Feel-Beyond-Fingers device for the Blind

盲人用手指以外的感觉装置

• 批准号: 6792876
• 负责人: PHILIP R SCHAEFER
• 金额: $ 9.85万
• 依托单位: VORTANT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-05-01 至 2006-04-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/6792876
• 关键词: bioengineering /biomedical engineering; biomedical equipment development; blind aid; clinical biomedical equipment; clinical research; fingers; focus groups; human subject; infrared radiation; miniature biomedical equipment; patient oriented research; touch

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This SBIR project will create a miniature, non-intrusive device for blind individuals, to in effect, extend the sense of touch beyond the fingertips to several feet away. The device will be most useful for newly or completely blind individuals, and its utility will be most profound for locating and manipulating nearby objects, such as utensils and fixtures, especially in unfamiliar, hazardous, or unsanitary environments. Making use of an innovative infrared distance sensing technology, the Feel-Beyond-Fingers device has several significant advantages: it will be much smaller than most orientation and mobility devices, fitting within a wristband; it will not interfere with the use of either hand; it is specifically targeted to the needs of sensing at arms' length and beyond, and will be constructed entirely of very low-cost, mass-produced components. The Phase 1 project will begin with a Focus Group activity, including blind and visually impaired users. This activity will identify potential barriers to acceptance, and clearly identify user requirements. After mechanical and electronics development, a proof of concept device will be fabricated and tested. A group of visually impaired participants will be trained to use the device. Objective performance effects analysis will be performed. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative measurement of user opinions and feelings will be measured to establish feasibility of the device.

描述（由申请人提供）：这个SBIR项目将为盲人创建一个微型的，无侵入的设备，实际上将触摸感超越指尖将其扩展到几英尺之外。该设备对于新或完全盲人的个人最有用，其效用对于定位和操纵附近物体（例如餐具和固定装置），尤其是在陌生，危险或不卫生的环境中最深刻。 Feel-Beyond-Fingers设备利用创新的红外距离传感技术具有多个重要优势：它将比大多数方向和移动设备小得多，适合腕带；它不会干扰两只手的使用；它是针对在武器长度及以后进行感测的需求的，并且将完全由非常低成本的批量生产组件构建。 第1阶段项目将从焦点小组活动开始，包括盲人和视力障碍用户。该活动将确定接受的潜在障碍，并清楚地确定用户要求。机械和电子开发后，将制造和测试概念设备的证明。一组视觉障碍的参与者将接受培训以使用该设备。将进行客观性能效应分析。此外，将测量对用户意见和感觉的定性和定量测量，以确定设备的可行性。