SBIR Phase I: Viability of a Sensory Substitution Device Giving Blind Users Sight Through Sound

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目旨在确定一种感官替代设备的商业可行性，该设备通过将可穿戴式相机的图像转换为声音，使盲人用户能够用声音看东西。需要调查的一个方面是，所提出的设备在盲人用户的日常生活中是否有用和有效。另一个方面是确定盲人用户学习解释声音的难易程度。与这两者相关的另一个目标是开发一种培训课程，使学习解释声音和在日常生活中使用设备变得尽可能容易。这项研究的更广泛的影响是盲人的康复，使他们能够以其他方式与环境互动-识别和定位远处的物体，并能够在不接触或撞到物体的环境中导航。预计该设备可以增强盲人的个人自由和独立性，使他们能够参与更广泛的活动，并增强他们与社会其他方面的融合和互动。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to determine the commercial viability of a sensory substitution device that enables blind users to "see with sound" by transforming images from a wearable camera into sounds. One aspect to be investigated is whether or not the proposed device is useful and effective in the daily life of blind users. Another aspect is to determine the ease with which blind users can learn to interpret the sounds. Related to both, another goal is to develop a training curriculum that makes learning to interpret the sounds and use the device in daily life as easy as possible.The broader impact of this research is the rehabilitation of the blind, enabling them to interact with their environment in ways that are otherwise impossible - recognizing and localizing objects at a distance, and being able to navigate in an environment without touching or bumping in to things. It is anticipated that the device can enhance the personal freedom and independence of the blind, enabling them to engage in a larger spectrum of activities, and empowering their integration and interaction with the rest of society.