Exploration assistant tool for visually impaired users in virtual environments

This technology is a navigation tool that creates a grid to easily map virtual environments to aid blind and visually impaired users in virtual environments.

Unmet Need: Accessible virtual environment exploration for visually impaired users

While virtual reality systems such as those found in video games have improved immensely in the past few years, methods to make virtual environments more accessible to blind and low vision users are limited. Most systems do not contain the appropriate accessibility tools to capture the exploration aspect of the virtual environment. As such, current accessibility tools do not accurately replicate the experience of exploring a 3D environment.

The Technology: Navigation tool for improving visually impaired user accessibility in virtual environments

This technology, named Exploration Assistant (EA), is a navigation tool for assisted exploration of virtual 3D environments by blind and low vision users. The EA builds a 2D grid of the virtual environment and assigns states to each element, thus enabling the user to differentiate between walls and other objects, and providing information to the user about whether an area has been explored yet. The method also provides users with the ability to explore the 3D environment instead of simply informing them of next steps.

Applications:

• Accessibility tool for video games and virtual reality systems
• Real-world navigation aid for blind and low vision users such as at train stations, airports, museums
• Research tool for studying perception and response to environmental objects

Advantages:

• Provides users with information about the entire environment
• Advances state-of-the-art in environment exploration by more closely replicating the experience
• Provides users with independence in how they explore their environment

Lead Inventor:

Brian Smith, Ph.D.

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23083

• Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel