Instrumentation System for Blind Mobility Aid Simulation and Evaluation

A computer-linked instrumentation system for studies of blind mobility is described. The system uses mechanical position sensing, and is capable of monitoring the position of a moving subject to within approximately 2.5 cm over a large area (80 m2). This enables the computation of quantitative performance indices based on body trajectory through the environment. Head-mounted mobility aids with auditory displays can be simulated using the system. For this purpose head orientation is monitored, and environmental obstacle positions are stored. Computer-generated signals appropriate to the type of sensory aid under study and to the obstacles present are presented via head-phones to the mobile blind or blindfolded subject.