The bionic eye prototype developed by BVA is now being trialled in tests that mimic real-world conditions. Using a system contained in a regular backpack, test participants Murray Rowland and Dianne Ashworth are mobile and teaching researchers how the bionic eye might be useful for real world tasks like identifying targets and avoiding obstacles.
Murray and Dianne have travelled to Canberra to participate in tests at the NICTA labs, where crucial vision processing software has been developed. Results from these initial tests have been encouraging. "It’s gone wonderfully," said NICTA computer vision researcher Nick Barnes. ‘’So far it’s probably better than we expected. It’s really promising.’’ This work follows on from testing with the mobile system at CERA and NVRI in Melbourne where participants have been completing tasks focussed on orientation and mobility and activities of daily living. Read more.