At the Centre for Research and Advanced Studies in Guadalajara, Mexico,

researchers have developed special lenses for the blind.

The idea is to turn traditional glasses into a navigation device to allow

users to freely move from a specific point while avoiding both static and
moving obstacles. It uses ultrasound technology, sound sensors, GPS and
an artificial voice to guide the user.

Similar “smart” glasses have already been developed, but what sets this
Mexican-made device apart is their use of ultrasound technology to detect
translucent objects

Researcher Alfonso Rojas Dominguez explained:“The “Smart Guide”

project is trying to develop intelligent glasses to help visually-impaired
people in their everyday lives; recognising documents, recognising tickets,
colours, and also to help them with their mobility, recognising obstacles,
directions to get to their destination via GPS, ultrasonic sensors and via a
pair of cameras that process images through the lenses.”

Bouncing ultrasonic waves off surrounding objects, the technology can

also read different colours and writing on objects and surfaces.

Building on previous work in stereoscopic vision algorithms for robots, a

research group headed by Prof. Bayro Corrochano has built what is
perhaps the most advanced system of its kind to date. The device consists
of a pair of glasses with two cameras mounted on the frame, for effective
stereoscopic vision. The glasses work in tandem with a tablet device that
processes the data and then provides audible directions to the user.

The ultrasound technology embedded in the glasses can detect nearby

static and moving objects, including translucent objects like glass. The
device can also use AI to recognize locations, read signs, and identify
objects such as various banknote denominations and colour of clothing.
Finally, included GPS can provide audible directions. The battery lasts for
approximately four hours of continuous use.

Over the past few years we’ve covered several devices for the blind and
visually impaired, ranging from wrist-mounted sensors to guide vests with
helmet-mounted cameras. As electronics keep getting much smaller, faster
and less power-hungry, these devices can now start providing better
guidance to their users, while becoming less intrusive and more affordable.