Stereo presentation and binaural localization in a memory game for the visually impaired

Abstract

Socialization of the visually impaired represents a challenge for the society and science today. The aim of this research is to investigate the possibility of using binaural perception of sound for two-dimensional source localization in interactive games for the visually impaired. Such an additional source of information would contribute to more equal participation of the visually impaired in online gaming. The paper presents a concept of an online memory game accessible both by the sighted and the blind, with a multimodal user interface enabled with speech technologies. The final chapter discusses the effects of its initial application and testing, as well as perspectives for further development. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.