Blindly Research Articles

IMPROVING MARKETING STRATEGY BY USING MACHINE LEARNING AND GPS TRACKING

"Hawkar and Vendor is a remarkable software program that utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) to define geographical boundaries. Essentially, Hawkar and vendor create a virtual barrier known as geofencing, which is an innovative technology enabling an online marketplace for proactive contextual services. This technology allows users to easily discover and subscribe to interesting services, while enabling providers to offer their services for a variety of applications such as electronic toll collection, contextual advertising, or tourist information systems, without the need for additional infrastructure. The primary objective of this research was to explore how the use of spatial data can enhance advertising performance for customers. Tracking systems and monitoring, based on global navigation services by satellite and including geofencing functionality, could also contribute to pinpointing the exact location of an institution or company, thereby enhancing sales and business prospects efficiently. This shift allows for advertising on smartphones as an economically and accurately tested alternative to large billboards." Key Words: Hawkars &Vendors, Special offer ,Machine learning, Blind people

Audio Enabled Object Detection System with NLP based Interaction

The project aims to develop an innovative object detection system that uses audio input and output to enhance user engagement and provide detailed product information. The system employs deep learning techniques for real-time object identification, generating an audio-based output with the object's name. In order to enable users to interact with the system verbally, it also incorporates Natural Language Processing (NLP), which interprets and processes speech in order to identify the object. The system also includes an online search module, which provides users with descriptions of the object's attributes and potential applications. The system undergoes rigorous testing and optimization to ensure accuracy and responsiveness. The project employs user-friendly technology that can assist people with low vision or disabilities, providing a practical and time-saving alternative for seeking instant information about objects. In order to make object recognition and information retrieval a smooth and inclusive experience for all users, this audio-enabled system is a first step towards bridging the gap between artificial intelligence and human-technology interaction. Key Words: Object Detection, Natural Language Processing, YOLOv4, Google Gemini, MeaningCloud, Wikipedia library

Noninvasive imaging-guided ultrasonic neurostimulation with arbitrary 2D patterns and its application for high-quality vision restoration.

Retinal degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible low vision and blindness globally, can be partially addressed by retina prostheses which stimulate remaining neurons in the retina. However, existing electrode-based treatments are invasive, posing substantial risks to patients and healthcare providers. Here, we introduce a completely noninvasive ultrasonic retina prosthesis, featuring a customized ultrasound two-dimensional array which allows for simultaneous imaging and stimulation. With synchronous three-dimensional imaging guidance and auto-alignment technology, ultrasonic retina prosthesis can generate programmed ultrasound waves to dynamically and precisely form arbitrary wave patterns on the retina. Neuron responses in the brain's visual center mirrored these patterns, evidencing successful artificial vision creation, which was further corroborated in behavior experiments. Quantitative analysis of the spatial-temporal resolution and field of view demonstrated advanced performance of ultrasonic retina prosthesis and elucidated the biophysical mechanism of retinal stimulation. As a noninvasive blindness prosthesis, ultrasonic retina prosthesis could lead to a more effective, widely acceptable treatment for blind patients. Its real-time imaging-guided stimulation strategy with a single ultrasound array, could also benefit ultrasound neurostimulation in other diseases.

Optimizing User Satisfaction: Exploring The Impact Of Website Quality On Low Vision Disabled Students' Satisfaction Through User Experience As A Mediating Variable

Optimizing User Satisfaction: Exploring The Impact Of Website Quality On Low Vision Disabled Students' Satisfaction Through User Experience As A Mediating Variable

Visual training after central retinal loss limits structural white matter degradation: an MRI study

