I-SEE
I-SEE,a smart glass designed to facilitate the blind’s lives by relying on their hearing strong sense to inform them of their surroundings via conversion of audio data output by speakers.
Blindness is a significant problem that affects millions of people around the world, and it can have a significant impact on their daily lives. People who are blind or have low vision face numerous challenges in communicating with others, identifying objects, and performing even the most basic daily tasks. This can lead to difficulties in working, studying, and even in performing routine activities such as shopping or walking.
In the community, this problem is particularly significant as the number of people affected by blindness continues to grow. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 88 million people worldwide are affected by blindness. This number is expected to increase in the coming years as the global population continues to age. Factors that contribute to blindness include genetic conditions, accidents, and age-related degeneration.
In addition to the personal difficulties faced by individuals who are blind, this problem also has significant social consequences. People who are blind or have low vision are at a greater risk of isolation and discrimination. They may have difficulty finding work, and they may struggle to access education and other services. This can lead to a reduced quality of life and increased dependence on others.
To address this problem, our team has developed the I-SEE device, a smart glass that is specifically designed to assist visually impaired individuals in their daily lives. The device uses a combination of computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing to provide a wide range of functionality. It can recognize and identify objects, faces, colors, bills, and currency, and it can convert visual information into audio output that is easy for the user to understand.
The I-SEE device is designed to improve the lives of visually impaired individuals in a number of ways. It allows them to perform daily tasks such as walking, reading, shopping, and going to work without assistance. It also allows them to identify people, objects, colors, bills and currency, which can make it easier for them to communicate with others. This can increase their confidence and self-esteem, and it can also help them to navigate the world more easily and safely. The device can also notify their families of their locations in dangerous situations and can detect mask and social distancing as well.
In conclusion, the I-SEE device is a smart glass that is designed to assist visually impaired individuals in their daily lives by providing them with a wide range of functionality, including object and face recognition, color detection, bill and currency detection, and more. By making daily tasks more manageable and providing greater independence, the device can help to improve the quality of life for visually impaired individuals and promote greater social inclusion. With the goal of reaching as many visually impaired individuals as possible, the team is committed to making a difference in the lives of those who are affected by blindness.
First, I conducted extensive research on the blind's famous daily problems.
Furthermore, I discussed these with my friend. Second, I researched prior solutions deeply, and I found that they were expensive as they were made for wealthy people; thus, they were unsuitable for everyone, especially in Africa. Then, I determined the glasses' primary goals. After that, I identified the needed skills, which included software development, design, and hard technician. I could do hardware and design work but not software, so I chose one of my friends to be a part of my team as a software developer, and we started immediately. We contacted professors at Mansoura University to guide us. I shouldered designing work, determining the required material, and discovering the best stores to purchase it at an affordable price. He employed his programming language skills in writing the code. Finally, we could create glasses with various features to assist blind people in their lives, such as image detection, date and time telling, colour detection, bill and currency detection, face recognition, mask detection and optical character recognition. Moreover, for safety, we added a tracking function to our mobile app, allowing family members to locate the glasses in an emergency.
Moreover, dealing with blind people while working on I-See gave me a deep understanding of disabled people's suffering. My desire to help them motivated me to start my business career in this field by establishing a company that manufactures prosthetic devices for the disabled. I intend to launch I-See Start-Up. To that end, I took many steps, like, first, marketing our product by competing in various competitions, including ISEF, ISEIC, and the Arab IoT and AI Challenge. Second, contacted professors at Mansoura University's faculties of biomedical engineering and computers and information about working with us.
Our solution, the I-SEE device, serves visually impaired individuals, including those who are blind or have low vision. The device is designed to make their daily lives more manageable and provide them with greater independence. It allows them to perform daily tasks such as walking, reading, shopping, and going to work without assistance. It also allows them to identify people, objects, colors, bills and currency, which can make it easier for them to communicate with others. This can increase their confidence and self-esteem, and it can also help them to navigate the world more easily and safely. The device can also notify their families of their locations in dangerous situations and can detect mask and social distancing as well. Additionally, by providing greater access to education and employment opportunities, the solution can help to promote greater social inclusion for visually impaired individuals. In summary, it will aid the blind's in their daily life and help them to be more independent and improve their quality of life.
