Haptics-based, higher-order Sensory Substitution designed for Object Negotiation in Blindness and Low Vision: Virtual Whiskers

TL;DR

This paper introduces Virtual Whiskers, a haptic-based sensory substitution device with two navigation modes, designed to improve obstacle negotiation for people with blindness or low vision, showing promising results in user testing.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel modular haptic device with open path and depth modes, enhancing obstacle negotiation for pBLV, with demonstrated effectiveness in user trials.

Findings

Reduces idle time during navigation

Decreases number of cane contacts

Improves obstacle detection accuracy

Abstract

People with blindness and low vision (pBLV) face challenges in navigating. Mobility aids are crucial for enhancing independence and safety. This paper presents an electronic travel aid that leverages a haptic-based, higher-order sensory substitution approach called Virtual Whiskers, designed to help pBLV negotiate obstacles effectively, efficiently, and safely. Virtual Whiskers is equipped with a plurality of modular vibration units that operate independently to deliver haptic feedback to users. Virtual Whiskers features two navigation modes: open path mode and depth mode, each addressing obstacle negotiation from different perspectives. The open path mode detects and delineate a traversable area within an analyzed field of view. Then, it guides the user through to the traversable direction adaptive vibratory feedback. The depth mode assists users in negotiating obstacles by highlighting spatial areas with prominent obstacles via haptic feedback. We recruited 10 participants with blindness or low vision to participate in user testing for Virtual Whiskers. Results show that the device significantly reduces idle periods and decreases the number of cane contacts. Virtual Whiskers is a promising obstacle negotiation strategy that demonstrating great potential to assist with pBLV navigation.