BackgroundMacular degeneration of the eye is a common cause of blindness and affects 8% of the worldwide human population. In adult cats with bilateral lesions of the central retina, we explored the possibility that motion perception training can limit the associated degradation of the visual system. We evaluated how visual training affects behavioral performance and white matter structure. Recently, we proposed (Kozak et al. in Transl Vis Sci Technol 10:9, 2021) a new motion-acuity test for low vision patients, enabling full visual field functional assessment through simultaneous perception of shape and motion. Here, we integrated this test as the last step of a 10-week motion-perception training.ResultsCats were divided into three groups: retinal-lesioned only and two trained groups, retinal-lesioned trained and control trained. The behavioral data revealed that trained cats with retinal lesions were superior in motion tasks, even when the difficulty relied only on acuity. 7 T-MRI scanning was done before and after lesioning at 5 different timepoints, followed by Fixel-Based and Fractional Anisotropy Analysis. In cats with retinal lesions, training resulted in a more localized and reduced percentage decrease in Fixel-Based Analysis metrics in the dLGN, caudate nucleus and hippocampus compared to untrained cats. In motion-sensitive area V5/PMLS, the significant decreases in fiber density were equally strong in retinal-lesioned untrained and trained cats, up to 40% in both groups. The only cortical area with Fractional Anisotropy values not affected by central retinal loss was area V5/PMLS. In other visual ROIs, the Fractional Anisotropy values increased over time in the untrained retinal lesioned group, whereas they decreased in the retinal lesioned trained group and remained at a similar level as in trained controls.ConclusionsOverall, our MRI results showed a stabilizing effect of motion training applied soon after central retinal loss induction on white matter structure. We propose that introducing early motion-acuity training for low vision patients, aimed at the intact and active retinal peripheries, may facilitate brain plasticity processes toward better vision.

The mechanism of phonetic information in voice identity discrimination: a comparative study based on sighted and blind people

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine whether phonetic information functions and how phonetic information affects voice identity processing in blind people.MethodTo address the first inquiry, 25 normal sighted participants and 30 blind participants discriminated voice identity, when listening forward speech and backward speech from their own native language and another unfamiliar language. To address the second inquiry, combining articulatory suppression paradigm, 26 normal sighted participants and 26 blind participants discriminated voice identity, when listening forward speech from their own native language and another unfamiliar language.ResultsIn Experiment 1, not only in the voice identity discrimination task with forward speech, but also in the discrimination task with backward speech, both the sighted and blind groups showed the superiority of the native language. This finding supports the view that backward speech still retains some phonetic information, and indicates that phonetic information can affect voice identity processing in sighted and blind people. In addition, only the superiority of the native language of sighted people was regulated by the speech manner, which is related to articulatory rehearsal. In Experiment 2, only the superiority of the native language of sighted people was regulated by articulatory suppression. This indicates that phonetic information may act in different ways on voice identity processing in sighted and blind people.ConclusionThe heightened dependence on voice source information in blind people appears not to undermine the function of phonetic information, but it appears to change the functional mechanism of phonetic information. These findings suggest that the present phonetic familiarity model needs to be improved with respect to the mechanism of phonetic information.

THE EXPERIENCES OF SIGHTED PEOPLE IN COMMON SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WITH BLIND PEOPLE

The organisation of joint hikes for the blind and sighted is a completely new and untouched topic, the study of which can help to discover unexpected results, to show the significance and benefits of such activities not only for the blind but also for the sighted, their perception, new inner experiences, discoveries. Joint socio-cultural activities are not only a medium for the empowerment of the disabled, but also the education of empathic members of society and the promotion of new programs. The aim of the research is to reveal the experiences of sighted people participating in joint hikes with blind people. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. The research participants were 8 sighted people who had participated in joint hikes with the blind people. Thematic analysis was conducted. The experiences of the sighted and the blind have revealed that joint walks “erase” all differences, all borders. Sighted people see and learn what visual impairment is, what kind of world blind people live in – this brings them even closer to their comrades and encourages the desire to extend their friendship.

The influence of assistive technologies on experiences of risk among older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL).

