Blind and visually impaired people have limited routes that have been studied them by heart. And small deviations from them can bring big problems.
“Open City” – a project of Microsoft and the British Government for this category of people that is able to empower their movement. It helps them to feel more freedom and help to use public transport.
The main element is modified headphones AfterShokz. They attached so that you can hear sounds from both headphones and around. On the back they have printed by 3D method a box. There remain accelerometer, compass, gyro and GPS-chip that records the location.
Radio beacons that are in town, working in conjunction with navigation equipment that helps blind and visually impaired navigate the city. A person can choose their final destination and receive a sound alert along the route, with only a smartphone and headset.
The system can warn of obstacles – trees, cars, and report about stores and attractions.