Our team is composed of students who have different backgrounds and skills. We have a diverse multifunctional members, including computer science and engineering students, who have experience in programming languages such as Python, and have knowledge in computer vision and machine learning. Additionally, we have team member who have experience in product design, which is essential in creating a user-friendly interface for the device. Our team members have also volunteered in various organizations that work with visually impaired individuals, which has given us a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges. This has also helped us to appreciate the importance of creating a solution that is easy to use, affordable and will have a positive impact on their lives. Furthermore, one of our team members is a blind person and this gave us a more realistic and personal perspective of the problem and the potential impact of our solution on their lives. All of these skills and experiences have helped us to be well-positioned to deliver the I-SEE device and solve the problem of lack of independence and social inclusion for visually impaired individuals.
To understand the needs of the visually impaired population we want to serve, we have taken several steps, including:
Research: We conducted extensive research on the topic of visual impairment and the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in their daily lives. We also researched existing solutions and their limitations to understand the gaps in the market that our solution could fill.
Interviews: We conducted interviews with visually impaired individuals, as well as organizations that work with visually impaired individuals, to gather first-hand information about their needs and challenges.
Surveys: We conducted surveys to gather feedback and input from a larger sample of visually impaired individuals about their specific needs and preferences.
Prototype testing: We tested our prototype with a small group of visually impaired individuals to gather feedback on its usability and effectiveness.
Continual improvement: We continue to engage with our target population by gathering feedback on our solution and making adjustments to improve it and make it more helpful for their needs.
All of these steps have helped us to gain a deep understanding of the needs of visually impaired individuals and the challenges they face in their daily lives. This knowledge has been instrumental in the design of our solution and its development to be more specific and helpful for them.
- Improving healthcare access and health outcomes; and reducing and ultimately eliminating health disparities (Health)
- Pilot: An organization deploying a tested product, service, or business model in at least one community
The I-SEE device is innovative in several ways:
Combining multiple features into one device: The I-SEE device includes a range of features such as face recognition, object recognition, color detection, bill and currency detection, optical character recognition, mask detection, date and time telling, and location function, which are not typically found in a single device.
Utilizing audio output: The device relies on the sense of hearing to inform the user of their surroundings, rather than relying solely on visual input, making it accessible to visually impaired individuals.
Cost-effective: The device is expected to be priced at less than $80, making it an affordable option for visually impaired individuals who may not have access to expensive assistive technology.
User-friendly: The device is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a user interface that is suitable for everyone.
Supporting the SDGs: The device supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) third goal, "good health and well-being", and helping visually impaired individuals to live a better life.
Targeting the underprivileged: The device is designed to meet the needs of visually impaired individuals, particularly those who may not have access to expensive assistive technology.
In summary, the I-SEE device is an innovative solution that addresses the specific needs of visually impaired individuals by combining multiple features into one device, utilizing audio output, being cost-effective, user-friendly, supporting the SDGs, and targeting the underprivileged population. This device can have a significant positive impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals and help them to live a better life.
The impact goals for the next year for the I-SEE device would likely include:
Reaching a larger number of visually impaired individuals: The goal is to increase the distribution and availability of the I-SEE device to more visually impaired individuals in the targeted area. This can be achieved through partnerships with organizations that work with visually impaired individuals, as well as through marketing and awareness campaigns.
Improving the functionality and usability of the device: The goal is to continue to improve the features and capabilities of the I-SEE device based on feedback from users. This can be achieved through ongoing research and development, as well as through user testing and feedback.
Increasing the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to work and study independently: The goal is to increase the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to work and study independently using the I-SEE device. This can be achieved through education and training programs that are developed in collaboration with organizations that work with visually impaired individuals.
Increasing the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to communicate and interact with others: The goal is to increase the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to communicate and interact with others by using the I-SEE device. This can be achieved through social support and awareness campaigns that are developed in collaboration with organizations that work with visually impaired individuals.
Increasing the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to walk and move around safely: The goal is to increase the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to walk and move around safely by using the I-SEE device. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns and training programs that are developed in collaboration with organizations that work with visually impaired individuals.
The achievement of these goals will require a combination of efforts such as research and development, partnerships, marketing and awareness campaigns, education and training programs, and ongoing feedback and user testing. Additionally, it's important to have a clear and measurable plan in place to track progress and measure success. This can include setting specific, measurable targets for each goal, and regularly reviewing data and feedback to assess how well the device is meeting those targets.
It's also important to have a dedicated team in place to manage and implement the plan, and to have a clear allocation of resources such as funding, personnel, and equipment. This will ensure that the necessary steps are taken to achieve the goals and that the impact of the I-SEE device is maximized.