Living with risk is a salient part of everyday living and although risk affects everyone, older adults are often regarded as a high-risk group, particularly older adults who are aging with a disability, such as vision loss. A prominent focus within low vision rehabilitation is the provision, and training, of older adults in the use of low vision assistive devices as a strategy to manage risks in both the home and community environment. This study aimed to unpack the influence of assistive technologies on experiences of risk among eleven older adults (aged 65+) with age-related vision loss. This critical ethnographic study used home tours, the go-along method, and a semi-structured in-depth interview. The study identified five prevailing themes including: 1) Moving away from the individualization of risk; 2) The cost of assistive technologies as a risk contributor; 3) Practicing 'responsible living'; Technology as an adaptive strategy to risk taking; 4) Resisting the label of 'at risk'; The influence of technology on self-identity; and 5) Technology as a substitution versus supplement for social connectedness. The study findings highlight the importance of moving beyond a technico-scientific perspective of risk, in which risk is framed as an objective phenomenon located in older adults' bodies, and instead framing risk within a broader sociocultural perspective which moves our attention to those contextual or environmental factors that shape experiences of risk for older adults with vision loss.

Living with an artificial eye: qualitative insights into patient and family member experiences.

Artificial eye users (AEUs) can experience a negative impact on psychological and emotional wellbeing, including reduced social functioning, which may be a consequence of living with one eye removed, and/or of having a prosthetic eye. This may have wider consequences for their families. We aimed to explore what it means to live with a prosthetic eye, for both AEUs and their families-and how any quality of life (QoL) issues impact on their day-to-day functioning. A subset of AEUs and their family members taking part in a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing hand-painted to digitally printed artificial eyes were invited for semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative results related to trial participation are covered elsewhere. Here, we focus on QoL and day-to-day functioning. Twelve AEUs (eight males) and five spouses (one male) who had worn artificial eyes for 2-65years took part, and four themes were identified. (1) Impact on day-to-day life: AEUs and their spouses have to adapt to (partial) sight loss, reduced levels of confidence, and social withdrawal. (2) Impact on psychological and emotional wellbeing: distress among AEUs and their spouses can be severe and prolonged, highlight unmet support needs. (3) Challenges with treatment experiences: AEUs experienced negative impact of fragmentation of care and long waiting times. (4) Worries about the future: AEUs mentioned fragility of remaining sight, and concerns around potential need for further treatment. Patients and their family members experience negative impact of being an AEU on their everyday lives and quality of life. There is a potential role for psychosocial support services in supporting AEUs and their families even long after eye loss.

Hearing a circle: An exploratory study of accessible sonification for young children with blindness and low vision

This article describes a study of educational outcomes for 0- to 8-year-old children with blindness and low vision (BLV) who are learning sonification concepts. Children with BLV experience barriers to accessing education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), fields which traditionally rely heavily on visual representation of information. There is growing awareness of the potential of sonification, a technology to represent data and information in non-speech audio, to improve education access. While early learning of assistive technology skills is deemed essential for equity of access to education across the curriculum, children are generally not introduced to the concept of sonification at school until at academic level in secondary or tertiary education. Little is known about how young children with BLV engage with this promising technology. First, ‘CosmoBally on Sonoplanet’ is introduced, an accessible, educational game application for iPads and Android tablets. Then findings are shared from an anonymous online survey that collected formal responses from users of this app, using a combination of Likert-type scale and open-ended questions. The majority of the 17 respondents were (specialist) educators, and five of the respondents identified as having BLV. The survey investigated respondents’ perceptions of the capabilities of young children with BLV in using basic sonification in ‘CosmoBally on Sonoplanet’ to identify shapes – including a circle – to orientate in a digital grid and to create drawings on a touch screen. Results suggest that young children with BLV can learn sonification skills and additionally may build relevant non-sonification skills during this learning process. This article aims to provide a first insight into best practice around early learning of sonification as a potential tool for increased access and inclusion of children with BLV to STEM subjects in school.

