A Wearable System for Walking Cognitive Assistance Using People Flow Estimation and Vibrotactile Feedback in Crowded Sidewalks

In this paper, we develop a walking cognitive assistance system that enables visually impaired people to walk independently. Focusing on estimating the direction of people flow, we developed a wearable system by achieving wireless and minimalized vibrotactile presentation devices using two Spresense units and independence of image processing units using the Jetson Orin Nano. Additionally, by employing YOLOv8 for people detection, we have realized improved processing speed and expanded the range of people detection. In the accuracy evaluation experiments, the accuracy of estimating the direction of approaching people’s flow improved, making safer walking possible.