Abstract
BackgroundA large part of the communication cues exchanged between persons is nonverbal. Persons with a visual impairment are often unable to perceive these cues, such as gestures or facial expression of emotions. In a previous study, we have determined that visually impaired persons can increase their ability to recognize facial expressions of emotions from validated pictures and videos by using an emotion recognition system that signals vibrotactile cues associated with one of the six basic emotions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether the previously tested emotion recognition system worked equally well in realistic situations and under controlled laboratory conditions.MethodsThe emotion recognition system consists of a camera mounted on spectacles, a tablet running facial emotion recognition software, and a waist belt with vibrotactile stimulators to provide haptic feedback representing Ekman’s six universal emotions. A total of 8 visually impaired persons (4 females and 4 males; mean age 46.75 years, age range 28-66 years) participated in two training sessions followed by one experimental session. During the experiment, participants engaged in two 15 minute conversations, in one of which they wore the emotion recognition system. To conclude the study, exit interviews were conducted to assess the experiences of the participants. Due to technical issues with the registration of the emotion recognition software, only 6 participants were included in the video analysis.ResultsWe found that participants were quickly able to learn, distinguish, and remember vibrotactile signals associated with the six emotions. A total of 4 participants felt that they were able to use the vibrotactile signals in the conversation. Moreover, 5 out of the 6 participants had no difficulties in keeping the camera focused on the conversation partner. The emotion recognition was very accurate in detecting happiness but performed unsatisfactorily in recognizing the other five universal emotions.ConclusionsThe system requires some essential improvements in performance and wearability before it is ready to support visually impaired persons in their daily life interactions. Nevertheless, the participants saw potential in the system as an assistive technology, assuming their user requirements can be met.
Highlights
BackgroundA large number of communication cues exchanged between persons are nonverbal
To convey such information and make it accessible for visually impaired persons, visual information can be translated into auditory or tactile cues, which is the foundation of sensory substitution devices (SSDs)
It can be concluded that during the training session, most participants were able to learn how to identify the correct emotions from the vibrotactile signals
Summary
BackgroundA large number of communication cues exchanged between persons are nonverbal (eg, gestures, facial expressions, and gaze direction). Previous inventory studies of assistive technology needs [3,4] found that a need among the community of visually impaired persons still exists for a solution that makes nonverbal signals accessible. To convey such information and make it accessible for visually impaired persons, visual information can be translated into auditory or tactile cues, which is the foundation of sensory substitution devices (SSDs). We have determined that visually impaired persons can increase their ability to recognize facial expressions of emotions from validated pictures and videos by using an emotion recognition system that signals vibrotactile cues associated with one of the six basic emotions. The participants saw potential in the system as an assistive technology, assuming their user requirements can be met
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