Sidewalk Obstacle Detection via Image Processing and Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedestrian safety along roadways is compromised by the presence of mobile two-wheelers and tricycles, which can be intimidating for aged and visually-impaired individuals, and existing solutions do not effectively address the challenge of navigating through obstacles on sidewalks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electronic device, a camera, and an output apparatus that captures images of a sidewalk, processes them to locate obstacles, and outputs their positions to assist pedestrians in planning a safe path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bicycle lanes and blind lanes are provided on sidewalks, then pedestrian safety is improved, but the sidewalk becomes more complex and less accessible due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic device as an intermediary between pedestrians and obstacles. This device captures images, processes them to identify obstacles in blind lanes, and provides audio feedback to pedestrians. The intermediary translates visual information into audible form, allowing visually impaired pedestrians to navigate safely without physically altering the sidewalk structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile two-wheelers and tricycles are allowed on sidewalks, then transportation accessibility is improved, but pedestrian safety deteriorates due to intimidation and collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic device continuously monitors the sidewalk environment, identifies obstacles including two-wheelers and tricycles, and provides real-time audio warnings to pedestrians. This feedback loop allows pedestrians to adjust their behavior based on detected obstacles, maintaining coexistence between vulnerable pedestrians and motorized two-wheelers on the same sidewalk.
3Measurement precision
If visual obstacle detection methods are used, then obstacle identification accuracy is improved, but usability deteriorates for visually-impaired individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual (optical) detection system with an acoustic output system. While the image capture and processing remain visual, the critical output stage substitutes visual display with audio feedback. This allows the system to maintain high obstacle identification accuracy through image processing while making the information accessible to visually impaired users through sound rather than sight.
Data Source
AI summary
For the benefit of pedestrians, a method for identifying and locating positions of obstacles moving on a pedestrian sidewalk acquires an image of the sidewalk and processes the image to divide it. The divided image comprises classifications of objects in the image on a pixel by pixel basis. The classifying of objects in the divided image comprises the sidewalk classification, and classification of the obstacles appears in the image. Pixels surrounding the obstacles are acquired in terms of number and classifications. Positions of the obstacles are determined based on a preset threshold, the classifications of adjacent pixels of the obstacles, and the pixel number of the adjacent pixel in each object classification. An apparatus and a system applying the method are also disclosed.