DocumentCode :
3350097
Title :
An algorithm enabling blind users to find and read barcodes
Author :
Tekin, Ender ; Coughlan, James M.
fYear :
2009
fDate :
7-8 Dec. 2009
Firstpage :
1
Lastpage :
8
Abstract :
Most camera-based systems for finding and reading barcodes are designed to be used by sighted users (e.g. the Red Laser iPhone app), and assume the user carefully centers the barcode in the image before the barcode is read. Blind individuals could benefit greatly from such systems to identify packaged goods (such as canned goods in a supermarket), but unfortunately in their current form these systems are completely inaccessible because of their reliance on visual feedback from the user. To remedy this problem, we propose a computer vision algorithm that processes several frames of video per second to detect barcodes from a distance of several inches; the algorithm issues directional information with audio feedback (e.g. ¿left,¿ ¿right¿) and thereby guides a blind user holding a webcam or other portable camera to locate and home in on a barcode. Once the barcode is detected at sufficiently close range, a barcode reading algorithm previously developed by the authors scans and reads aloud the barcode and the corresponding product information. We demonstrate encouraging experimental results of our proposed system implemented on a desktop computer with a webcam held by a blindfolded user; ultimately the system will be ported to a camera phone for use by visually impaired users.
Keywords :
bar codes; mark scanning equipment; audio feedback; barcode detection; barcode reading algorithm; barcodes; blind users; camera-based system; computer vision algorithm; desktop computer; portable camera; product information; visual feedback; visually impaired users; webcam; Algorithm design and analysis; Cameras; Computer vision; Force feedback; Image resolution; Labeling; Laser feedback; Optical design; Packaging; Pervasive computing;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Applications of Computer Vision (WACV), 2009 Workshop on
Conference_Location :
Snowbird, UT
ISSN :
1550-5790
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-5497-6
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/WACV.2009.5403098
Filename :
5403098
Link To Document :
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