Wearable optical device for the visually impaired in the classroom

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i9.7623

Keywords:

Low vision; Rehabilitation; Wearable devices; Smartphone application; Medical device.

Abstract

Low vision is characterized by visual impairment even after treatment or medical correction, causing a number of impacts on the life of individuals. Thus, the use of assistive devices is essential to mitigate the effects of visual loss. Most of the different optical devices currently available are costly, which hinders their acquisition. The present study aimed at creating a wearable optical device for low vision, using low-cost 3D impression technologies. This is a descriptive experimental study, divided into 7 stages: ideation and creation, 3D modeling, 3D printing of structural parts, development of an original application, assembly, tests and calibration. During the first 3 stages, we created a head support onto which a smartphone could be attached as well as an image transmission and capturing module. Next, an application was developed to send the module images to the smartphone. Finally, the ensemble was calibrated with the help of a volunteer with low vision. A functional wearable optical device was developed in the form of an MVP (minimum viable product), which underwent tests and a number of functionality adjustments. The study resulted in the creation of an MVP that will be perfected through industrial modifications. However, the authors of this study are in the process of validating the device for use in subjects with low vision.

Author Biographies

André Fiel Borges, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Acadêmico do curso de medicina e aluno de iniciação científica

Judson Ferreira dos Santos Junior, Universidade Potiguar

Acadêmico do curso de medicina e aluno de iniciação científica

Leticia Oliveira Sousa, Universidade Potiguar

Acadêmica do curso de medicina e aluna de iniciação científica

Renan Cavalcante Souza, Universidade Potiguar

Acadêmico do curso de medicina e aluno de iniciação científica

Rafael Cavalcante Duarte Galvão, Universidade Potiguar

Acadêmico do urso de medicina e aluno de iniciação científica

Vinícius Campos Tinoco Ribeiro, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Instituto Metrópole Digital - UFRN

Vitor Rodrigues Greati, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Instituto Metrópole Digital - UFRN

Ivanovitch Medeiros Dantas da Silva, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Professor Dedicação Exclusiva do Instituto Metrópole Digital (UFRN)

Francisco Irochima Pinheiro, UnP

Professor do Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (UnP)

Professor Adjunto da Disciplina de Oftalmologia (UFRN)

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Published

13/09/2020

How to Cite

BORGES, A. F. .; SANTOS JUNIOR, J. F. dos .; SOUSA, L. O. .; SOUZA, R. C.; GALVÃO, R. C. D. .; RIBEIRO, V. C. T. .; GREATI, V. R. .; SILVA, I. M. D. da .; PINHEIRO, F. I. Wearable optical device for the visually impaired in the classroom. Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 9, n. 9, p. e930997623, 2020. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v9i9.7623. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/7623. Acesso em: 19 apr. 2024.

Issue

Section

Health Sciences