22/02/2008

Three companies (Cosmote, Microsoft Hellas and Geomatics) and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), have joined forces in a joint attempt aiming to help visually handicapped people. The result of their cooperation is the "smart" navigation system SmartEyes.

SmartEyes is a mobile phone/laptop handset with a GPS receiver and headset which makes advanced communication systems available to the user. Fitted with digital maps and filled with specialised information, the system gathers information about the precise position of the user via GPS and processes this, providing the user with all the necessary information to orientate themselves via audio messages. In addition, special audio messages are played to the user when they approach places they have previously selected, such as bus stops, traffic lights etc.

The user's route also includes public transport (buses, metro, trams, trolley-bus etc.), leading them suitably to the nearest stop and also telling them which stop they should get off at and how to reach their final destination from that point. It also takes into consideration the user's needs concerning the safety and speed with which they want to get around the city. Places of interest (such as public services, recreation areas and museums) are also available to the user throughout their journey.

The system is already being piloted, with 100 pilot devices being provided to users in Athens, and 50 devices in Thessaloniki. The pilot stage will last a total of six months, and aims to evaluate the programme by recording the results of its use in a real environment. The users taking part in the pilot scheme were selected after evaluation of their particular requirements by competent committees made up of representatives from, amongst others, the Panhellenic Association of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, the Center for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind (C.E.R.B.), the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece and the Thessaloniki School for the Blind. The users will be in constant contact with AUTH throughout the pilot study, and will evaluate how the system operates.

The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Solidarity Giorgos Papageorgiou gave a statement concerning SmartEyes: "We will be following the progress of this invention, which has opened now horizons in the lives of the blind, very carefully, so that it will be owned by everyone who needs it, at whatever cost." Stavros Panas, Vice-Rector of AUTH, highlighted the successful collaboration between private and public bodies and the innovative aspect of SmartEyes: "The AUTH Telecommunications Laboratory aims to combine and to incorporate education, research and the development of innovative methods in the context of social contribution. The success of SmartEyes proves that it is possible to connect academic research with integrated solutions, a fact which was certified by the project recently receiving international distinction in Brussels. Recognition of the social value of SmartEyes was prompted by the genuine support of COSMOTE, Microsoft Hellas and Geomatics in making our vision become reality. The excellent initiative of these companies proves that the cooperation of research and development bodies can lead to an improvement in the lives of people with disabilities."

The innovative SmartEyes research project was recently awarded a Community Prize at the "European Marketplace on Corporate Social Responsibility" exhibition which took place in Brussels at the end of November 2007. SmartEyes was chosen by the internationally recognised European Corporate Social Responsibility Network to be presented as one of the best Corporate Social Responsibility practices at the exhibition. In 2004, SmartEyes was also presented at the international "Imagine Cup" competition, where it was awarded first prize.

Source: AUTH, Cosmote