Advanced Edge AI Navigation and Assistance System for Blind User

Abstract

- Despite substantial advancements in visual assistance technology, many existing systems are limited by sensor capabilities, computational resources, and power consumption. Traditional computer vision algorithms struggle to perform complex tasks required for real-time navigation. This paper presents the design and implementation of an advanced computer vision-based navigation system specifically tailored for Blender users, aimed at facilitating independent navigation in diverse environments .By leveraging edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning methodologies, the proposed system achieves real-time object detection, person recognition, and environmental awareness, addressing the critical challenges posed by conventional systems. The use of cost-effective, low-power mobile computing platforms, such as smart depth sensors like the OpenCV AI Kit-Depth (OAK-D), enables efficient processing while ensuring portability. This system not only enhances the ability to identify and navigate obstacles but also incorporates additional functionalities, including reading written notices aloud and responding to traffic signals. Key design considerations, such as training data collection, computational efficiency, and portability, have been meticulously addressed to ensure reliable performance in real-world scenarios. The incorporation of an AI-driven voice interface facilitates user-friendly interaction, making this system an innovative and unobtrusive visual assistance device.