Method and apparatus for conveying spatial information of surroundings

A method for conveying spatial information to a visually impaired user, the method comprising:

• capturing depth data of an environment using a depth sensing device;
• segmenting the depth data into a plurality of regions;
• classifying objects within each of the plurality of regions;
• generating haptic actuation patterns based on the classified objects;
• and
• activating a plurality of haptic actuators on a wearable haptic array according to the generated haptic actuation patterns, wherein each haptic actuator corresponds to one of the plurality of regions,
• wherein the sequential activation conveys spatial information about the environment to the user.

An apparatus for conveying spatial information to a visually impaired user, the apparatus comprising:

• a wearable haptic array comprising a plurality of haptic actuators;
• and
• a processing unit configured to:
• receive depth data of an environment from a depth sensing device,
• segment the depth data into a plurality of regions,
• classify objects within each of the plurality of regions,
• generate haptic actuation patterns based on the classified objects, and
• sequentially activate the plurality of haptic actuators according to the generated haptic actuation patterns to convey spatial information about the environment to the user, wherein each haptic actuator corresponds to one of the plurality of regions.