Ambientes virtuais para auxiliar o desenvolvimetno da cognição espacial em cegos: uma abordagem com interação natural

Abstract

The inability to navigate independently is one of the most significant handicaps due by blindness. Many difficulties can be faced when visually impaired people (VIP) need to visit new and unknown places. Our approach is to use locomotion simulation interface to allow a natural exploration way of virtual environment (VE) to assist VIP to create cognitive maps efficiently, and thereby to enhance their mobility skill. A computer system, called SACEC Assist System Spatial Cognition in the Blind, was developed using virtual reality techniques and natural interaction. The system allows the modeling of two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual environments, and it is possible to reproduce actual environments such as schools, universities and others points of interest. The interaction with the virtual environment is based on the recognition of poses, which are interpreted as actions such as walking, turning, or front and side touch, and feedback sounds are sent to user. In order to review and validation of the developed system and the proposed interface tests are performed with actual VIPs, men and women aged from 18 to 60 years. A result shows the effectiveness of the SACEC in developing cognitive map of the simulated environment, as well the positive feedback shows that the system can be entertaining and pleasant to the participants. Therefore, SACEC has a great potential to be used in aid to Orientation and Mobility (OM) trainings, and thus contribute to greater social inclusion of those people.