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Built Environment Digital Information Review

Navigating the Holidays with Visual Interpreter Apps

A Comparative Review of Aira Explorer, Be My Eyes AI, and Seeing AI from Microsoft

Dear Inclusive Design Community,

Editor’s Note: Generative AI is groundbreaking, but does produce errors often referred to as hallucinations and should not be  relied upon as being error free.

As we immerse ourselves in the festive spirit of the holiday season, it's timely to reflect on the strides made in accessibility and inclusion, especially for individuals who are blind, partially sighted or have challenges understanding visual queues. In this dynamic landscape, technology and human assistance intersect to create innovative solutions and today, we explore the evolving narrative of Aira Explorer, Be My Eyes AI, Seeing AI from Microsoft and the integration of ChatGPT and human assistance.

But first, time to hand out some early presents. Here are the download links for the visual  interpreter apps (Aira Explorer is a paid for service, but does provide 5-minute free access for those wanting to try it out. Be My Eyes AI and Seeing AI are both free):

Visual Interpreter Download Links:

Aira Explorer:

https://explorer.aira.io/welcome

Be My Eyes AI:

https://www.bemyeyes.com/download

Seeing AI from Microsoft:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai

Aira Explorer:

Elevating Visual Interpretation with Expert Human Touch

For years, Aira has stood as a beacon of support for the blind and low-vision community. Its Visual Interpreters, meticulously trained and certified, offer real-time assistance through a secure and reliable platform. Aira's commitment to accessibility is further evident through partnerships with major companies, educational institutions, and state governments, making it a trusted choice for diverse needs.

Aira's tailored services extend beyond personal assistance, encompassing accommodations for businesses, educational institutions, and state governments. The recent collaboration with the State of Colorado under the "Colorado for All" initiative is a testament to Aira's commitment to breaking barriers in state-operated buildings, colleges, state parks, and digital services.

Be My Eyes AI:

Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT for Global Accessibility

A free service relying on volunteer remote agents, entered a new era with the integration of ChatGPT into its ecosystem. This development opens up new possibilities for visual interpretation, with the ChatGPT API offering additional layers of assistance. Michael Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, envisions a future where GPT-4 technology enables users to not only recognize but also analyze and extrapolate information from images, transforming the way blind and low-vision individuals navigate the world.

The volunteer-based model of Be My Eyes, coupled with the introduction of ChatGPT, provides a cost-free alternative with unlimited access. While it may lack the specificity of Aira, the potential for global impact and independence is undeniable.

Seeing AI from Microsoft:

Bridging the Gap with Intelligent Visual Assistance

Microsoft's Seeing AI is a pioneer in intelligent visual assistance, using cloud and AI to transform the visual world into an audible experience. With features like Short Text, Documents, Products, Person, and Scene, Seeing AI empowers users with real-time information about their surroundings. The integration of Scenes adds a layer of spatial awareness, enhancing the overall user experience.

It is also noteworthy, to acknowledge, Microsoft, is a major shareholder in Open AI. The developers of ChatGPT and users will likely note the similarities between Be My Eyes AI and Seeing AI from Microsoft. That said, I do personally prefer the menu interface in Seeing AI Scenes over Be My AI for ease of use.

Choosing the Right Fit for the Holidays and Beyond

As we approach the holiday season, the choice between Aira, Be My Eyes, or Seeing AI depends on individual preferences and specific requirements. Aira's personalized and expert human touch stands out, while Be My Eyes offers a more accessible and cost-free alternative with the power of ChatGPT. Seeing AI, with its intelligent features, provides another dimension to visual interpretation.

The competition is fierce, and the landscape is ever evolving. Users can now take a test drive, experiencing the magic of the holiday season through these visual interpreter apps. Share your experiences with us at email:  imagegnc3.com and stay updated on our website at Gateway Navigation.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year! May these transformative tools continue to make the world more accessible and inclusive  for everyone, regardless of visual abilities.

Sincerely,

David

David Brun / Gateway Navigation / A Certified Buy Social Supplier

Visual Interpreter Download Links:

Aira Explorer:

https://explorer.aira.io/welcome

Be My Eyes AI:

https://www.bemyeyes.com/download

Seeing AI from Microsoft:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai

End of Document

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Digital Information

Advancing Tactile Graphics: A Glimpse into the Future of Dynamic Tactile Displays

Hello, Inclusive Design Community,

At Gateway Navigation, we are excited to share some remarkable developments in the world of digital tactile graphics. These innovations are particularly groundbreaking for the millions of students who are blind or partially sighted worldwide. As we continue to strive for more inclusive and accessible technology, we are delighted to draw your attention to a series of webinars that will shed light on the world of tactile graphics. These webinars are led by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and will conclude with information regarding the highly anticipated 2024 preorder shipments of the groundbreaking NFB APH Monarch Tablet, developed in partnership with Humanware.

