This study evaluates a novel collision warning device to help people with severe vision impairment or blindness avoid collisions with obstacles. The main hypothesis to be tested is that the device reduces the number of collisions with obstacles in everyday activities.
Participants with blindness or severe visual field loss (hemianopia or tunnel vision) will be trained to use a collision warning device that alerts them to impending collisions. Participants will use the device at home during everyday mobility for about 1 month. The device is designed to supplement existing mobility devices, such as a long cane or dog guide. The device will provide warnings about potential collisions with mid- or high-level obstacles (which are typically not detected by a long cane).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
49
The collision warning device is a pocket-sized, electronic system that includes a micro-computer, a clip-on miniature camera, a gyro-sensor, an accelerometer, and a rechargeable battery, all contained within a shoulder bag. It is about the size of a smart phone. When a potential collision is detected by the device it emits a warning to the user, either in the form of an audible beep or a tactile warning through bracelets worn on the wrist. The time to collision will be coded in both the auditory and tactile domains. The device is designed to only give warnings about high risk collisions, so the users will not be continually bombarded by warnings for every potential collision object in the environment.
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Number of Collision Incidents (All Contacts)
Collision incidents recorded by the device in everyday use, including long cane contacts and body contacts with surrounding objects in the environment.
Time frame: During the one-month period of device use
Number of Body Contacts
Collision incidents with body contacts recorded by the device
Time frame: During the one-month period of device use
Device Questionnaire
Questionnaire addressing participants' experiences of using the device. Scores were on a 5-point rating scale (1 to 5) with higher scores representing a better score. Questions were grouped into four main categories: i) overall satisfaction, ii) comfort, iii) mobility benefit, and iv) ease of operation. An average score was computed for questions within each category.
Time frame: During the one-month period of device use
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