BrainPort® Vision Device: Updates
Marshall Flax1, Aimee Arnoldussen2
1Wisconsin
Background
Training
Orientation and Mobility
A training program is used by a sighted trainer to
teach the skills needed for effective use of the
device. The training program progresses from
simple to more complex activities and includes
proficiency assessments of acquired
skills. Results of the proficiency assessments
are used to pace the progression of training
activities to a rate appropriate for an individual
user.
Who are appropriate candidates?
The technology works best for individuals who
have no useful vision (light perception or no light
perception), have already completed traditional
blind rehabilitation programs, and are committed
to training and practice.
Orientation & Mobility: Hallway Signs
100
ID: Passed
Time: Passed
ID: Passed
Time: Passed
ID: Passed
Time: Passed
ID: Passed
Time: Passed
ID: Passed
Time: Passed
ID: Passed
Time: Failed
90
What does stimulation feel like?
Electrical stimulation can best be described as
sparkling water or vibrations on the tongue. The
user controls the strength of the signal to
maintain a comfortable sensation.
ID: Passed
Time: Failed
80
Success Threshold
7/9 subjects passed identification
5/9 passed the time limit
70
ID: Failed
Time: Failed
60
50
ID: Failed
Time: Failed
40
30
20
10
0
KP
Object Recognition
Three objects were placed
on a table and subjects
were asked to identify and
touch the requested item
across 10 trials.
Nine profoundly blind subjects participated
ranging in age from 27-63. The etiologies of
vision impairment included ROP, diabetic
retinopathy, LCA, RP and cancer. All subjects
were unable to perform a computerized acuity
test (FrACT) with only residual eye-based vision.
n=9
100
90
80
Percent Correct
There was no limit to the duration of a subject’s
prior exposure to BrainPort vision device
technology. Four subjects had prior BrainPort
exposure (between 3 months and 2 years since
prior exposure), five subjects were new.
Object Recognition
70
Success Threshold
9/9 subjects passed
60
Success Threshold
9/9 subjects passed
50
40
Summary
Is this vision?
It is more like a 400 point refreshable Braille
display from which the user learns to interpret
the bubble-like patterns on their tongue as
representative of objects in their surroundings.
Five signs were placed
in a 15 foot hallway
and subjects were
asked to find and touch
the target sign across
five signs with five
minutes.
Percent Correct Identification
The BrainPort V100 is a non-surgical assistive
device intended for orientation, mobility,
object identification, and spot reading by
individuals who are blind. It translates digital
information from a video camera into gentle
electrical stimulation patterns on the surface of
the tongue. Users feel moving bubble-like
patterns on their tongue which they learn to
interpret as the shape, size, location and motion
of objects in their environment. The BrainPort
V100 is intended to augment rather than replace
other assistive technologies such as the white
cane or dog guide.
Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Madison, WI; 2Wicab, Inc. Middleton, WI
BF
GS
KD
RB
CH
SM
KC
JR
Subject
Results
Object Recognition
All nine subjects were able to correctly report
the location (mean 98%; SE 1%) and touch
(mean 96%; SE 2%) the requested object.
Orientation and Mobility
All 9 subjects found the location of at least two
signs independently in under five minutes per
sign. 6/9 subjects were able to correctly
identify the location of all five signs in the
hallway. 5/9 subjects were able to find each
sign in under five minutes.
How long is training?
Training requires a minimum of 10 hours with a
certified instructor. Users typically improve their
device skills and abilities with practice. Many
users benefit from additional professional
training at regular intervals.
Is it commercially available?
No, the technology is not commercially available
at this time. The company is conducting a
clinical trial for an FDA approval in the United
States and is seeking CE-mark clearance for
selling in Europe and Canada.
Are we recruiting for studies?
We are not actively recruiting at this time.
Interested participants can contact us for
updated information.
Funding Support:
Defense Medical Research and Development
Program (DMRDP) DM090217
30
20
10
0
Response
Reach
Task
For more information: vision@wicab.com