For more information on the Monarch, please visit the following link:

Meet Monarch

Tech Crunch: Monarch - To read the article, click on the following link:

Monarch Could Be the Next Big Thing in Braille

A Journey into Tactile Graphics: The Webinar Series

Beginning on October 24, the APH's Outreach Services Team will host a four-part Access Academy webinar series titled "Tactile Graphics Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments." This series aims to build a comprehensive understanding of tactile graphic skills. These webinars will guide both users and vision teachers, making them a valuable resource for those passionate about making tactile graphics more accessible.

Registration is open for all webinars on the Access Academy website, which can be accessed by clicking on the following link:

Access Academy Webinars

Gateway Navigation's Role in Tactile Graphics Innovation

Through our partnership with McGill University's Shared Reality Lab (SRL), Gateway Navigation has been actively supporting the development of the IMAGE open-source software, putting dynamic internet graphic exploration at the fingertips of people who are blind.

A crucial element enabling IMAGE to deliver a haptic (touch) experience was made possible through DOT Inc.'s innovative hardware, which also plays a significant role in the NFB APH Monarch Tablet.

The research and development supported by the Shared Reality Lab, Gateway Navigation, and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) resulted in the IMAGE open-source code, developed through an extensive user group of over fifty volunteers from the blind or partially sighted community collaborating with a team of over twenty researchers from McGill University. The project was funded as part of the Accessible Technology Program from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

For more information on DOT, Apple, and APH/Humanware, please visit the following link:

DOT Inc. Announces

We are proud to have been among the first to demonstrate how internet graphics could be interpreted using the IMAGE web extension and the Dot Inc. dynamic tactile display. These demonstrations were presented at prestigious events such as the 2021 NFB National Convention, CSUN 2022, Enable Ottawa 2022, CCB Toronto Visionaries Live 2 Learn Conference 2022, and NFB NOLA 2022.

To learn more about the beta launch of IMAGE, click on the following link:

IMAGE Launch at CSUN 2022

The current state of haptic technology feedback is well summarized by Winston Churchill's famous  quote, "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

The development of IMAGE continues with strategic partnerships with the Shared Reality Lab and their current research funded by the Quebec Government and Humanware.

Looking back and in our continued planning for the future, we couldn't be more thrilled to share in this journey toward greater accessibility for everyone and look forward to the continued march of the NFB APH Monarch Tablet being at the fingertips of Canadian students and all students who will benefit from this leap forward in accessibility and inclusion.

Learn more, share your feedback  and Connect with Us

If you have any feedback, questions, or comments regarding IMAGE, the webinars, or the Monarch under development, please feel free to share them with us at Gateway Navigation via email. We value your input and will respond promptly or forward your inquiries to the appropriate contact for review.

We take pride in being at the forefront of creating new ideas and concepts to make the built environment and the internet more accessible and inclusive. We are excited to see how the NFB APH Monarch will shape the future of digital learning for those who are blind or partially sighted. Together, we can break down barriers and advance digital accessibility and inclusion for all.

Warm regards,

David

For those interested in registering for the webinars, please click the following link:

Access Academy Webinars

We look forward to your participation in this exciting journey of tactile graphics innovation!

If you have any further questions or feedback, please send us an email at partners@gnc3.com. Your input is invaluable to us.

End of Document

 

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Built Environment Digital Information Review

Gateway Navigation’s Inclusive Design Community

Creating an Inclusive World:

Editor’s Note: Blog Post follows this time-sensitive volunteer opportunity for individuals who are blind or partially sighted and are involved in monitoring or trading in the stock market. Posted on July 14, 2023.

My name is Jano Fu, a Master’s student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University, working on the IMAGE project (http://image.a11y.mcgill.ca), supervised by Professor Jeremy Cooperstock. We are presently tackling the problem of rendering multi-modal experiences to represent charts, aiming to enhance the accessibility and usability of stock trading platforms. To better understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by stock traders living with vision loss, we are seeking volunteers with some experience in this area who are willing to participate in an approximately one-hour interview. Our hope is to identify specific functionality that we may support to improve participation in financial market trading by individuals living with blindness or low vision. If you are interested and available, please let me know by reply email, indicating preferred dates and times that work for you over the coming weeks. If you would like additional information about the study or have any questions, please feel free to let us know by replying to jiaqi.fu@mail.mcgill.ca.