Apple-and-pin drawings by blind novices show occluded features: region theory

Abstract Sighted children drawing an apple with a pin through it show the hidden parts of the pin. That is, not only is the pin shown running towards the apple and out the other side, it is also shown inside the apple, without a single break, and so the sketch depicts the occluded parts of the pin. Several investigators have offered theories of the observation. We report here on tangible raised-line drawings by young blind people who are novices at drawing. They also include occluded segments of the pin. To explain the drawings we use the John Willats region theory. In this account, enclosed regions represent the volumes of 3D objects. According to region theory, what is in the interior of an object should be shown in the drawing even if it cannot be seen or touched. As a result, since occluded parts of the pin are inside the apple, blind children, like sighted children, include them in their drawings. In region theory, for both the blind and the sighted, long lines on a 2D pictorial surface represent elongated objects in the scene and regions on the surface represent 3D objects and their contents. The basis of region theory may be that sensory information for pins and lines has high-frequency components, and for apples and regions has lower-frequency components.

Accessibility of digital systems in information retrieval by users with visual impairment

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the accessibility of digital information systems as a key usability attribute in information retrieval by users with visual impairment (VI), to inform development of accessible information systems.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a cross-sectional survey design based on the quantitative research paradigm. Data was collected from 117 students with visual impairments from selected public universities in Kenya, using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.FindingsThis study revealed that gender did not influence screen reader compatibility, alternative format preferences, perceptions of accessible content or digital library navigability. Instead, type of visual impairment, prior assistive technology (AT) training and digital library use frequency significantly impacted these attributes. Blind students reported positive experiences, favouring alternative formats, and expressed positive views on accessible content while those with low vision faced more challenges. Prior training in assistive technology and frequent digital library use resulted in higher screen reader compatibility and better navigability. Increased digital library use was linked to access to alternative content for those with prior assistive technology training.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the existing literature on accessibility of digital information systems for users with visual impairments. Further research is needed to explore other factors that may influence the accessibility of digital systems, such as the design of user interfaces as well as an evaluation of accessibility of digital systems for other categories of disabilities such as hearing impairment, physical impairment, autism and intellectual disability, among others.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have practical implications for the design and development of digital systems such as digital libraries. Developers can leverage findings of this study to enhance compatibility of digital platforms with screen readers and provide alternative formats and accessible content. User-centred design principles can be used to create interfaces that are easy to navigate and friendly to users with visual impairments. Training programmes on assistive technology should be provided to users to enhance their skills and confidence in using digital systems.Originality/valueThis study contributes towards design and creation of navigable systems that are compatible with screen readers. The study also points out the importance of creating more inclusive and usable digital environments for persons with visual impairments.

Guidelines for setting up low-vision and rehabilitation services in India.

Low vision and blindness are increasing public health issues impacting individuals' quality of life. During clinical low-vision services, vision rehabilitation is crucial for enhancing daily living skills and improving life quality. Low-vision and rehabilitation (LVR) services encompass comprehensive measures that aid visually disabled individuals in restoring function, autonomy, and social participation. Such holistic management requires a multidisciplinary approach, facilitating adaptation to environmental and sociocultural changes. However, the lack of awareness about the principles and practices of LVR services poses a major hindrance to setting up such a special clinic in the eye hospital. This article is about a consensus statement on the guidelines for establishing LVR services focusing on basic requirements, especially in low-resource countries. The present recommendation to set up an LVR clinic was made after group discussions and debates among various experts and stakeholders during the National Workshop on Strengthening Low-Vision and Rehabilitation Services organized at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The event was participated by many ophthalmologists and optometrists coming from across the country. The recommendations required at the tertiary level are outlined under the four headings: Human resources and training: two ophthalmologists, that is, a low vision specialist or a well-experienced in low vision and one who has received one-week orientation and training, one optometrist, one rehabilitation supervisor, and two rehabilitation assistants; Assessment equipment: basic screening and diagnostic; Assistive devices for low vision, including, digital and non-digital; Assistive devices for rehabilitation, and methods for records maintenance. The institution may not follow strictly the present guidelines but will provide an idea on LVR services initiation.

How path integration abilities of blind people change in different exploration conditions.

