Computer-Based System for Simulating Visual Impairments

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the design, development, and preliminary evaluation of a computer-based system capable of simulating the consequences of several eye diseases in human vision. The system consists of a video camera, a computer, and a virtual reality (VR) helmet. Real-time image processing techniques are applied to the camera's video signal and the result is projected on the VR helmet. Upon the use of filters or masks, users can experience eye pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hemianopsia, retinitis pigmentosa, among others. The system was evaluated by normally sighted in tasks such as reading and mobility. Results obtained allowed users to develop a greater awareness of the nature of visual impairments. The system is also intended to be used as a technological platform for testing assistive devices for visually impaired people.

KEYWORDS:

• Eye diseases
• Human vision
• Real-time digital image and video processing
• Simulator
• Visual impairment
• Wearable system

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ramiro Velázquez

Ramiro Velázquez received the Engineering degree in electronics from Universidad Bonaterra (Mexico) in 1999, the MSc degree in control systems from INSA-Lyon, France, in 2000, and the PhD degree in robotics from Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France, in 2006.

Since 2006, he is an associate professor at Universidad Panamericana, Mexico, where he is currently the head of the Mechatronics and Control Systems (MCS) Lab and the dean of the Faculty of Engineering. He is a member of IEEE and member of the Mexican National Systems of Researchers (SNI-Level I). His current research interests are assistive technologies, mechatronic systems, and human–computer interaction.

E-mail: [email protected]

Jorge Varona

Jorge Varona received the BEng degree from Universidad Panamericana-Bonaterra in 1999, the MSc degree from the University of Toronto in 2002, and the PhD degree from the State University of Morelos (UAEM) in 2009, all in electrical engineering. His professional experience and research interests are in the areas of VLSI integrated circuits and MEMS. He has been a design engineer for Tecno-Ingeniería Aplicada, Texas Instruments, and Snowbush Microelectronics. He is currently an adjunct professor at Universidad Panamericana, and is also with Semtech Corporation. Dr Varona has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of the Mexican Microsystems Consortium (CMM), is a member of the Mexican National System of Researchers (SNI-Level I), and a senior member of the IEEE.

E-mail: [email protected]

Pedro Rodrigo

Pedro Rodrigo received the MSc degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Navarra, Spain, in 1998 and the PhD degree in electronic engineering from Universidad de Jaén, Spain, in 2013. From 2009 to 2014, he was a research assistant with the Center of Advanced Studies in Energy and Environment (CEAEMA) and with the Solar Energy and Automation Research & Development Group (IDEA), Universidad de Jaén. Since 2014, he has been a researcher at the Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Panamericana (Mexico). His current research interest includes the characterization of concentrator photovoltaic modules and systems.

E-mail: [email protected]