Gateway Navigation's Journey

Introduction:

Six years ago, Gateway Navigation set out on a mission to create a more accessible and inclusive world. By applying human-centered design principles to inclusive audio-based emerging technologies, our initial focus was on indoor wayfinding applications using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons in the built environment. However, as the landscape of accessibility tools and applications evolved, so did our approach. In the past three years, we have shifted our focus to leverage innovations in mapping technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and open-source code. This transformation has been made possible through strategic collaborations and partnerships with leading innovation hubs, industry, and academic institutions. At Gateway, we are committed to showcasing solutions that promote universal availability, provide free access to end-users, offer low economic costs for providers, and deliver sustainable and easily accessible applications at scale.

A Shift in Focus:

While keeping abreast of advancements made by companies and organizations in developing accessibility tools for accessing BLE beacons on iOS and Android devices, Gateway Navigation recognized the potential of integrating emerging technologies to create more inclusive experiences. This realization led us to pivot towards leveraging indoor digital mapping, Artificial Intelligence / Large Language Models, and open-source architecture. While incorporating audio and haptic feedback for the user experience, we aimed to enhance the accessibility of digital technologies in both virtual and physical environments for everyone.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships:

Gateway Navigation's ability to make this shift in focus and drive meaningful change was greatly expanded by collaborations with prominent innovation hubs and academic institutions. These strategic partnerships and collaborations include the ongoing IMAGE Project with the Shared Reality Lab at McGill University, exploring assistive technology innovations through the Digital Cities Testbed Centre network, which includes the University of British Columbia, Portland State University, and the University of Washington. Additionally, noteworthy contributions came from student-led projects at Cadillac Fairview's Waterfront Station in Vancouver and YVR domestic arrival terminal - Vancouver International Airport. Through a program run in conjunction with the British Columbia Institute of Technology's Universal Design initiative. All of these collaborations have enabled Gateway and our network of advisors to broaden our expertise, garner valuable research support, and access the necessary resources to push the boundaries of inclusivity.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Best Practices:

To achieve our vision of an inclusive world, Gateway Navigation works with cutting-edge technologies, incorporates best practices, actively engages end-user feedback, and whenever possible adheres to industry / National standards. The integration of AI, particularly large language models, provides the potential for expanded intelligent assistance, natural language interaction, and personalized experiences. Additionally, we are committed to human-centered design best practices and the philosophy of "nothing about us, without us," promoting transparency, collaboration, and community benefit.

Promoting Universal Availability and Accessibility:

At Gateway Navigation, our ultimate goal is to make inclusive technologies accessible to all. To achieve this, we prioritize universal availability, providing solutions that can be accessed by anyone regardless of their background, abilities, or resources. By offering free access to end-users, we break down barriers and empower individuals to engage with their environment and digital spaces more effectively. Simultaneously, we strive to minimize economic costs for providers, ensuring that organizations and businesses can embrace inclusive technologies without significant financial burdens.

Scaling Impact:

To create a lasting impact, it is essential to deliver sustainable and easily accessible applications at scale. Gateway Navigation is actively involved in showcasing and implementing solutions that address the needs of diverse users and environments. By collaborating with industry trailblazers, innovation hubs, and academic institutions, we gain valuable insights, conduct rigorous testing, and refine our understanding of technologies to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility. Through ongoing research and development, we continuously iterate and improve our and industry applications, expanding their reach and impact.

Conclusion:

Six years since its founding, Gateway Navigation has evolved from focusing on indoor wayfinding applications using BLE beacons to becoming a driving force in creating inclusive experiences through inclusive digital mapping, AI integration, and open-source architecture. Through strategic collaborations and partnerships, we have harnessed cutting-edge technology and best practices to promote universal availability, provide free access to end-users, minimize economic costs for providers, and deliver sustainable and easily accessible applications at scale. With unwavering dedication to our mission, we actively contribute to building a more accessible and inclusive world for all people.

Coming Soon:

Gateway Navigation Universal Design Community

In addition to community chat and forums. Our Community will be organizing monthly workshops. Over the first six months, we will explore GTFS Pathways and Inclusive Digital Mapping; Climate Resilience Integrating Inclusion; ChatGPT, the Good, the Bad, and the Unknown; Carbon Footprints in the Cloud; Universal Design in the Built Environment; and IMAGE, a Case Study in Open-Source Code. Please contact us to learn more about the workshops or have suggestions for future topics at email: partners@gnc3.com.

