Edge Cloud Collaboration Intelligent Assistive Cane for Visually Impaired People

Abstract

The market for assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired is plagued by high prices and a lack of usefulness. These people face numerous challenges in their daily lives. This study has developed and deployed a low-cost smart assistive cane based on computer vision, sensors, and a local cloud cooperation system, specifically for people with visual impairments. Obstacle detection, fall detection, and visitor light detection features have also been developed and included to make moving easier for those with visual impairments. As part of a part-cloud cooperation strategy to improve the user experience, a photo captioning tool and an object recognition function with high-speed processing power were also developed. It shows the characteristics of low energy consumption, potent real-time performance, flexibility to a few circumstances, and convenience, which can protect the safety of visually impaired individuals while travelling and may enable them to more effectively perceive and interpret their environment.