it is CyberGrasp gloves, which ' pull ' each person's fingers , and the Phantom screen will create a single force on the hand through a photovoltaic pen. Moustakas said that this process is somewhat like trying to identify an object by moving the finger or photovoltaic pen along the surface of the object.

Virtual touchable maps, also known as tactile map names, were created earlier, but they were created using floating films, requiring special cameras. And Mr. Moutakas's system can work with a regular video camera.

Mr. Moustakas also developed a system capable of converting photos of traditional paper maps into a three-dimensional street map. Users move their finger or photovoltaic pen to the crowded roads on the virtual map and the names of the roads will automatically be read up.

Mr. Moustakas examined both systems for 19 visually impaired people. During the test, the subjects were asked to identify buildings in the virtual scene and move from one place to another.

According to research published in this IEEE Multimedia magazine, these people prefer virtual street maps to identify large areas, such as cities and virtual deep maps used to identify court groups. more home. Mr. Moustakas is currently studying the consolidation of these two systems.

Reginald Golledge, a geography professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said he believes the study is 'a good step in the right direction.' Mr. Golledge, who conducted research on other virtual mapping systems for more than 15 years, noted that blind users still need a guide dog or a cane to locate potholes in the real world.

Dan Jacobson, co-chair of the International Mapping Association's map and graphs committee for the visually impaired, said the new technique could be useful for people who are blind and blind. Tactile maps can be useful in situations such as when users are distracted when looking at the road. It can convey information about things that are not in sight. ' In the virtual world . you can feel your way around a building to see what's behind,' said Jacobson. .

Irrespective of users, Mr. Golledge said that the system would have to be easier to be able to be popularized. For example, the Phantom screen, for example, must be plugged into an outlet. Although it may be convenient for travel planning, it cannot be used on the go.

Thanh Van