Development of assessment and training method for spatial orientation for the visually impaired using tactile maps

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19805
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Kindai University (2020-2022); Seikei University (2019)
• Principal Investigator: Toyoda Wataru 近畿大学, 生物理工学部, 講師 (90609257)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 視覚障害 / 触地図 / 空間定位 / 歩行訓練

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using a mental map constructed by reading a three-dimensional tactile map, the characteristics of orientation exhibited during navigation by path integration and imagery without visual information were investigated. It was found that the orientation tendency exhibited by visually impaired people during navigation could be predicted by their performance in the orientation task using a tactile map. Quantitative data were also obtained to support the effective use of portable personalised tactile maps in orientation and mobility training and the installation of public tactile maps.

Free Research Field

Assistive technology

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は，視覚障害者が触地図によって構築した測量的なメンタルマップを用いて経路統合および心的ナビゲーションを行う際に発揮される空間定位特性の関連性を，定量的に確認した初めての研究である．本研究で提案した課題は，視覚障害者がナビゲーション中に発揮する定位能力を病院や福祉施設等で簡便に検査する方法として利用できる可能性がある．また本研究によって，視覚障害者に対してルート上の新しいショートカットを学習するために有効な触地図の使い方等が明らかになり，今後触地図を利用した歩行訓練の質向上が期待できる．