デイジタルスチルカメラと携帯電話を用いた視覚障害者支援システムの検討

抄録

In this paper we propose a support system for the visually impaired. This system enables the visually impaired to do daily activities without the direct support of others. It comprises a digital still camera and a pair of portable telephones. When a visually impaired person needs help, he takes a photograph of the object or the scene around him with the digital still camera. This photograph can be treated as digital image data. The image data are compressed and transmitted to a support person by the portable telephones. The support person will be able to understand the situation or trouble of the visually impaired person from the images received. And then the support person can give the proper advice or instructions to the visually impaired person. We investigated the circumstances where a visually impaired person needs the support of others. And we examine whether the system could be used or not in those circumstances. As a result, we confirm that this system is useful for navigation while walking, finding a lost article, and assisting their daily activities.