For animals to locate resources and stay safe, navigation is an essential cognitive skill. Blind people use different navigational strategies to encode the environment. Path integration significantly influences spatial navigation, which is the ongoing update of position and orientation during self-motion. This study examines two separate things: (i) how guided and non-guided strategies affect blind individuals in encoding and mentally representing a trajectory and (ii) the sensory preferences for potential navigational aids through questionnaire-based research. This study first highlights the significant role that the absence of vision plays in understanding body centered and proprioceptive cues. Furthermore, it also underscores the urgent need to develop navigation-assistive technologies customized to meet the specific needs of users.

WatchCap: Improving Scanning Efficiency in People with Low Vision through Compensatory Head Movement Stimulation

Individuals with low vision (LV) frequently face challenges in scanning performance, which in turn complicates daily activities requiring visual recognition. Although those with PVL can theoretically compensate for these scanning deficiencies through the use of active head movements, few practical applications have sought to capitalize on this potential, especially during visual recognition tasks. In this paper, we present WatchCap, a novel device that leverages the hanger reflex phenomenon to naturally elicit head movements through stimulation feedback. Our user studies, conducted with both sighted individuals in a simulated environment and people with glaucoma-related PVL, demonstrated that WatchCap's scanning-contingent stimulation enhances visual exploration. This improvement is evidenced by the fixation and saccade-related features and positive feedback from participants, which did not cause discomfort to the users. This study highlights the promise of facilitating head movements to aid those with LVs in visual recognition tasks. Critically, since WatchCap functions independently of predefined or task-specific cues, it has a wide scope of applicability, even in ambient task situations. This independence positions WatchCap to complement existing tools aimed at detailed visual information acquisition, allowing integration with existing tools and facilitating a comprehensive approach to assisting individuals with LV.

Implementation of Smart Blind Shopping Trolley

Recently researches and many developments were going in the field of automation and embedded systems to develop and reduce the work of the manpower in industry as well as in public domain areas like Railway station for automatic ticket collection, Metro bus, Flight etc. This system can be used to develop more automation in and to help the blind people, old age and handicapped person we proposed a technique named as automatic trolley carrier navigation and the billing system. This method can be implemented in all shopping malls, big clothing shop, house hold appliances shops etc. It avoids the people to stand in a big queue and automatic billing can be done. Moreover, it helps blind people, old age people, Handicapped Persons in the shopping malls make them to purchase in shopping malls by informing about the product, quantity, price and automatic billing etc. The use of RFID reader is to scan the RFID tag of all products to Identify the name, price, quantity of the products. Depending on the RF signal from the RFID - reader, it passes the information to the micro - controller and from that it identifies the product and, quantity, price of each product. The ultrasonic sensor is used to detect the any obstacles as well as the object.

Enhancing statistical chart accessibility for people with low vision: insights from a user test

AbstractA remote user test was performed with two versions (one accessible and one non-accessible) of three types of web-based charts (horizontal bar chart, vertical stacked bar chart, and line chart). The objectives of the test were: (a) to validate a set of heuristic indicators for the evaluation of the accessibility of statistical charts presented in a previous work (Fariñas Falcón et al. in Mediocentro Electrónica 21(1):65–68, 2017); (b) to identify new barriers and preferences for users with low vision in the access and use of this content not previously contemplated. 12 users were tested, with a variety of conditions associated with low vision: low visual acuity (6 users), reduced central vision (2 users), reduced peripheral vision (2 users), blurry vision (1 user), sensitivity to light (3 users), Nystagmus (2 users) and color vision deficiency (CVD) (4 users). From a quantitative standpoint, accessible versions of charts were more efficient, effective, and satisfactory. From a qualitative point of view, results verify the relevance of heuristics H2, Legend; H3, Axes; H6, Data source (as data table); H10, Safe colors; H11, Contrast; H12, Legibility; H13, Image quality; H14, Resize; H16, Focus visible; H17, Independent navigation; related to the proposed tasks. As new observations, tooltips were highly valued by all users, but their implementation must be improved to avoid covering up significant parts of the charts when displayed. The data table has also been frequently used by all users, especially in the non-accessible versions, allowing them to carry out tasks more efficiently. The position and size of the legend can be a significant barrier if it is too small or appears in an unusual position. Finally, despite the limitations related to color perception, some users prefer color graphics to black and white, so, to target all profiles, it is necessary to redundantly encode categories with colors and patterns as well.

