Here are the articles and research we have found pertaining to the AT devices:

*Thesis Paper: Real-Time 3D Sonar Modeling & Visulization-http://web.nps.navy.mil/~brutzman/vrtp/rra/HollidayRRAthesis.pdf

*Mobile Robot Guidance & Navagation System http://www.google.com/patents?hl=en&1r=&vid=USPAT5165064&id=DykpAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=Sonic+vision

Mann Glasses

Tyflos

-http://www.wright.edu/cgibin/news_item.cgi?663
-http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/news/2004/03/62810/

Researchers at Wright State University have developed a prototype device to help blind individuals “see.” Nikolaos Bourbakis, Ph.D., Ohio Board of Regents Distinguished Professor of Information Technology at Wright State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is the principal investigator. The project is a cooperative venture with Arizona State University (ASU).

“Our object is to develop intelligent assistants that can help blind and visually impaired individuals efficiently conduct daily tasks, such as reading a book or newspaper and efficiently accessing the Web and participating in classes,” explained Bourbakis, who has been involved in computer engineering eye research for 20 years. Tyflos, the Greek word for blind, is the name of the portable, wearable device Bourbakis has developed. The partnering project at ASU is called iLearn. A tiny camera is mounted to glasses and connected by a thin wire to a modified lap-top computer the individual carries on his or her back. The Tyflos system operates by identifying the images “seen” by the camera and converting this to audio information the subject hears from small wires connected from the backpack to the ear. A small microphone is attached for receiving commands or requests from the user.

Bourbakis, who started on this project in 1995, plans to work with the WSU Office of Disability Services to test the device’s capabilities on visually impaired students. In addition, he is working on an extension of the Tyflos system that enables blind individuals to independently navigate their working and living environments. Two future extensions of the Tyflos system will offer writing and drawing assistance that will enable the visually impaired to visually express their artistic talent beyond the usual levels.

“The Tyflos camera captures images from the surroundings, and the portable computer reconstructs the 3D space for motion detection, body tracing, face recognition and moving objects,” explained Bourbakis, who also directs the Information Technology Research Institute and the Assistive Technology Research Laboratory at Wright State.

“This will make it possible for the blind and vision impaired to improve their independent mobility and social interaction, while succeeding in their professional endeavors. It is a great feeling for visually impaired people to make the first call in a conversation, like hi John, rather than waiting for somebody to talk to them. We are using state-of-the-art computer vision and robotics technology that will help the users tremendously in recognizing faces, objects, reading books, surfing the Web and safely navigating in dynamic environments.”

He said the applications of the project are substantial, with an estimated 45 million blind individuals in the world, according to a World Health Report. Funding for the project includes a $1.1 million National Science Foundation grant to ASU and Wright State. This was awarded last fall for four years. For more details on Tyflos, contact Bourbakis at (937) 775-5138 or bourbaki@cs.wright.edu.

The vOICe

Jordy

Soundflash

Kaysonic

*This phrase was coined by Dr. Steven Mann in Toronto, he could be contacted to obtain a through definition.
* Search online search engines for “Digital Vision Defined” or “Definition” or “Explained.” Also search using the following search terms: "wearable computing"; "virtual reality"; "augmented reality"; "mediated reality"; "computer vision"

2. Evidence Based Research

*We are currently in contact with William M. Penrod, Ed.D. (Assistant Professor, University of Louisville, Teacher Preparation Program, Visually Impaired/Blind.) He has completed some research on the K-Sonar Device and will be sending us his completed work in the next few weeks.

3. Information on Assistive Technologies

*Mann Glasses: http://www.eyetap.org/
*Tyflos: http://www.wright.edu/cgibin/news_item.cgi?663
*The vOICe: http://www.seeingwithsound.com/winvoice.htm
*Jordy: http://www.enhancedvision.com/jordy.php
* Hawkeye: http://www.wayfinding.net/whitepaper.htm
*Soundflash: http://www.waftb.org/sonic_echolocation_devices.htm
*Kaysonic: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/dec2000/nf20001211_136.htm

4. How OT fits in with digital vision

* General outline of the conditions OT’s assist with: Can be obtained off of the aota.org

5. Potential research projects that will be done at the university

*Testing of the efficacy of the aforementioned assistive technologies in conjunction with various visual deficits.

* Goals for the Hawkeye Project at SVSU:

1. To build CyberEye vision prosthetic systems 2. To build acoustically enhanced environments that interface with CyberEye units 3. To create an international research lab to design, test, and develop CyberEye systems and associated environmental computer chips 4. To design and develop training strategies and curricular materials to promote the acceptance of the new digital technologies

* Relate the use of digital vision assistive technologies back to the Occupational Therapy Framework Domains and Practice & Nelson’s Model
* Establishment of practitioners who are informed on digital vision solutions for their clients.

7. How will the development of the Digital Vision Lab assist students on campus? (i.e. those registered with Disability Services)

* Provide informational services on low vision and visual impairments
* Provide assistive perception and visual devices for students on campus, helping to enrich their learning experience.

8. How will the development of the Digital Vision Lab augment the college?

* The university will become a leader in digital vision amongst some of the most prestigious universities in the country.
* Positive humanitarian and professional research publicity
* General attraction of students to the college because of their interest in digital vision research

9. What will the development of the Digital Vision Lab add/give to the community?

* SVSU will be a contact for those who have low vision or are visually impaired
* SVSU will be a contact for professionals who work with low vision and visually impaired clients
* Establishing a digital vision lab will allow us to manipulate many sensory variables that would benefit all categories of people with disabilities

10.) What are our resources?

*Compile a list of resources
* Review assistive technology research done (Harvard, McMaster in Toronto, Yale, MIT, Carnegie Melon University, Wright State University in Ohio)
* Contact for funding: governors,

11.) Local optometrist, low vision specialist or physician involvement

*Contact local doctors and medical staff that have an interest in digital vision and becoming a part of the project.
*Dr. Kowalski at the Millet Center should be involved (a low vision specialist, a nurse, and a pediatric optometrist, but she is also a supervisor of Ferris College of Optometry interns)