A Mobile Cyber-Physical System Framework for Aiding People with Visual Impairment

It is a challenging problem for researchers and engineers in the assistive technology (AT) community to provide suitable solutions for visually impaired people (VIPs) through AT to meet orientation, navigation and mobility (ONM) needs. Given the spectrum of assistive technologies currently available for the purposes of aiding VIPs with ONM, our literature review and survey have shown that there is a reluctance to adopt these technological solutions in the VIP community. Motivated by these findings, we think it critical to re-examine and rethink the approaches that have been taken. It is our belief that we need to take a different and innovative approach to solving this problem. We propose an integrated mobile cyber-physical system framework (MCPSF) with an \u27agent\u27 and a \u27smart environment\u27 to address VIP\u27s ONM needs in urban settings. For example, one of the essential needs for VIPs is to make street navigation easier and safer for them as pedestrians. In a busy city neighborhood, crossing a street is problematic for VIPs: knowing if it is safe; knowing when to cross; and being sure to remain on path and not collide or interfere with objects and people. These remain issues keeping VIPs from a truly independent lifestyle. In this dissertation, we propose a framework based on mobile cyber-physical systems (MCPS) to address VIP\u27s ONM needs. The concept of mobile cyber-physical systems is intended to bridge the physical space we live in with a cyberspace filled with unique information coming from IoT devices (Internet of Things) which are part of Smart City infrastructure. The devices in the IoT may be embedded in different kinds of physical structures. People with vision loss or other special needs may have difficulties in comprehending or perceiving signals directly in the physical space, but they can make such connections in cyberspace. These cyber connections and real-time information exchanges will enable and enhance their interactions in the physical space and help them better navigate through city streets and street crossings. As part of the dissertation work, we designed and implemented a proof of concept prototype with essential functions to aid VIP’s for their ONM needs. We believe our research and prototype experience opened a new approach to further research areas that might enhance ONM functions beyond our prototype with potential commercial product development

Bit Bang 8: Digitalization

This book is the 8th in the Bit Bang series of books produced as multidisciplinary teamwork exercises by doctoral students participating in the course Bit Bang 8: Digitalization at Aalto University during the academic year 2015–2016. Digitalization has brought great opportunities for economic growth, productivity gain and job creation in our societies, and will change the way industry will operate. Bit Bang 8 addressed the topic of digitalization from the perspective of its economic, environmental and social sustainability. The course elaborated on the interconnectedness of these phenomena, and linked them to possible future scenarios, global megatrends and ethical considerations. How will digitalization shape our future? How can we prepare can prepare our societies to respond to these changes? Working in teams, the students set out to answer questions related to the digitalization and to brainstorm radical scenarios of what the future could hold. This joint publication contains articles produced as teamwork assignments for the course, in which the students were encouraged to take novel and radical views on digitalization. The Bit Bang series of courses is supported by the Multidisciplinary Institute of Digitalisation and Energy (MIDE). Previous Bit Bang publications are available from http:/mide.aalto.fi