title: Visual task performance in the blind with the BrainPort V100 Vision Aid.
abstract: The BrainPort® V100 Vision Aid is a non-invasive assistive device for the blind based on sensory substitution. The device translates camera images into electrotactile stimuli delivered to the tongue. The BrainPort has recently received the CE mark and FDA approval and it is currently marketed to augment, rather than replace, the traditional assistive technologies such as the white cane or guide dog. Areas covered: In this work, we will review the functional studies performed to date with the BrainPort and we will highlight the critical factors that determine device performance, including the technology behind the BrainPort, the impediments to assessing device performance, and the impact of device training and rehabilitation. Expert commentary: The BrainPort enables blind people to perceive light, identify simple objects, recognize short words, localize simple objects, and detect motion and orientation of objects. To achieve this, proper rehabilitation and training regimes are crucial.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Leiden University Medical Centre , Leiden , The Netherlands.|b Smart Vision Systems Research Group, Data61 , CSIRO , Canberra , Australia.|c Department of Neuroscience , The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University , Canberra , Australia.
authors.forename: H Christiaan
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Stronks
authors.affiliation: d Department of Ophthalmology , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.|e Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Ellen B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: f Korb & Associates , Boston , MA , USA.
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Nau
authors.affiliation: b Smart Vision Systems Research Group, Data61 , CSIRO , Canberra , Australia.|g Research School of Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science , Australian National University , Canberra , Australia.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D001766:Blindness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014110:Touch; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D057488:Visual Prosthesis
keywords: Sensory substitution; assistive technology; blindness; electrotactile stimulation; low vision; low-vision aid; psychophysics; rehabilitation; tongue display unit; ultra-low vision