In conclusion, the impact goals for the next year for the I-SEE device include reaching a larger number of visually impaired individuals, improving the functionality and usability of the device, increasing the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to work and study independently, increasing the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to communicate and interact with others and increasing the number of visually impaired individuals who are able to walk and move around safely. Achieving these goals will require a combination of efforts, including research and development, partnerships, marketing and awareness campaigns, education and training programs, and ongoing feedback and user testing. A clear and measurable plan will be necessary to track progress and measure success.
The core technology that powers the I-SEE device is a combination of computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing.
Computer vision is used to process the visual input captured by the device's camera, allowing it to recognize and identify objects, faces, colors, bills, and currency. This technology uses algorithms to analyze and interpret the visual information, and to make decisions about what actions the device should take.
Machine learning is used to train the device to recognize different objects, faces, colors, bills and currency. This technology uses algorithms to analyze and learn from large sets of data, allowing the device to become more accurate and efficient over time.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is used to convert the visual information captured by the device into audio output. This technology uses algorithms to analyze and interpret the visual information and generate speech in a way that is easy for the user to understand.
The device is also built using the Raspberry Pi, a small and affordable computer, along with a Raspberry Pi camera, a buds speaker, an outer frame, and buttons to control the device’s functions. Additionally, the I-SEE software is developed with the Python programming language and multiple libraries to ensure that the interface is simple and suitable for everyone.
In summary, the core technology that powers the I-SEE device is a combination of computer vision, machine learning and natural language processing, which allows the device to recognize and identify objects, faces, colors, bills and currency and convert the visual information into audio output. The device also uses the Raspberry Pi and Python programming language to ensure that the interface is simple and suitable for everyone.
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Imaging and Sensor Technology
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Egypt, Arab Rep.
- United Arab Emirates
As the I-SEE device has already been tried on a small scale with 10 blind individuals, it has been proven to be effective in helping them see effortlessly. The device has been able to assist them with daily tasks such as walking, reading, shopping, and going to work without assistance. The results have been promising and it has shown to be a valuable tool for improving the lives of visually impaired individuals. In the next year, the team plans to expand the reach of the device by distributing it to a larger population of visually impaired individuals and continue to improve its functionality and usability. The goal is to serve as many visually impaired individuals as possible, and to improve their lives as much as they can.
There are several barriers that currently exist for the I-SEE device to accomplish its goals in the next year. Some of these include:
Senior Year: As the project is developed by students in their senior year, they might not have enough time to complete all the required tasks before graduation. This might affect the progress and completion of the project.
Financial situation in Egypt: Egypt has a challenging economic situation, which might make it difficult for the project to secure the funding and resources needed to complete the project, and also to distribute the device to the targeted population.
Technical Skills: The I-SEE device requires a high level of technical skills to develop, test and maintain. The project team may not have the necessary technical skills to complete the project successfully, and thus, they may need to hire additional experts or acquire the necessary skills through training.
Lack of Awareness: Blind population may not aware of the existence of such device and its benefits and thus the device may not reach its targeted population.
Competition: There may be other similar solutions in the market that may provide the same or similar services, and the I-SEE device may face competition.
To overcome these barriers, the project team will need to develop a clear and comprehensive plan that addresses these challenges, such as seeking funding from different sources, seeking the support of organizations that work with the visually impaired, and collaborating with experts in the field. Additionally, they need to ensure that they have the necessary technical skills to complete the project and they may need to hire additional experts or acquire the necessary skills through training. Also, they should be aware of the competition, and develop a plan to differentiate their device from others. They should also focus on creating awareness and promoting the device to the targeted population.
One example of a potential partnership for the I-SEE device is with the organization "Abjadiyah" which is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of visually impaired individuals in the Middle East. The organization provides a range of services, including rehabilitation, education, and social support, as well as assistive technology solutions.
Working with Abjadiyah would provide several benefits for the I-SEE device. Firstly, the organization has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, which would be valuable in the development and improvement of the I-SEE device. Secondly, Abjadiyah has a wide reach and established relationships in the Middle East, which would be beneficial for distribution and marketing of the I-SEE device.
The partnership between the I-SEE device and Abjadiyah would involve several key components. Firstly, the I-SEE device team would work closely with Abjadiyah to ensure that the device meets the specific needs of visually impaired individuals in the Middle East. This would involve incorporating feedback and input from Abjadiyah's clients and staff, as well as testing the device with visually impaired individuals.
Additionally, Abjadiyah would play a key role in the distribution and marketing of the I-SEE device. The organization would work with the I-SEE device team to develop a distribution and marketing plan that targets visually impaired individuals in the Middle East. Abjadiyah would also provide training and support for visually impaired individuals who purchase the I-SEE device, helping them to fully utilize the device's features and capabilities.
