Navigation aid for blind persons by visual-to-auditory sensory substitution: A pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

In this study, we investigate to what degree augmented reality technology can be used to create and evaluate a visual-to-auditory sensory substitution device to improve the performance of blind persons in navigation and recognition tasks.

Methods

A sensory substitution algorithm that translates 3D visual information into audio feedback was designed. This algorithm was integrated in an augmented reality based mobile phone application. Using the mobile device as sensory substitution device, a study with blind participants (n = 7) was performed. The participants navigated through pseudo-randomized obstacle courses using either the sensory substitution device, a white cane or a combination of both. In a second task, virtual 3D objects and structures had to be identified

SUBMITTER: Neugebauer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7446825 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature