Relaying scene information to the blind via sound using cartoon depth maps

Abstract

Important scene information may be relayed to a blind person via mobility aids that incorporates an image-to-sound mapping. However, these devices are frequently both tiring and stressful to use. Stereo depth maps are considered as a means of reducing the quantity of unnecessary information passed to the listener. A simple automated method for evaluating the effectiveness of edge depth maps is described, followed by an explanation of a new display technique, which combines a stereo edge depth map with a cartoon-like scene representation. Finally, experimental results are included that demonstrate the effectiveness of this representation.