Decades of computer vision research, one 'Swiss Army knife'

When Anne Taylor walks into a room, she wants to know the same things that any person would. Where is there an empty seat? Who is walking up to me, and is that person smiling or frowning? What does that sign say? For Taylor, who is blind, there aren't always easy ways to get this information. Perhaps another person can direct her to her seat, describe her surroundings or make an introduction.