BlindAid: A learning environment for enabling people who are blind to explore and navigate through unknown real spaces

Lahav, Orly; Schloerb, David W.; Kumar, Smriti; Srinivasan, M.A.

doi:10.1109/icvr.2008.4625159

Cited by 22 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The second is a "Z-scan" strategy, more visible from the red line of the right sub-picture, aimed at detecting the direction of the virtual walls by repeatedly scanning and sampling the up/down transitions. The first strategy complies with results published by Lahav [4]. The second strategy was interesting for the involved O&M operators, since it mimics within this virtual scenario the movement of a white cane in the real world.…”

Section: User Strategiessupporting

confidence: 81%

See 1 more Smart Citation

An investigation of search behaviour in a tactile exploration task for sighted and non-sighted adults.

Brayda

Campus

Chellali

et al. 2011

CHI '11 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems

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In this work in progress we propose a new method for evaluating objectively the process of performing a tactile exploration with a visuo-tactile sensory substitution system. Both behavioral and neurophysiological cues are considered to evaluate the identification process of virtual objects and surrounding environments. Our experiments suggest that both sighted and visually impaired users integrated spatial information and developed similar behavioural and neurophysiological patterns. The proposed method could also serve as a tool to evaluate touch-based interfaces for application in orientation and mobility programs.

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Section: User Strategiessupporting

confidence: 81%

“…Current performance driven metrics are applied following an unlimited training session [4]. However, the underlying mental mechanisms which participate in building an active spatial imagination, and which are known in neuroscience, are not yet being evaluated with regards to computer-human interfaces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An investigation of search behaviour in a tactile exploration task for sighted and non-sighted adults.

Brayda

Campus

Chellali

et al. 2011

CHI '11 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Dynamic aspects such as human movement are not mapped to the digital map source as they do not aid in environment familiarity. Force feedback simulates rigid body interactions which are suited to object interactions at the macro-level, as evident from the findings of Lahav [14]. Users indicated that an object"s micro-level haptic properties are not useful in object detection or recognition [14].…”

Section: International Journal Of Information and Educationmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…Existing research initiatives have developed devices and/or software solutions that cater to the needs of the visually impaired for determination and navigation of a location, of which [14], [15], and [16] focus on outdoor navigate on using handheld devices. Two VR research-based solutions that focus on indoor navigation include BlindAid [17] and the Kulturhuset Prototype [18].…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Haptic-Audio Simulator Indoor Navigation: To Assist Visually Impaired Environment Exploration

Todd¹,

Naylor²

2016

IJIET

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Abstract-VirtuNav is a haptic-, audio-enabled Virtual Reality (VR) simulator that facilitates persons with visual impairment to explore a 3D computerized model of a real-life indoor location, such as a classroom or hospital. For administrative purposes, the screen displays a 2D overhead view of the map to monitor user progress and location relative to the reconstructed 3D environment. The system offers two unique interfaces: a free-roam interface where a user can freely navigate and interact with the model, and an edit mode where an administrator can manage test users, manage maps and retrieve test data. VirtuNav is developed as a practical application offering several unique features including map design, semi-automatic 3D map reconstruction and object classification from 2D map data. Visual and haptic rendering of real-time 3D map navigation are provided, and automated administrative functions including determination of shortest path taken, comparison with the actual path taken, and assessment of performance indicators relating to time taken for exploration and collision data. VirtuNav is a research tool for investigation of user familiarity developed after repeated exposure to the indoor location, to determine the extent to which haptic and/or sound cues improve a visually impaired user's ability to navigate a room or building with or without occlusion. System testing reveals that spatial awareness and memory mapping improve with user iterations within VirtuNav. The application is for greater real world engagement: to build confidence in real world experiences, enabling persons with sight impairment to more comfortably and readily explore and interact with environments formerly unfamiliar or unattainable to them.

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“…2007), sound‐based virtual environment systems (Sánchez et al . 2008), auditory graphs (Walker & Mauney 2010) and virtual environments for spatial learning based on audio and haptic feedback (Lahav & Mioduser 2004; Lahav et al . 2008).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enabling people who are blind to experience science inquiry learning through sound‐based mediation

Levy

Lahav

2011

Computer Assisted Learning

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This paper addresses a central need among people who are blind, access to inquiry‐based science learning materials, which are addressed by few other learning environments that use assistive technologies. In this study, we investigated ways in which learning environments based on sound mediation can support science learning by blind people. We used NetLogo, a multi‐agent programmable modeling environment that is widely used for learning about complex systems. In order to provide blind people with access to such models, we used a component that supports sound‐based mediation. The sound‐based mediation provided real‐time information regarding objects' speed, location, and interactions with other objects. We examined blind people's learning about a chemical system of contained gas particles. The study employs a pre‐test intervention–post‐test design. Four adults participated individually in the study. They achieved most referent‐representation connections; their scientific conceptual knowledge became more specific and aligned with scientific knowledge; and their systems reasoning showed greater discrimination and relation between components. Discussion addresses learning with sound‐based mediation in broader terms and suggests further research into the potential of this unique type of low‐cost learning environment to assist blind people in their science learning.

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BlindAid: A learning environment for enabling people who are blind to explore and navigate through unknown real spaces

Cited by 22 publications

References 16 publications

An investigation of search behaviour in a tactile exploration task for sighted and non-sighted adults.

An investigation of search behaviour in a tactile exploration task for sighted and non-sighted adults.

A Haptic-Audio Simulator Indoor Navigation: To Assist Visually Impaired Environment Exploration

Enabling people who are blind to experience science inquiry learning through sound‐based mediation

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