Upcoming Workshop Session:

Computer Vision Applications for the Blind and Visually Impaired



Session in the OSA (Optical Society of America) Fall Vision Meeting
Sept. 18, 2007
1-3pm
Doubletree Marina
200 Marina Boulevard
Berkeley, CA

A growing number of researchers are becoming interested in applying computer vision and image processing techniques to the development of assistive technology for persons with visual impairments (VI), including low vision and blindness. Recent advances in algorithms, sensors and embedded computing make it increasingly likely that such technology will enable a variety of new and powerful assistive tools for this disadvantaged population.

This workshop aims to facilitate an exchange of ideas between computer vision researchers and rehabilitation experts. In particular, the workshop seeks to help researchers identify fruitful areas of overlap between the most pressing needs of the VI population and the capabilities of computer vision technology.


Schedule:

1-1:15pm Introductory remarks

1:15-1:35pm Prof. Eli Peli, Harvard Medical School, "Electro-Optical Vision Multiplexing Devices for Vision Impairments"

1:35-1:55pm Prof. Roberto Manduchi, UCSC, "Sensors and Sensibility: Is Computer Vision Appropriate for Assistive Technology?"

1:55-2:15pm Dr. Paul J. Beckmann, Research Associate, Minnesota Laboratory for Low Vision Research, Univ. Minn., "Behavioral Evaluation of the Digital Sign System (DSS)" 

2:15-2:35pm Charles LaPierre, CTO, Sendero Group, "Current and future accessible wayfinding for the blind: From GPS systems to indoor navigation"

2:35-2:55pm Prof. Serge Belongie, UCSD, "Project GroZi: Assistive Navigational Technology for the Visually Impaired"

2:55-3pm Summary remarks


Abstracts of talks available here.


Funding acknowledgments: NSF grant no. IIS0415310, NIH grant numbers 1R01EY018345-01, R21 EY017003-01A1, R21 EY015187-01A2, and NIDRR RERC and H133G030080.


See also a related one-day workshop: Computer Vision Applications for the Visually Impaired

This was a one-day workshop that brought together computer vision researchers and experts in rehabilitation and assistive technology for the visually impaired. I co-chaired the workshop with Roberto Manduchi (UC Santa Cruz), held in San Diego on June 20, 2005 as part of CVPR 05 (Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition).



Last updated Sept. 2007.