Haptic-feedback support for cognitive mapping of unknown spaces by people who are blind (original) (raw)
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Most of the information used by people for the cognitive mapping of spaces is gathered through the visual channel. People who are blind lack the ability to collect the required visual information either in advance or in situ. This study was based on the assumption that the acquisition of appropriate spatial information (perceptual and conceptual) through compensatory sensorial channels (e.g., haptic) within a virtual environment simulating a real target space may assist people who are blind in their anticipatory exploration and cognitive mapping of the unknown space. The two main goals of the study were: (a) the development of a haptic-based multi-sensory virtual environment enabling the exploration of an unknown space and (b) the study of the cognitive mapping process of the space by people who are blind working with the multi-sensory virtual environment. The findings suggest strong evidence that the work within the multi-sensory virtual environment provided a robust foundation for the participants' development of comprehensive cognitive maps of the unknown space.
A Virtual Map to Support People Who are Blind in Navigation through Real Spaces
Journal of Special Education Technology, 2011
Most of the spatial information needed by sighted people to construct cognitive maps of spaces is gathered through the visual channel. Unfortunately, people who are blind lack the ability to collect the required spatial information in advance. The use of virtual reality as a learning and rehabilitation tool for people with disabilities has been on the rise in recent years. This research is based on the hypothesis that the advance supply of appropriate spatial information (perceptual and conceptual) through compensatory sensorial channels within a virtual environment may assist people who are blind in their anticipatory exploration and cognitive mapping of the unknown space. In this long-term research we developed and tested the BlindAid system that combines 3D audio with a Phantom® haptic interface to allow the user to explore a virtual map through a hand held stylus. The main goals of this research were to study the cognitive mapping process of people who are blind when exploring c...
Audio-Haptic Map: An Orientation and Mobility Aid for Individuals with Blindness
Procedia Computer Science, 2015
The aim of the present research was to examine whether spatial knowledge structured after an individual with visual impairments had studied an audio-haptic map, could be used: a) for his/her independent and efficient movement within the mapped area, as well as b) for detecting in the area specific points of interest initially presented on the map or not. The map was provided through a multimodal application and was studied with the use of a force feedback haptic device. Eleven adults with blindness (total blindness or only light perception) took part in the research. The age ranged from 20 years to 61 years. The results clearly support the significance of the specific application as an aid to structure spatial knowledge and cognitive maps. That kind of knowledge could be used consequently for orientation and mobility in an urban environment.