Zoom Brown Bag: Localization for Indoor Navigation using Computer Vision

Abstract:For blind and low-vision individuals, traveling independently can be a challenging endeavor.  Current technology and infrastructure makes this task far more feasible than ever before, especially with tools such as voice-guided GPS-based wayfinding apps on a person's own smartphone. Still, there are gaps in GPS-deprived environments such as indoor locations.  We propose a light-weight computer vision and inertial sensor-based wayfinding system, which requires only a 2D floor plan and a few snapshots of signs or other visual landmarks around the area.  I will present a method of indoor localization to determine a person's location in the environment, to be used as part of a smartphone navigation app that can provide turn-by-turn directions. https://www.ski.org/users/ryan-crabb Improving Zoom accessibility for people with hearing impairments People with hearing impairments often use lipreading and speechreading to improve speech comprehension. This approach is helpful but only works if the speaker’s face and mouth are clearly visible. For the benefit of people with hearing impairments on Zoom calls, please enable your device’s camera whenever you are speaking on Zoom, and face the camera while you speak. (Feel free to disable your camera when you aren’t speaking.)