“The Intelligent Glasses”

The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) and the Istituto David Chiossone of Genoa last week signed an agreement for joint research into innovative technologies to help people with low vision.

Specifically, tests will be carried out on a device for people with low vision. “The Intelligent Glasses” are the outcome of research by IIT and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie of Paris; they transform visual information into tactile information to give people with low vision good perception of the surrounding environment.

From a technical point of view, the device comprises a pair of specially modified glasses and a haptic interface - from the Greek, Hapthe, meaning touch – with a graphic card and a modified mouse.

It operates by means of two cameras mounted on the lenses of the glasses. These record the position of objects in stereovision, whereas the mouse allows the patient to determine the coordinates of the tactile elements on the surface being explored.

The initiative is part of the first edition of Impact Day IIT, which the Foundation’s researchers devote entirely to social welfare. An initiative that will be an opportunity to approach the territory’s social problems and provide proof of the positive effect science has on daily life. To date, Impact Day IIT has involved over 100 researchers in 7 macro areas: handicapped people, the homeless, children, animal protection, environment preservation, the elderly, drugs.