WatchCap: Improving Scanning Efficiency in People with LV through Compensatory Head Movement Stimulation

Abstract

Individuals with Low Vision (LV) frequently face challenges in scanning performance, which in turn complicates daily activities requiring visual recognition. Although those with peripheral vision loss can theoretically compensate for these scanning deficiencies using active head movements, few practical applications have sought to capitalize on this potential, especially during visual recognition tasks. In this paper, we present WatchCap, a novel device leveraging the hanger reflex phenomenon to naturally elicit head movements through stimulation feedback. Our user studies, conducted with both sighted individuals in a simulated environment and people with glaucoma-related peripheral vision loss, demonstrate that WatchCap’s scanning-contingent stimulation enhances visual exploration. This improvement is evidenced by the fixation and saccade-related features and positive feedback from participants, without causing discomfort to the users. This study highlights the promise of facilitated head movements to aid those with LV in visual recognition tasks. Critically, since WatchCap functions independently of predefined or task-specific cues, it has a wide scope of applicability, even in ambient task situations. This independence positions WatchCap to complement existing tools aimed at detailed visual information acquisition, allowing integration with existing tools and facilitating a comprehensive approach to assist individuals with LV.