In collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Rehabilitation Center for the Physically and Mentally Handicapped, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed a remote support system for the visually impaired [following implementation of a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Real World Computing proposal].

The system comprises a wearable video camera (including microphone and earpiece) that can be worn inconspicuously by the visually impaired. The system enables information on the surroundings (video and audio), as well as requests from the user, to be transmitted to remotely located support staff (Guide Helpers) via a PHS. The system enables the visually impaired user to receive instant audio help as necessary.

The system features a remote control function that allows the functioning of the audiovisual telecommunications program to be adapted to the user’s needs. In practice, the system allows remote control over (1) image quality (resolution, color levels), (2) frames per second (fps), and (3) brightness.