A new study published in Translational Vision Science & Technology evaluated four AI-based assistive tools — OrCam MyEye 2 Pro, Envision Glasses, Seeing AI, and Google Lookout — to see how well they help people with vision impairment complete daily text-based tasks. OrCam and Envision are smart glasses, while Seeing AI and Google Lookout are mobile apps patients can download to their smartphones.
To put these tools to the test, 25 participants with vision loss were instructed to complete 14 vision-related daily activities that fell into three types of tasks: text, text in columns and searching and identifying. “Text” activities included things like reading the newspaper, reading a street sign or correctly identifying the dosage and brand of medication on a pill bottle. “Text in columns” activities involved reading a table of contents or a TV channel guide. “Searching and identifying” required the participants to describe scenes, match images or find the bar code on a grocery product box.
The researchers graded the participants on their ability to complete the tasks, as well as how quickly they did so. The participants also completed a System Usability Scale (SUS) to rate the overall usability of the interventions, as well as an Assistive Technology Predisposition Assessment that rated their experience with the technology.
The authors conclude that these AI tools hold promise, but their effectiveness varies depending on the task and the platform. For all four AI tools, participants had the best outcomes on the text-based assessments. When it came to searching and identifying, Seeing AI and Envision proved to have better outcomes than Lookout or OrCam. All four of the tools rated high with the participants in terms of use and overall satisfaction.
Read the whole study here.
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