一种基于可穿戴器件触觉感知信息的盲人虚拟视觉导航系统

Objective More than 200 million people are visually impaired or blind worldwide. Artificial vision system has been widely studied for a long time. There are two main technical paths for the research of artificial vision system, the first is implantable artificial vision device, and the second is non-implantable and wearable device. This study demonstrates a non-implantable system prototype based on a wearable touch-vision device designed for the head that can help blind people and visually impaired people complete complex tasks in life such as walking. Methods The image information front of the subjects is collected, and transmitted wirelessly to the operator. After analyzed and processed, it is wirelessly transmitted to wearable devices such as headgears in the form of tactile coding to trigger the multi-point head tactile sensation, thus the subject's information or precise action instructions is obtained. The system also assists the subjects with voice information, allowing them to learn more about road conditions and environmental information. Results 5 healthy volunteers (2 males and 3 females) and 1 young blind person (male) were tested with the prototype. The results show that, the prototype makes full use of the head's natural distinguishing ability for directions including front, back, left and right, and quick response ability to the touch, and the prototype can send clear instructions such as going straight, adjusting to the left or right, and turning. The test showed that the response time of subjects to tactile commands was within 0.5 s, and the mean value of the standard deviation of the deviation of walking for about 7 m is reduced to (16± 10) cm compared with the case without wearing the device. Conclusion Experimental results show that the system can provide environmental image information in a concealed and accurate manner, and help visually impaired people complete daily activities such as walking, avoiding obstacles, going up steps, entering cafes and other public places, fetching objects on the table, which meets expectations of assisting blind people improve their quality of life. In the future, the prototype system will be further improved, especially miniaturization and smart chip. The tactile devices are made into neck rings, belts, bracelets, foot rings, etc., which will be widely used in a variety of work scenarios such as travel assistance for the blind, night field trips, and deep sea diving.