Feasibility and Efficacy of Assisstive Tactile and Auditory Communicating Devices

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Visual Impairment

In brief

This pilot study will integrate multi-sensor fusion techniques (software) to effectively combine information obtained from the newly embedded infrared, ultrasound, and stereo-camera-based sensor systems (hardware) that are implemented into the VIS4ION platform. The core of this technology is based on 4 components: (1) a wearable vest with several distinct range and image sensors embedded. These sensors extract pertinent information about obstacles and the environment, which are conveyed to (2) a haptic interface (belt) that communicates this spatial information to the end-user in real-time via an intuitive, ergonomic and personalized vibrotactile re-display along the torso. (3) A smartphone serves as a connectivity gateway and coordinates the core components through WiFi, bluetooth, and/or 4G LTE, (4) a headset that contains both binaural, open-ear, bone conduction speakers (leaving the ear canal patent for ambient sounds) and a microphone for oral communication-based voice recognition during use of a virtual personal assistant (VPA). Blindfolded-sighted, and blind subjects in a real-world, combined obstacle avoidance / navigation task will serve as an independent measure of overall improvements in the system as well as a roadmap for future avenues to enhance performance. Further, a prospective, randomized crossover, controlled, non-blinded phase will be conducted in Thailand as part of this study to compare and evaluate effectiveness of the wearable vest for increasing navigation and quality of life.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03174314

Run by

NYU Langone Health

People needed

120

Starts

2017-07-26

Expected to finish

2024-07-23

Last updated by the study team

2025-05-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• People with visual impairments of all different levels and etiologies.

You may not qualify if…

• Significant cognitive dysfunction (score <24 on Folsteins' Mini Mental Status Examination)
• Previous neurological illness, complicated medical condition;
• Significant mobility restrictions; people using walkers and wheelchairs
• Pregnancy

Where it is running

• New York University School of Medicine — New York, New York, United States
• Mahidol University College of Music, Engineering, Science, Religious Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities — Salaya, Thailand
• Mahidol University International College — Salaya, Thailand
• Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University — Salaya, Thailand

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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