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The 2024 Student Creativity Programme for Creative Initiatives (PKM KC) team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has introduced an innovative new tool: a drug detection device utilising deep learning algorithms with voice output. This prototype, SmarV (Smart Vision), is designed to assist visually impaired individuals in recognising, understanding the usage, and comprehending the instructions for the detected medication, with information provided through voice output.
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The SmarV prototype results from collaboration among five UGM students from various disciplines, guided by their mentor, Dr Ir Nur Abdillah Siddiq, ST, IPP, from the Faculty of Engineering. The SmarV tea members are Wahyu Putra Ardana (Nuclear Engineering, 2022), Faundra Pratama Sukma (Information Technology, 2022), Naurin Yara Zalilah (Pharmacy, 2022), Johan Pramudito Alexander (Information Technology, 2022), and Muhammad Ikbal (Electronics & Instrumentation, 2023).
SmarV utilises the latest deep learning algorithm, You Only Look Once, version 9 (YOLOv9), to detect and recognise medications. This algorithm allows SmarV to identify drugs quickly and accurately, providing related information through voice output. Users place the medication in front of SmarV’s camera, and the device automatically recognises the drug and delivers information via voice. The YOLOv9 algorithm has been enhanced from previous versions to offer faster and more accurate object detection, making it highly suitable for this application.
To enhance the camera’s detection accuracy, SmarV is equipped with additional sensors. These sensors help ensure that the detected medication is correct and match the data. Moreover, the Internet of Things (IoT) allows this tool to send messages to the user and their caregiver or guardian, providing information about the detected medication and reminders to take it. This feature is crucial for monitoring and preventing undesirable situations, such as forgetting to take medication or consuming it incorrectly.
SmarV is designed for use by visually impaired individuals. Its essential parts have Braille features to facilitate users’ operation. Additionally, SmarV is portable and powered by a power bank, making it convenient for use anytime and anywhere.
With the introduction of SmarV, it is envisioned that visually impaired individuals will have increased inclusivity in accessing health and medication information. This innovation offers convenience and safety in medication consumption and opens new opportunities for the development of disability-friendly technologies. In the future, SmarV can be adapted and further developed for various other health applications, making the daily lives of visually impaired individuals more independent and well-integrated into society.
Naurin, a pharmacy student stated, “With the advent of SmarV, we are optimistic to see increased inclusivity for the visually impaired in accessing health and medication information. This innovation provides ease and safety in medication consumption and opens new opportunities for developing disability-friendly technology.” In the future, SmarV can be adapted and further developed for various health applications, making the daily lives of the visually impaired more independent and well-integrated into society.
The 2024 PKM KC UGM team has demonstrated that innovations beneficial to the wider community can be created through interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of advanced technology. SmarV is a concrete example of how technology can be integrated to create inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Through the development of this tool, visually impaired individuals can live more independently and have better access to health and medication information. Innovations like SmarV show significant potential in addressing the challenges faced by the disabled community, providing effective and sustainable solutions.