Thank you for your time and support,

  • David Brun
  • Director / Co-Founder
  • Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
  • A Social Impact Company
  • Email: david@gnc3.com

 

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Digital Information Uncategorized

Year in Review and Outlook for 2023

New Way to See Digital Graphics via Internet Multimodal Access to Graphical Exploration (IMAGE)

Hello, IMAGE Community!

This is Cyan Kuo, Usability Research Lead of the IMAGE Project (https://image.a11y.mcgill.ca). Thank you again for all your help and support this past year.

Your contribution is critical to our research and we hope that we can continue to improve IMAGE so that you can enjoy graphics on the internet in a novel way.

To recap this past year, we're happy to now have:

  • released the extension publicly, including new prototype maps renderings and a refined charts experience (more of that in the new year)
  • presented our project at seven talks, conferences and conventions
  • conducted five studies, gathering data from thirty-six participants (thank you so much!)

Things we're working on and planning on releasing in 2023:

  • optical character recognition
  • Open Street Maps support with much more road information
  • new, more detailed charts experiences
  • initial groundwork for French support,
  • new machine learning for recognizing celebrities, clothing, and emotions

We have other exciting new developments and new studies in the new year.

We'll keep you in the loop!

Have a safe and happy holiday season. Wishing you all the best,

Cyan Kuo

IMAGE Usability Research & Community Relations Lead | Lab Manager

Shared Reality Lab | Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering | McGill University

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Digital Information Innovation Internet

A11Y (Internet Accessibility)

Ground-breaking Web Graphics Technology Launches at CSUN 2022, North America’s Largest Assistive Technology Conference

Anaheim— March 16, 2022 — Today at the CSUN 2022

Imagine trying to visit a web page full of interesting and informative graphics if you couldn't see. You would get the text read out to you with a screen-reader, but descriptions of the images would be limited, at best. That's the situation faced today by millions of blind Internet users. Until now.

At the CSUN Conference, taking place this week in Anaheim, California, the IMAGE project, a collaboration between researchers at McGill University, Gateway Navigation, and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), is announcing the beta version release of their free web browser extension. This extension provides users with a rich audio sonification, and optionally, a tactile representation, of several types of web graphics.

The IMAGE project arose from challenges faced by blind users trying to navigate the Vancouver Convention Centre using an online floor plan of the building. As David Brun, founder of Gateway Navigation explains: “The online plan was a photograph; so, the directional information it offered to sighted visitors was not accessible to me. This is a challenge faced by millions of people worldwide every day.”   Now, with the initial release of IMAGE, as an open-source tool designed and developed by over twenty researchers from McGill’s Shared Reality Lab and over fifty co-design participants who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted, from across Canada, we are witnessing a first step in unlocking the barrier to accessible internet graphics for everyone.

Jeff Blum, Technical Project Manager for the IMAGE project explains, “For example, by using spatial audio, where the user experiences the sound moving around them through their headphones, information about the spatial relationships between various objects in the scene can be quickly conveyed without reading long descriptions. In addition, rather than only passive experiences of listening to audio, an optional haptic device can help the user literally feel aspects like regions of a landscape, objects found in a photo, or the trend of a line on a graph. This will permit interpretation of maps, charts, and photographs, in which the visual experience is replaced with multimodal sensory feedback, rendered in a manner that helps overcome access barriers for users who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted.

Prof. Cooperstock, Director of the Shared Reality Lab, elaborates, “Our project is designed to be as freely available as possible, as well as extensible so that other technologists, artists, or companies can produce new experiences for specific graphical content that they know how to best render. For example, if someone has a special way of rendering stock market charts, they do not have to reinvent the wheel, but can create a module that focuses on their specific audio and haptic rendering and plug it into our overall system.”

Brun continues, “This Collaboration is possible through the funding made available through Innovation Science Economic Development Canada and the guidance of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) voice of the blind in Canada, Dot Inc from South Korea and Haply Robotics from Montreal, Canada.

We look forward to collaborating, partnering, and supporting all users, researchers, developers, and organizations interested in building on IMAGE’s open-source design and commitment to creating greater accessibility on the internet for everyone.

To learn more about IMAGE and how to financially support IMAGE’s on-going work, visit: https://gnc3.com/go-image

 

###

For more information,

PR Contact Name:      Jeremy Cooperstock and Jeff Blum

Organization:               McGill University’s Shared Reality Lab

Phone number:           514.558.3953

Email:                          image@cim.mcgill.ca.

PR Contact Name:      David Brun

Organization:               Gateway Navigation

Phone number:           604.499.4818

Email:                          image@gnc3.com

 

For more information on IMAGE – Chrome Extension AI Accessibility at Work:

Website: https://image.a11y.mcgill.ca