'Phosphenotype', An extended social-distancing sensory modality for the blind

ABSTRACT

Social-distancing is an effective way to slow down the spread of contagious diseases during a pandemic. The effective implementation of social distancing practices requires sufficient levels of visual acuity. However, persons suffering from full or partial blindness may be more vulnerable to such diseases, due to their sensory limitations affecting their ability to socially distance themselves. Moreover, these limitations make it difficult to identify and remember others who have violated social distance. In order to mitigate these issues, we present a novel hybrid sensory and affectory modality that we call 'Phosphenotype'. Phosphenotype detects approaching persons using sonar proximity sensors and accordingly alerts its user using non-invasive electrically-stimulated phosphenes, thus aiding a partially sighted user to more effectively practice social-distancing. © 2020 IEEE.