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Blind Orientation and Mobility Training using Simulated Environment Audio

Award Information
Agency: Department of Education
Branch: N/A
Contract: H133S120034
Agency Tracking Number: H133S120034
Amount: $75,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 84.133S-1
Solicitation Number: 1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-07-12
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
95 7th Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413-
United States
DUNS: 964564731
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John  Condon
 (612) 251-6560
 jcondon@ieee.org
Business Contact
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This project develops a Virtual Reality Audio Simulator to enable the development of orientation and navigation skills for individuals who are blind. The simulator allows young adults undergoing orientation and mobility training to explore a virtual model of a realistic 3-D environment via auditory feedback. To create a fully immersive and interactive environment, the user wears headphones with head-orientation tracking sensors. As the user moves their head, the auditory feedback adjusts in real time. The virtual space offers a fun, yet challenging platform to gain spatial skills and develop cognitive mapping techniques. Virtual reality simulators and audio games offer new tools for those with visual impairments to acquire spatial knowledge. In addition to facilitating learning of basic spatial skills, the virtual simulator allows off-line learning of unfamiliar spaces and the simulation of rehearsal of routes based on maps and building layouts available online.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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