Clinical Trial: Computer Vision System for the Blind Veteran

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Computer Vision System for the Blind Veteran

Brief Summary: This is a feasibility study involving a small number of blind subject to evaluate the effectiveness of using a software and associated hardware components to assist the blind in identifying and locating objects of interests and to assist in way finding tasks. After the system has been successfully tested by the blindfolded engineers, it will be evaluated in a small number of blind subjects.

Detailed Summary: This is primarily an engineering project to develop computer vision algorithms for an integrated system comprising of a laptop computer, webcam, gps, digital compass, microphone, and stereo earphones. The system will be voice controlled. The algorithm will be trained to identify and located objects and navigationally landmarks in real-time, previously selected by sighted developers. After the system has passed objective engineering milestones, blind subjects will be tested to determine whether the novel system will improve the ability of the blind to travel over a test course in a hospital setting.
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Current Primary Outcome: Frequency of Device Failures Per Attempt to Complete a Navigation Course [ Time Frame: The subject is given as much time as needed to complete the task ]

device failures were defined as any failure to provide correct location and direction information at thre appropriate time, resulting in a mistake that needed the initial prototype's ability to meet their travel needs at a good to excellent range.


Original Primary Outcome: time to complete a task (locate an object or to navigate to a door) [ Time Frame: effectiveness for locating objects will be determined after 2 years. effectiveness for navigation after 3 years. ]

Current Secondary Outcome: Ability to Meet the Subjective Travel Needs of the Blind Subject [ Time Frame: no time limit ]

This is a subjective rating that incorporates user friendliness of the system and the specific needs of the subject. The subject is asked to rate whether the device meets his or her travel needs on a 1 to 7 scale with 1 being excellent and 7 being very poor.


Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: VA Office of Research and Development

Dates:
Date Received: June 11, 2009
Date Started: November 2011
Date Completion:
Last Updated: December 18, 2015
Last Verified: December 2015