Introduction

Currently, 1.3 billion people across the world live with some form of vision impairment. Many of these individuals face numerous challenges in their day-to-day activities, including reading, identifying objects, and navigating unfamiliar environments. However, with advancements in technology, there are now several Augmented Reality (AR) devices that can enhance visual accessibility and improve inclusion for visually impaired individuals.

Types of AR Devices

There are several types of AR devices currently available in the market. Below are a few of the most popular devices and their key features:

Microsoft HoloLens 2

The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a popular AR headset that functions hands-free. This device uses gesture recognition to navigate the virtual environment and incorporates eye-tracking sensors to improve response time. HoloLens 2 has been used to provide remote assistance to the visually impaired and allows them to read text in real-time.

OrCam MyEye 2

The OrCam MyEye 2 is a portable camera that attaches to the user's glasses. It can read text in real-time and provide audio feedback through a small speaker. MyEye 2 also has facial recognition capabilities, which can aid in identifying people on the user's contact list.

Aira

Aira is a subscription-based service that connects the visually impaired with trained agents who can provide remote assistance via an AR headset. These agents offer live guidance and assist with daily tasks such as reading and instruction on navigate environments.

Impact of AR on Accessibility

AR devices have had a significant impact on improving accessibility for the visually impaired community. The use of AR has allowed individuals with visual impairments to perform tasks that were otherwise challenging or impossible to accomplish.

For instance, AR headsets such as the Microsoft HoloLens 2 have been used to aid individuals with visual impairments to read street signs, menus, and other important text. The OrCam MyEye 2 has been used to identify objects, read books, and provide audio feedback to the user.

Moreover, the Aira service has enabled visually impaired individuals to traverse unfamiliar environments with more confidence. The agents provide real-time guidance with location-based context, allowing users to gain a better understanding of their surroundings.

Conclusion

Augmented Reality has been proven to be an effective tool in improving accessibility for visually impaired individuals. AR devices such as the Microsoft HoloLens 2, OrCam MyEye 2, and Aira have transformed the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to perform tasks that were previously impossible.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further improvements in AR systems, making life more convenient and inclusive for those with visual impairments.

References

• "Vision Impairment and Blindness." World Health Organization, April 1, 2021,

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment.

• Forestier, Quentin, and Thomas Pietrzak. "How Augmented Reality is Helping Blind People See." Futurism, July 8, 2019,

https://futurism.com/augmented-reality-helping-blind-people-see.

• "Microsoft's HoloLens 2: A $3,500 Mixed Reality Headset for the Factory." CNET, February 24, 2019,

https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-hololens-2-mixed-reality-headset-for-the-factory/