Project Overview
Project Summary:
Public transportation Hi-Pass enhances convenience for visually impaired individuals by allowing wireless fare payment upon passing through terminals without needing to touch the card. Tactile navigation improves safety by replacing auditory cues with tactile route guidance, reducing the risk of impaired hearing caused by holding a cane and listening to directions simultaneously. Tactile braille guidance for object identification employs AI video analysis technology via a camera on a watch, providing auditory cues about objects being approached, aiding visually impaired individuals in identifying and interacting with them.
Identifying the Challenge
The Social Problem:
One day, while riding a bus, a visually impaired person got on the bus. The visually impaired person searched for the bus terminal for 3 minutes and eventually asked people around him to swipe their card to pay the bus fare. I knew then. The location of the terminal is different for each bus. I came up with this business idea because I thought it would be nice for visually impaired people to be able to freely find their way around on their own.
Innovation and Uniqueness
Why Our Project Stands Out:
As of WHO 2010 data, there are around 314 million visually impaired individuals worldwide. Predictions suggest that the market for assistive devices for the visually impaired will reach approximately $1.7468 trillion by 2024. Navigation is challenging for the visually impaired, relying on auditory cues, which can be obstructed and pose life-threatening risks. Despite technological advancements, accessibility for disabled individuals lags due to a small consumer base perception. The author emphasizes the importance of ensuring that technological progress benefits disabled individuals, advocating for inclusivity in technological advancements for improved quality of life.
Insights and Development
Learning Journey:
Finding actual visually impaired people was difficult. The product was completed, but practical feedback from visually impaired people was needed. Currently, we have received feedback from visually impaired people and focused on three ideas out of many.
Development Process:
The progress in technology advancement includes completing the production of an idea presentation, business plan, product design, manufacturing, software development, and three patent applications by December 2023. Additionally, the production of a product prototype has been finalized, along with modifications based on feedback from visually impaired individuals, ensuring the product's alignment with their needs and preferences.
