An Indoor Obstacle Detection System Using Depth Information and Region Growth

• Main Authors: Hsieh-Chang Huang, Ching-Tang Hsieh, Cheng-Hsiang Yeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2015-10-01
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: obstacle detection; Kinect; depth map; travel aid
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/15/10/27116

This study proposes an obstacle detection method that uses depth information to allow the visually impaired to avoid obstacles when they move in an unfamiliar environment. The system is composed of three parts: scene detection, obstacle detection and a vocal announcement. This study proposes a new method to remove the ground plane that overcomes the over-segmentation problem. This system addresses the over-segmentation problem by removing the edge and the initial seed position problem for the region growth method using the Connected Component Method (CCM). This system can detect static and dynamic obstacles. The system is simple, robust and efficient. The experimental results show that the proposed system is both robust and convenient.