Lin Wang1, Liancheng Yang, Gislin Dagnelie. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. linwang@alum.wustl.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess virtual maze navigation performance with simulated prosthetic vision in gaze-locked viewing, under the conditions of varying luminance contrast, background noise, and phosphene dropout. METHODS: Four normally sighted subjects performed virtual maze navigation using simulated prosthetic vision in gaze-locked viewing, under five conditions of luminance contrast, background noise, and phosphene dropout. Navigation performance was measured as the time required to traverse a 10-room maze using a game controller, and the number of errors made during the trip. RESULTS: Navigation performance time (1) became stable after 6 to 10 trials, (2) remained similar on average at luminance contrast of 68% and 16% but had greater variation at 16%, (3) was not significantly affected by background noise, and (4) increased by 40% when 30% of phosphenes were removed. Navigation performance time and number of errors were significantly and positively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that the simulated gaze-locked viewing conditions are extended to implant wearers, such prosthetic vision can be helpful for wayfinding in simple mobility tasks, though phosphene dropout may interfere with performance.
PURPOSE: To assess virtual maze navigation performance with simulated prosthetic vision in gaze-locked viewing, under the conditions of varying luminance contrast, background noise, and phosphene dropout. METHODS: Four normally sighted subjects performed virtual maze navigation using simulated prosthetic vision in gaze-locked viewing, under five conditions of luminance contrast, background noise, and phosphene dropout. Navigation performance was measured as the time required to traverse a 10-room maze using a game controller, and the number of errors made during the trip. RESULTS: Navigation performance time (1) became stable after 6 to 10 trials, (2) remained similar on average at luminance contrast of 68% and 16% but had greater variation at 16%, (3) was not significantly affected by background noise, and (4) increased by 40% when 30% of phosphenes were removed. Navigation performance time and number of errors were significantly and positively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that the simulated gaze-locked viewing conditions are extended to implant wearers, such prosthetic vision can be helpful for wayfinding in simple mobility tasks, though phosphene dropout may interfere with performance.
Authors: Manjunatha Mahadevappa; James D Weiland; Douglas Yanai; Ione Fine; Robert J Greenberg; Mark S Humayun Journal: IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 3.802