Introduction to Augmented Reality for Low Vision
Despite barriers in technology and design, there’s a future for using augmented reality as assistive technology in individuals with low vision. A study published in Optics Express found that 3D world-locked augmented reality visual cues were more helpful than directional heads-up cues when navigating obstacles.
The Study
The study utilized a HoloLens 2 headset and a Unity engine to develop a prototype AR application with visual navigation cues. The application was tested on 20 individuals with moderate visual impairment, who navigated a 15-meter-long obstacle course. The visual cues included 3D world-locked cues that highlighted obstacles when a user was inside 5 meters, in addition to directional heads-up cues that identified obstacles with virtual indicator bars.
Results
Researchers found that 3D world-locked visual cues were preferred by participants and fewer disruptive to walking speed in comparison with directional heads-up cues. In the post-study user experience survey, world-locked cues received high rankings for confidence, obstacle location, and obstacle size. Conversely, heads-up cues received low rankings for these categories. Additionally, 60% of participants said they preferred world-locked visual cues at the tip of the experiment.
Perspective on Augmented Reality
The utilization of AR systems has drastically increased in recent times because the technology has turn out to be more available. AR systems can boost visibility of objects in an environment and will assist individuals with low vision. However, there are still several limitations that must be addressed to make the technology fully usable. These limitations include difficulties with using the AR headset, overwhelming information from multiple cues, and slow processing speeds.
Challenges and Future Directions
While the concept of AR systems in low vision has significant potential to affect a wide range of visually impaired patients, there are substantial technological advancements needed to bring this idea to reality. Future research should deal with examinations of visual cues for moving obstacles, comparisons of various environmental scanning technology, assessments of eye tracking and gaze-mediated interactions, and explorations of various sorts of environments.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates the potential of augmented reality as assistive technology for people with low vision. Although there are challenges to be addressed, using 3D world-locked visual cues shows promise in improving navigation and obstacle avoidance. As technology continues to advance, it is probably going that AR systems will turn out to be a worthwhile tool for people with low vision, enhancing their quality of life and independence.
