Those who are visually impaired may have a new navigational tool thanks to a collaboration at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Sunggye Hong is an associate professor of the Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies and the program coordinator of the visual impairments teacher training program. Dr. Hong lost his sight as a toddler, so he depends on his cane to get from one place to another.
Dr. Hong began to collaborate with Dr. Wolfgang Fink, an electrical and computer engineering professor at the university. Dr. Fink has spent years working on computerized vision systems to help autonomous robots see and navigate.
What is the device called and how does it work?
The team named the Visual Impairment Subtle Touch Aid, or Vista. The technology consists of two belts.
The first belt is worn just as any other belt, around the waist, and is equipped with sensors that can detect obstacles around the user.
The second belt is worn around the user’s ribcage and vibrates when the sensors detect the user is near an object. The closer the user gets to the object, the faster the vibrations.
What was the inspiration behind VISTA?
Dr. Fink said this piece of the device was inspired by the radar sensors on the back of cars.
Are there future plans for the device?
The device the team developed is a prototype and hopes the final product will be smaller and more user-friendly. They also hope to be able to put the sensors in the user’s shoes or in a hat as opposed to just a belt, as it would better detect overhead objects or tripping hazards.
Dr. Fink said now that this team has successfully created the proof of concept, they will look for funding and possibly join forces with commercial entities to miniaturize and refine the technology.
