Grant: Alliance Grants
École de technologie supérieure
$132,666.00
Edge A-Eye: AI-enabled edge computing platform assisting indoor navigation for individuals with visual impairments
FY 2023-24
Summary
In this project, we will build an edge computing platform to assist individuals with Blindness or Visual Impairments (BVI) during indoor navigation. Supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Multi-Cloud and advanced wireless communications technologies, such a platform will facilitate the ability of individuals with BVI to reduce their cognitive load and improve their spatial awareness in complex, dynamic environments. We will design algorithms to dynamically compose microservices running on mobile devices, edge, and cloud environment, and then optimally allocates resources in the platform to create personalized applications for each individual, with focus on privacy and security. Considering individual differences in visual conditions, lived environments, and mobility behavior, our proposal has the potential to provide more advanced and precise assistance for individuals with BVI, improving their navigation efficiency, thus improving accessibility, autonomy & quality of life, and thus social inclusivity. Regarding today's estimation of 1.5 million Canadians having sight loss and 5.59 million more with an eye disease that could cause sight loss, this proposal will contribute significantly to increase inclusivity within our Canadian society, more specifically within healthcare and retail sectors. Leveraging a user-centric design approach, the outcome of this project will be assessed by researchers and collaborators at University of Montreal's School of Optometry, at VMware and Humanitas Labs, and in real-life environments such as the Integrated health care network and retail (operated by Couche-Tard) in the Montreal area
Program
Alliance Grants
Recipient
Location
Quebec, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
588185-2023
Name nom
Nguyen, Kim Khoa KK
Department département
Génie électrique
Organization id
53
Institution établissement
École de technologie supérieure
Province en
Québec
Province fr
Québec
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2023
Competition year année de concours
2023
Award amount
132666
Program id
ALLRP
Program name en
Alliance Grants
Program name fr
Subventions Alliance
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
1100
Area of application group en
Health, education and social services
Area of application group fr
Santé publique, éducation et services sociaux
Area of application en
Health, education and social services
Area of application fr
Santé publique, éducation et services sociaux
Research subject code
9021
Research subject group en
Recherche dans le Domaine de la Santé
Research subject group fr
Medical sciences
Research subject en
Health Research
Research subject fr
Sciences médicales
Application title
Edge A-Eye: AI-enabled edge computing platform assisting indoor navigation for individuals with visual impairments
Keyword
artificial intelligence; edge computing; inclusivity; indoor navigation; Internet of Things; microservices; network optimization; software development; vision disability; visual impairment
Application summary
In this project, we will build an edge computing platform to assist individuals with Blindness or Visual Impairments (BVI) during indoor navigation. Supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Multi-Cloud and advanced wireless communications technologies, such a platform will facilitate the ability of individuals with BVI to reduce their cognitive load and improve their spatial awareness in complex, dynamic environments. We will design algorithms to dynamically compose microservices running on mobile devices, edge, and cloud environment, and then optimally allocates resources in the platform to create personalized applications for each individual, with focus on privacy and security. Considering individual differences in visual conditions, lived environments, and mobility behavior, our proposal has the potential to provide more advanced and precise assistance for individuals with BVI, improving their navigation efficiency, thus improving accessibility, autonomy & quality of life, and thus social inclusivity. Regarding today's estimation of 1.5 million Canadians having sight loss and 5.59 million more with an eye disease that could cause sight loss, this proposal will contribute significantly to increase inclusivity within our Canadian society, more specifically within healthcare and retail sectors. Leveraging a user-centric design approach, the outcome of this project will be assessed by researchers and collaborators at University of Montreal's School of Optometry, at VMware and Humanitas Labs, and in real-life environments such as the Integrated health care network and retail (operated by Couche-Tard) in the Montreal area
