Communications of the ACM
AR Glasses May Help People with Low Vision Better Navigate Their Environment
New augmented reality glasses could enhance mobility and function in patients who have difficulty with peripheral vision or seeing in low light, according to researchers.
Credit: Scott Song/USC Roski Eye Institute
A study by University of Southern California (USC) researchers found adapted augmented reality (AR) eyewear can improve mobility and grasp performance in people with the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa.
USC's Mark Humayun said the AR-augmented glasses used in the research were modified to project bright colors onto users' retinas, corresponding to nearby objects, as they navigated an obstacle course.
Study subjects, who all had retinitis pigmentosa, averaged 50% fewer collisions when wearing the AR glasses.
Participants also were asked to grasp a wooden peg against a black background, located behind four other wooden pegs, without touching the front items; their grasp performance improved 70% when wearing the AR glasses.
Said USC's Anastasios N. Angelopoulos, "Through the use of AR, we aim to improve the quality of life for low-vision patients by increasing their confidence in performing basic tasks, ultimately allowing them to live more independent lives."
From USC Viterbi News
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Abstracts Copyright © 2019 SmithBucklin, Washington, DC, USA
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