Assistive Interface for the Visually Impaired
- Summary
- To address this challenge, Purdue University researchers developed a real-time multimodal image perception system to transform scientific data to something more useful. Image features such as size, color, shape, intensity, location, texture, and opacity are individually mapped through three different sensory channels of hearing, haptics, and vibrotactility. Experimental results have confirmed that this real-time approach provides greater accuracy in recognizing and analyzing objects within images compared to tactile papers. Participants have also shown better analytic performance with this technology compared to other one-sensory standard interfaces. Although this technology may take more time when exploring an image, it also allows higher accuracy during the actual analysis of that information.Thus, this technology has potential use during lab experimentation for BVI people, which would greatly enhance information interpretation. It would allow advancement in careers in medicine, biology, chemistry, and others alike that has so far been restricted for this population.
- Technology Benefits
- Real-time interface Multiple image features Three sensory channels
- Technology Application
- University, government, and corporate labs
- Detailed Technology Description
- Bradley DuerstockPurdue Biomedical EngineeringPurdue Industrial Engineering
- Countries
- United States
- Application No.
- None
- *Abstract
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- *Background
- At present, if we look at blind or visually impaired (BVI) people, there is no suitable substitute technology to enable this population to interpret visual scientific data from lab experimentation in real time, such as performing light microscopy, spectrometry, chemical reactions, and using other scientific instruments. Current technologies for this purpose include tactile paper, which is limited because it is not real time, has to be made in advance, requires more staff, and does not allow independent work for blind students.
- *IP Issue Date
- None
- *IP Type
- Provisional
- *Stage of Development
- Process validation in lab
- *Web Links
- Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipBradley DuerstockPurdue Biomedical EngineeringPurdue Industrial Engineering
- Country/Region
- USA
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