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Description
The SoundVision project, developed in collaboration with partners in Bulgaria and Norway, has created an innovative device to empower people with visual impairments. Recognized with the prestigious Stevie® Award for best new healthcare technology solution in 2022, SoundVision aims to provide affordable assistive technology to enhance the independence and economic well-being of visually impaired individuals. This project exemplifies successful cooperation between countries and offers a transformative ecosystem for innovation, enabling developers worldwide to create applications that benefit the visually impaired.
The main aims of the SoundVision project are to empower visually impaired individuals with innovative assistive technology, enhance their independence, and contribute to social innovation. Further the project predicts an increase in competitiveness, turnover and the creation of 2 new jobs.
The project also contains a strong bilateral component. In fact, two Norwegian partners (The Norwegian Computing Center & Adaptor), were crucial to the implementation, and the success of this project. In addition to exchanging expertise, and aiding in research & development activities, the partners have set an excellent example of bilateral cooperation between Norwegian and Bulgarian companies. A project like this can be a lighthouse for others to follow, as well as open up many new market opportunities on both sides.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges faced by visually impaired and blind individuals, particularly in Bulgaria, while also providing benefits to developers and businesses. Below is a description of the key issues the project sought to resolve:
1. Daily Life Challenges for the Visually Impaired and Blind people
Light and Darkness Perception: Visually impaired individuals struggled to distinguish between day and night when outdoors and could not detect whether indoor lighting was on or off. This lack of sensory feedback made navigation and everyday activities challenging in both environments.
Indoor and Outdoor Navigation: Navigating confined spaces, such as rooms, halls, and corridors, was difficult as visually impaired individuals could not perceive the distance to objects like walls, furniture, or doors. Outdoors, they faced serious risks from elevated road hazards, such as billboards and other obstacles.
Spatial Orientation: Identifying and navigating large spaces, such as halls or finding specific locations like doors or seating areas, presented challenges due to limited spatial awareness, hindering their ability to orient themselves effectively in various environments.
Recognition of Objects, Colors, and Text: Differentiating colors, recognizing people, and reading texts were significant barriers to independence. Tasks like choosing appropriate clothing, identifying individuals, and reading written materials or signs became daily struggles for visually impaired individuals.
2. Technology Fragmentation
Many existing assistive solutions were designed for specific functions, which required users to purchase multiple devices for distinct needs. This fragmentation led to both financial and practical burdens, making it difficult for visually impaired individuals to access all the support they required in a single, efficient manner.
3. Challenges for Developers
Developers faced difficulties in creating applications for the visually impaired due to the absence of a unified platform tailored to their needs. The lack of an open and flexible platform hindered the development of innovative and multifunctional solutions that could serve a wide range of purposes for visually impaired users.
4. Broader Economic and Business Challenges
Independence and Accessibility for Users:
A comprehensive technological solution was needed to enable visually impaired individuals to achieve greater independence. Such a solution would empower them to participate more fully in social and economic activities, reducing their dependency on others.Revenue Diversification for ScaleFocus:
By addressing these challenges, the project provided ScaleFocus with an opportunity to diversify its revenue streams through the development of innovative hardware and software for an underserved market of visually impaired and blind users.Job Creation and Innovation:
The project had the potential to create new job opportunities for developers, particularly those interested in tackling complex tasks and engaging in cutting-edge research in the field of assistive technologies.Economic Competitiveness:
By meeting the demand for inclusive technologies, the project aimed to enhance ScaleFocus''s competitiveness in the global market, positioning the company as a leader in innovative assistive solutions for visually impaired individuals.
In summary, the project aimed to address the practical and technological barriers faced by visually impaired and blind individuals. By developing a unified, multifunctional solution, it sought to enhance the independence of users, provide a versatile platform for developers, and drive business innovation for ScaleFocus, ultimately improving the quality of life for visually impaired individuals and boosting the company''s position in the market.
The SoundVision project aimed to improve the mobility and lifestyle of visually impaired individuals by creating an affordable, user-friendly device that enhances their awareness of the surrounding environment. The device works in tandem with a mobile app to supplement the traditional white cane, empowering users to be more active and independent.
Key Activities and Outputs:
Device Development: The project produced a palm-sized, lightweight device designed with ergonomics in mind to ensure comfort and ease of use. The device integrates multiple sensors and advanced technology for real-time situational awareness.
Functionality and Modes: SoundVision features five key modes—Distance, Color, Light, Compass, and Stand By—that can be switched easily with a single button. These modes provide different types of feedback for users depending on their needs.
