Object Recognition to Support Indoor Navigation for Travelers with Visual Impairments

Independent wayfinding is a major challenge for blind and visually impaired (BVI) travelers. I describe recent work on improvements to real-time object recognition algorithms that will be used to support an accessible navigation app for BVI travelers in indoor environments. Recognition of key visual landmarks (such as Exit signs and artwork) in an environment provides information about the user’s current location, and improvements to the recognition algorithms will enhance the localization process used in the navigation app.