AI- POWERED BASED BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED SYSTEM FOR SMART GLASS

Visual impairment causes serious problems in daily life and mobility for millions of people worldwide. Against this background, smart assistive technology is gaining momentum to improve the independence and quality of life of the blind and visually impaired. They have difficulty in daily life because they cannot detect the problems around them, and one of their biggest problems is identifying people. Besides automation, there are many unexplored uses of search engines. This project includes an app that uses search to help blind people see things in front of them safely, and a facial recognition system with visual feedback that can help visually impaired people see familiar and unfamiliar people. The speaker will provide them with sound support. In this work, we use deep learning-based Regional Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R-CNN) to detect and identify people and objects in the environment. Faster local convolutional neural network technology processes and distributes images captured by cameras. The operator takes the image as input. Therefore, this model helps visually impaired people in a simpler way than a white cane. Keywords—Visuallmpairment,Objectdetection,Faster Region Convolutional Neural Network.

Understanding the Roles of Family, Community in Visually Impaired & Low Vision Student’s Life

The objective of this paper is to acquire an efficient understanding of the roles of family,how family support to attain their goals towards life . Family plays an important role in contribution in promoting enrichment,support of the overall quality of lives of the visually impaired student. In the personal and professional lives of the visually impaired student, there are number of functions and daily living activities, which they are required to carry out smoothly. These activities carried out may be on one’s own or perform with help and assistance from family or dear ones. For example, in the pursuance of educational coursers or programs within institutions of all levels, the student are required to deal with special educators, supervisors, visually impaired or sighted classmates and other staff members. Hence, development of consensus with them is regarded to be of sheer significance. On the other hand, within home environment , family members need to work in co-ordination with each other to promote each other’s well-being ,mental health and goodwill. The visually impaired students implement a range of work functions and responsibilities in compliance with protocols and guidelines. The family and community members, particularly special educator and service providers need to be provided with adequate information in terms of methods and procedures of initial phase of learning . Consequently, duties and responsibilities should be carried out in a well-ordered and disciplined manner among family ,community and special educator. Therefore, it is well-understood, roles of family ,community members and special educator are acknowledged to a major extent. The main concepts that are taken into account in this research paper are, roles of family ,roles of community members and roles of special educator in visually impaired student life.

Confidence in low vision rehabilitation and attitudes towards further learning: A survey of UK optometrists.

Optometrists are well positioned to help expand low vision (LV) services and improve their availability and accessibility. Determinants of participation in LV service provision must be well understood to facilitate successful service expansion. This survey aimed to investigate optometrists' professional confidence in the delivery of LV services and attitudes towards further learning. An online survey was emailed to a sample of College of Optometrists members. Respondents rated their confidence in different areas of core optometric practice; confidence in LV was compared with confidence in other areas. Respondents also rated their confidence in undertaking multiple tasks involved in LV service delivery and in routine optometric practice; confidence was compared between optometrists who do and do not work in a LV service. Attitudes towards learning more about assessing and supporting patients with a vision impairment (VI) were recorded. The survey received 451 recorded responses (15.1% response rate). Optometrists who do not work in a LV service reported significantly lower confidence in LV than in other areas of core optometric practice, whereas optometrists who work in a LV service reported significantly higher confidence in LV than in other areas. Additionally, optometrists who do not work in a LV service reported significantly lower confidence in all tasks involved in LV service delivery than optometrists who work in a LV service (p < 0.001 for all tasks). Approximately 80% of respondents were interested in learning more about assessing and supporting patients with a VI. Optometrists who do not work in a LV service have relatively low confidence in LV, which could contribute to low motivation to participate in LV service provision. There is sizeable interest in learning more about assessing and supporting patients with a VI, which could help to increase motivation to participate in LV service provision.