Audio Based Navigation in the Blind

基于音频的盲人导航

基本信息

批准号：
8212081
负责人：
Lotfi Merabet
金额：
$ 33.91万
依托单位：
MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
财政年份：
2010
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2010-02-01 至 2015-01-31
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/8212081
关键词：
Adult Area Auditory Award Basic Science Behavioral Biological Neural Networks Blindness Child Clinical Cognitive Computer software Computers Cues Destinations Development Effectiveness Environment Evaluation Eye Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Generations Hippocampus (Brain)Human Image Individual Investigative Techniques Knowledge Laboratories Lead Learning Magnetism Maps Methods Motor Neurobiology Neuronal Plasticity Neurosciences Neurosciences Research Occipital lobe Outcome Measure Parietal Participant Performance Phase Physical environment Principal Investigator Process Rehabilitation therapy Relative (related person)Route Scientist Sensory Sensory Process Simulate Structure Task Performances Techniques Testing Time Training Transcranial magnetic stimulation Transference Translating Travel Video Games Vision Visual Visual impairment Visually Impaired Persons base blind career cognitive neuroscience compare effectiveness computer center experience indexing insight interest investigator training neuroimaging neuromechanism novel novel strategies practical application primary outcome relating to nervous system research study skills spatial relationship translational neuroscience virtual way finding

项目摘要

We propose a combined field and laboratory approach investigating cognitive spatial mapping in the blind through virtual navigation and assessing the transference of acquired spatial knowledge in a real-world navigation task. Training and evaluation of navigation performance will be carried out with a user-centered, computer-based navigation software platform called Auditory-based Environment Simulator (AbES). This software was developed to assist in orientation and mobility (O&M) training by introducing a blind user to an unfamiliar environment through immersive virtual navigation. Using auditory spectral cues, a user learns to build a cognitive spatial map of their physical surroundings. In this study, participants will interact with the software and navigate through a simulated virtual environment that represents an actual physical space. In a first phase of the study, we will compare learning and spatial cognitive map development in early and late blind individuals using the software in two different modes: 1) directed navigation of pre-determined routes guided by a facilitator and 2) self-directed (or "open discovery") navigation under the pretext of an exploration-theme video game. The ability to translate acquired spatial information will then be assessed with navigating tasks carried out in the actual physical environment. In a second phase of the study, we will investigate the neural correlates associated with spatial navigation. Using functional magnetic imaging (fMRI), neural networks associated with navigation will be assessed in sighted compared to early and late blind individuals and as a function of overall behavioral performance over time. Secondly, the functional contribution of identified cortical areas will be assessed by reversible cortical disruption using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The results of this study will 1) contribute new insights towards our understanding of the neural mechanisms associated with navigation and 2) develop novel approaches for orientation and navigation training in the blind.

我们提出了一种现场和实验室相结合的方法，通过虚拟导航来研究盲人的认知空间映射，并评估所获得的空间知识在现实世界导航任务中的转移。导航性能的培训和评估将通过一个以用户为中心、基于计算机的导航软件平台（称为基于听觉的环境模拟器（AbES））进行。该软件的开发目的是通过沉浸式虚拟导航将盲人用户引入不熟悉的环境，从而协助定向和移动 (O&M) 培训。使用听觉频谱线索，用户学习构建其物理环境的认知空间地图。在本研究中，参与者将与软件交互并在代表实际物理空间的模拟虚拟环境中导航。在研究的第一阶段，我们将比较早期和晚期盲人在两种不同模式下使用该软件的学习和空间认知图的发展：1）由辅导员引导的预定路线的定向导航，2）自我指导（或“开放发现”）以探索主题视频游戏为借口的导航。然后，将通过在实际物理环境中执行的导航任务来评估转换所获取的空间信息的能力。在研究的第二阶段，我们将研究与空间导航相关的神经相关性。使用功能性磁成像（fMRI），与早期和晚期盲人相比，与导航相关的神经网络将在视力正常的情况下进行评估，并作为随时间推移的整体行为表现的函数。其次，将使用经颅磁刺激（TMS）通过可逆皮质破坏来评估已识别皮质区域的功能贡献。这项研究的结果将：1）为我们理解与导航相关的神经机制提供新的见解；2）开发盲人定向和导航训练的新方法。