The I-SEE device and Abjadiyah would also collaborate to develop and implement programs that support the education and employment of visually impaired individuals. The I-SEE device would provide the necessary tools and support for visually impaired individuals to work and study independently.
In conclusion, a partnership with Abjadiyah would be a valuable asset for the I-SEE device in the Middle East. The organization's deep understanding of the needs of visually impaired individuals and its wide reach and established relationships in the region would be beneficial for the development, distribution, and marketing of the device. By working together, the I-SEE device and Abjadiyah can improve the lives of visually impaired individuals in the Middle East and support their education and employment opportunities. The partnership would involve close collaboration between the two organizations to ensure the I-SEE device meets the specific needs of visually impaired individuals and Abjadiyah would provide training and support for the users. This partnership would help the I-SEE device to reach its targeted population and achieve its goal of improving the lives of visually impaired individuals.
The I-SEE device is a smart glass technology designed to assist individuals who are blind with daily tasks by providing them with audio data output by the speakers based on their surroundings. The device uses a combination of hardware and software to provide features such as face recognition, object recognition, and location tracking. The goal of the project is to improve the lives of blind people by providing them with access to information and assistance with daily tasks.
The market analysis for the I-SEE device shows that there is a significant demand for assistive technology for people with disabilities, and the I-SEE device is well-positioned to meet that demand. The assistive technology market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a market size of $33.6 billion. The smart glasses market specifically is also growing, with a projected CAGR of 46.3% from 2020 to 2025. The I-SEE device is expected to be priced at less than $80, which is a competitive price point compared to other similar products on the market.
The I-SEE device’s business model is based on providing value to individuals who are visually impaired, specifically blind, by providing them with the ability to better navigate their surroundings and complete daily tasks. The primary product offered is the I-SEE device itself, and the company may also offer additional services such as installation, training, and technical support. The I-SEE device will be sold through a variety of channels, including online sales, retail stores, and through partnerships with assistive technology companies. The primary revenue stream for the I-SEE device is the sale of the device itself, and the company may also generate revenue through additional services such as installation, training, and technical support. Partnerships with other companies and organizations that provide financing options or payment plans can also be a source of revenue, making the device more accessible to customers who may not be able to afford the full price upfront.
The cost structure for the I-SEE device includes the cost of materials, labor, manufacturing, research and development, packaging and shipping, marketing and advertising, partnerships and additional services, and distribution cost. It is important to conduct a detailed cost analysis to identify all of the costs associated with the project. Additionally, it's important to consult with subject-matter experts or professionals such as financial or marketing consultants to help you to make a detailed cost analysis.
In order to improve the I-SEE device and bring it to market, the company may consider partnerships with different companies and organizations in the Middle East such as hardware manufacturers, assistive technology companies, research institutions, non-profit organizations, software developers and telecommunication companies. Examples of potential partners include Abjadiyah, Aqaba Tech, Able2, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, N-Sided, and Etisalat. These partnerships can provide access to additional resources, expertise, and distribution channels, as well as help to validate the product and increase its credibility in the market.
In summary, the I-SEE device is a smart glass technology designed to assist individuals who are blind with daily tasks by providing them with audio data output by the speakers based on their surroundings. The device uses a combination of hardware and software to provide features such as face recognition, object recognition, and location tracking. The business model of the project is based on providing value to individuals who are visually impaired, specifically blind, by providing them with the ability to better navigate their surroundings and complete daily tasks. The primary revenue stream is the sale of the device, but the company may also generate revenue through additional services and partnerships. The cost structure includes expenses related to materials, labor, manufacturing, research and development, marketing and advertising, packaging and shipping, partnerships, and distribution. In order to improve the device and bring it to market, the company may consider partnerships with other companies and organizations in the Middle East. These partnerships can provide access to additional resources, expertise, and distribution channels, as well as help to validate the product and increase its credibility in the market. Overall, the I-SEE device has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals, and the business model is designed to be financially viable and sustainable.
The path to financial sustainability for the I-SEE device would likely involve a combination of revenue streams. The primary revenue stream would be the sale of the I-SEE device itself, which is expected to be priced at less than $80. Additional revenue could also be generated through additional services such as installation, training, and technical support. Partnerships with other companies and organizations that provide financing options or payment plans can also be a source of revenue, making the device more accessible to customers who may not be able to afford the full price upfront. Additionally, research and development funding from government organizations and grants can be a source of revenue. It's important to conduct a detailed cost analysis to identify all of the costs associated with the project and consulting with experts in the field to create a financial plan that is viable and sustainable.
