Non-visual virtual interaction: Can Sensory Substitution generically increase the accessibility of Graphical virtual reality to the blind?

Shachar Maidenbaum, Amir Amedi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Most of the content of Graphical virtual environments is currently visual, severely limiting their accessibility to the blind population. While several steps improving this situation have been made in recent years they are mainly environment specific and there is still much more to be done. This is especially unfortunate as VR holds great potential for the blind, e.g., for safe orientation and learning. We suggest in this position paper that Visual-to-audio Sensory Substitution Devices (SSDs) can potentially increase their accessibility generically fashion by sonifying the on-screen content regardless of the specific environment while allowing the user to capitalize upon his experience from other use of the device such as in the real world. We will demonstrate the potential of this approach using several recent examples from literature and from our own work.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 3rd IEEE VR International Workshop on Virtual and Augmented Assistive Technology, VAAT 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages15-17
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781467365185
DOIs
StatePublished - 13 Jul 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event3rd IEEE VR International Workshop on Virtual and Augmented Assistive Technology, VAAT 2015 - Arles, France
Duration: 23 Mar 2015 → …

Publication series

Name2015 3rd IEEE VR International Workshop on Virtual and Augmented Assistive Technology, VAAT 2015

Conference

Conference3rd IEEE VR International Workshop on Virtual and Augmented Assistive Technology, VAAT 2015
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityArles
Period23/03/15 → …

Keywords

  • Accessibility
  • Sensory substitution
  • Universal access
  • Virtual reality
  • blind

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Human-Computer Interaction

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