Ultrasonic Distance Sensor: The device includes a range finder that uses an ultrasonic distance sensor to measure distances to objects up to 3 meters away. This feature enhances the user’s ability to detect obstacles in their path.
Bluetooth Navigation: The location finder provides navigation assistance by using Bluetooth beacons, enabling users to find their way around buildings, rooms, suites, and points of interest.
Voice Feedback: SoundVision is equipped with voice-powered functionality, offering real-time warnings and information via a built-in speaker or headphones, ensuring that users receive auditory guidance on their surroundings.
Advanced Technological Integration: The device incorporates several advanced technologies, including a ToF Laser Distance module, camera module, light-to-digital sensor, and embedded memory. It also supports object detection, image classification, optical character recognition (OCR), and text-to-speech capabilities to further assist users in navigating their environment.
Complement to the White Cane: As a supplementary tool, SoundVision works alongside the traditional white cane, providing users with an added layer of situational awareness that improves their mobility and ability to interact with the world around them.
Ergonomic Design: SoundVision''s lightweight and ergonomic design ensures that the device is easy to handle, making it suitable for daily routines and travel.
The project produced a comprehensive, affordable mobility aid that integrates several advanced features, including distance measurement, environmental awareness, navigation assistance, and voice feedback, aimed at significantly improving the independence and quality of life for visually impaired individuals.
The SoundVision project successfully delivered a transformative assistive device that significantly improved the lives of visually impaired individuals. By integrating advanced technologies with user-centric design, the project achieved impactful results for its beneficiaries, while also gaining recognition as a groundbreaking innovation in healthcare technology.
Outcomes and Impacts
Empowered Visually Impaired Individuals
- The device enhanced users'' ability to navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence, addressing critical challenges such as obstacle detection, spatial awareness, and navigation.
- Features like the ultrasonic distance sensor, Bluetooth beacon navigation, and text-to-speech reader equipped users with tools to handle daily activities effectively.
Improved Quality of Life
- SoundVision users benefited from improved mobility, thanks to features such as obstacle warnings and directional navigation powered by the built-in 9-axis sensor.
- Recognition of colors, lighting conditions, objects, and text (including banknotes) enabled users to perform tasks that are essential for maintaining an active and self-reliant lifestyle.
Accessible and Intuitive Design
- The ergonomic and lightweight design, coupled with a simple interface for switching between five operational modes, ensured the device was easy to use for people of all ages and abilities.
- The integration of auditory and tactile feedback made the device accessible to users with varying degrees of visual impairment.
Broader Accessibility via App Integration
- Pairing with smartphones through Bluetooth 5.0 and compatibility with Android and iOS SDKs expanded the functionality of SoundVision, allowing third-party app integration to customize and enhance user experience.
Global Recognition and Industry Leadership
- SoundVision earned the Grand Stevie® and Gold Stevie® Awards for Best Healthcare Technology Solution in 2022, affirming its status as an innovative solution in the global assistive technology market.
- In 2023, the project was awarded Project of the Year by PMI Chapter Bulgaria, further highlighting its impact and effectiveness.
Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries of the SoundVision project are visually impaired individuals, including those with partial or total vision loss. These individuals, spanning diverse age groups and geographies, gained access to a tool that fosters independence, mobility, and participation in everyday life.
Impacts on the Healthcare Industry
- Innovation in Assistive Technology: SoundVision set a new standard for affordable, feature-rich devices aimed at addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
- Expanded Accessibility Solutions: Its success paves the way for similar innovations that integrate advanced technologies to solve real-world challenges for individuals with disabilities.
The SoundVision project achieved its mission to empower visually impaired individuals by providing an intuitive, effective, and affordable mobility aid. The project’s widespread impact and global recognition underscore its success in transforming lives and advancing healthcare technology.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral collaboration between project partners—NRS, Scalefocus, Adaptor, and Synergia—was highly effective, ensuring the project’s success through smooth communication, adaptability, and shared responsibility. Clear roles and responsibilities facilitated efficient progress, with NRS and Scalefocus closely collaborating on research and development, particularly in recognition models and indoor navigation. After the commercialization phase was cancelled, Adaptor supported the project by organizing user testing and helping with internationalization. Effective communication tools like MS Teams and Jira, along with a smooth project management transition, kept the team aligned. Increased meeting frequency ensured timely feedback and adjustments, driving the successful execution of the project.