Thermal imaging aid for the blind.
To explore the efficacy of using a far infrared thermal camera with a haptic display to assist blind people in identifying humans, we performed experiments with a prototype device on five low-vision (functionally blind) subjects. Infrared allows for easy detection of human shape due to typically high contrast in temperatures from a person against their surrounding environment. Infrared cameras can be made small and inexpensive with uncooled microbolometer technology. Our study showed a great willingness by the blind subjects to use such a device after a short training session and both successful and unsuccessful operation. Future work will further develop the technology and undertake more expansive testing.
Hedin
D S
DS
Adv. Med. Electron., Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA. dhedin@ame-corp.com
Seifert
G J
GJ
Dagnelie
G
G
Havey
G D
GD
Knuesel
R J
RJ
Gibson
P L
PL
D001766:Blindness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008954:Models, Biological; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D013817:Thermography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception