A Study on Improvement of Assistive Device for Low Vision: Focused on the Use of Smart Assistive Device and Mobile Application

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ickpyo Oh ◽  
Ahreum Baek ◽  
Jina Kwon ◽  
Hongjin Park ◽  
Sangok Sohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Assistive Device

A Survey on the Use of Mobile Applications for People who Are Visually Impaired

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Griffin-Shirley ◽  
Devender R. Banda ◽  
Paul M. Ajuwon ◽  
Jongpil Cheon ◽  
Jaehoon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Adult Group ◽  
Preliminary Information ◽  
Old Adult ◽  
Middle Aged Adult

Introduction The literature indicates that few studies have been conducted with persons with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) concerning mobile application or “app” usage. The current study explores the use of mobile apps with this population globally. Methods A total of 259 participants with visual impairments completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate tests were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and mobile app use. Results The participants rated special apps as useful (95.4%) and accessible (91.1%) tools for individuals with visual impairments. More than 90% of the middle-aged adult group strongly agreed with the practicality of special apps, a significantly higher percentage than was observed in the young and old adult groups. In addition, the participants with low vision considered special apps less accessible than did those with blindness (p < .05). Discussion Results show that persons with visual impairments frequently use apps specifically designed for them to accomplish daily activities. Furthermore, this population is satisfied with mobile apps and would like to see improvements and new apps. Implications for practitioners Developers of apps for individuals with visual impairments need to refine and test the existing apps. Practitioners need to be knowledgeable about app usage so they can provide effective instruction to their students or clients. This study provides preliminary information regarding app usage among persons with visual impairments.

Mobile Text Reader for People with Low Vision

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teng Ren Sin ◽  
Eileen Su Lee Ming ◽  
Yeong Che Fai ◽  
Ong Jian Fu ◽  
Sim Yang Shane
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Character Recognition ◽  
Optical Character Recognition ◽  
Reading Ability ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Image Stitching ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Composite Image ◽  
Text Information ◽  
Screen Magnifier

People with low vision have visual acuity less than 6/18 and at least 3/60 in the better eye, with correction. The limited vision requires them to enhance their reading ability using magnifying glass or electronic screen magnifier. However, people with severe low vision have difficulty and suffer fatigue from using such assistive tool. This paper presents the development of a mobile text reader dedicated for people with low vision. The mobile text reader is developed as a mobile application that allows user to capture an image of texts and then translate the texts into audio format. One main contribution of this work compared to typical optical character recognition (OCR) engines or text-to-speech engines is the addition of image stitching feature. The image stitching feature can produce one single image from multiple poorly aligned images, and is integrated into the process of image acquisition. Either single or composite image is subsequently uploaded to a cloud-based OCR engine for robust character recognition. Eventually, a text-to-speech (TTS) synthesizer reproduces the word recognized in a natural-sounding speech. The whole series of computation is implemented as a mobile application to be run from a smartphone, allowing the visual impaired to access text information independently. 

Wearable optical-digital assistive device for low vision students

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris I. Afinogenov ◽  
James. B. Coles ◽  
Sailashri Parthasarathy ◽  
Jessica Press-Williams ◽  
Ralina Tsykunova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Vision ◽  
Assistive Device

scholarly journals EVALUATION MODEL FOR LOW VISION USERS IN MOBILE APPLICATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-441
Author(s):  
Ahlam Mohamed Elmghirbia ◽  
Azham Hussain ◽  
Nur Hani Zulkifli
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Usability Evaluation ◽  
Domain Experts ◽  
Usability Problems ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Usability Requirements ◽  
Application Developers

This paper aims to discuss the usability evaluation model for mobile applications used by low vision users. Low vision users have difficulties using mobile applications due to limited view, bright sunshine, small text, and other reasons. This type of user uses mobile applications designed for users with normal vision, and they have many difficulties in reading, accessing, and understanding. Therefore, this paper provides a mobile application usability evaluation model for this type of user, and the proposed model includes usability measures that fulfill their usability requirements. This study employed a systematic review of previous research on good practices and requirements for low vision users to use mobile applications. Also, the new model was evaluated by the domain experts through a focus group session. This model aims to support the development of a mobile application that low vision users can use, which has not been supported in previous studies since it guides mobile application developers to develop mobile applications that fulfill low vision users' usability requirements. It also helps to identify usability problems in the current mobile applications for this type of user. This study will benefit low vision people in using mobile applications effectively, easily, and comfortably.

The Effect of the Usage of Computer-Based Assistive Devices on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Individuals who are Blind or have low Vision

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yotam Rosner ◽  
Amotz Perlman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Microsoft Word ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons ◽  
E Mail

Introduction The Israel Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services subsidizes computer-based assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) to assist these individuals in their interactions with computers and thus to enhance their independence and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of computer usage on the quality of life of computer-based assistive device users, and to evaluate their capacity to carry out computer-based tasks. Methods The study was conducted between the years 2013 and 2015. Questionnaires were provided to 96 randomly sampled individuals with visual impairments. These questionnaires were designed to collect information about the quality of life, types and frequency of computer use, satisfaction with the assistive devices, and the effects of computer-based assistive device usage on the participants’ lives. In addition, the study evaluated participants’ performance in tasks such as e-mail use, Internet surfing, and the use of Microsoft Word; participants performed these tasks on their personal computers. The research sample accounts for about 10% of visually impaired persons in Israel. Results Findings suggest that participants use computer-based assistive devices frequently (four hours a day on average), primarily for leisure (three hours on average). Participants also report high satisfaction with their devices (mean of 3.98 out of the maximum score of 5.00) and indicate that the devices have improved their quality of life (mean 3.67 out of 5.00) and leisure activities (mean 3.68 out of 5.00). Participants display high levels of task performance, especially in the use of Microsoft Word software (mean of 3.47 out of 5.00), and e-mail usage (mean of 3.81 out of 5.00). Discussion The findings suggest that most participants use computer-based assistive devices daily and report a positive influence from them on their quality of life and activity. Implications for practitioners The study suggests that welfare services and assistance organizations would benefit from subsidizing computer assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments.

scholarly journals Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon Sensors to Document Handheld Magnifier Use at Home by People with Low Vision

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 7065
Author(s):  
Ava K. Bittner ◽  
Max Estabrook ◽  
Niki Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Bluetooth Low Energy ◽  
Motion Data ◽  
Increased Temperature ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Total Magnitude ◽  
End Times ◽  
At Home

We explored the feasibility of using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacon sensors to determine when individuals with low vision (LV) use handheld magnifiers at home. Knowing the frequency and duration of magnifier use would be helpful to document increased magnifier use after successful rehabilitation training, or conversely, to know when someone has abandoned a magnifier and requires assistance. Estimote Sticker BLE beacon sensors were attached to the handles of optical handheld magnifiers and dispensed to eight LV subjects to use at home. Temperature and motion data from the BLE beacon sensors were collected every second by a custom mobile application on a nearby smartphone and transmitted to a secure database server. Subjects noted the date and start/end times of their magnifier use in a diary log. Each of the 99 diary-logged self-reports of magnifier use across subjects was associated with BLE beacon sensor recordings of motion (mean 407 instances; SD 365) and increased temperature (mean 0.20 °C per minute; SD 0.16 °C) (mean total magnitude 5.4 °C; SD 2.6 °C). Diary-logged duration of magnifier use (mean 42 min; SD 24) was significantly correlated with instances of motion (p < 0.001) and rate of temperature increase (p < 0.001) recorded by the BLE beacon sensors. The BLE beacon sensors reliably detected meaningfully increased temperature, coupled with numerous instances of motion, when magnifiers were used for typical reading tasks at home by people with LV.

Toward Accessible Mobile Application Development for Users with Low Vision

2020 ◽  
pp. 236-241
Author(s):  
Patricia Acosta-Vargas ◽  
Luis Serrano-Costales ◽  
Luis Salvador-Ullauri ◽  
Isabel I. Nunes ◽  
Mario Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Mobile Application Development

The environmental factors that influence technology adoption for older adults with age-related vision loss

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (8) ◽  
pp. 493-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen McGrath ◽  
Ann Marie Corrado
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Assessment Activity

IntroductionWith the increasing proportion of older adults aging with vision loss, low-vision assistive devices can help to support occupational engagement; however, such devices are grossly underused among this population. The overarching purpose of this project was to examine the environmental factors that influence technology adoption for older adults with age-related vision loss.MethodsA one-day workshop, which utilized a variety of hands-on methods including Show & Tell, Technology Interaction, and an “App” Assessment activity, was conducted. A total of 19 participants attended the workshop, including 10 older adults with age-related vision loss, six caregivers, one healthcare provider, and two technology industry professionals.ResultsA total of four themes emerged, including: (1) making life harder; (2) relying on support networks; (3) factoring in the pragmatics; and (4) not me, not yet. These themes illustrate the various ways that environmental factors, including physical, social, cultural, and institutional/political factors, influence decision-making regarding technology adoption by older adults with age-related vision loss.ConclusionThis paper demonstrates several environmental factors that influence low-vision assistive device adoption among older adults with age-related vision loss. With their holistic view of clients, including an appreciation for environmental influences, occupational therapists are well positioned to help identify those environmental barriers limiting low-vision assistive device adoption and use.

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