Data for Environmental Localization, Mapping, and Guidance for Visual Prosthesis Users (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04359108)

<i>Objective:</i> Visual impairments create significant challenges for navigation. This study evaluated how an autonomous navigation system influences navigation and obstacle avoidance for prosthetic vision users.<i>Approach:</i> We evaluated sighted participants (using simulated prosthetic vision) and an Argus II visual neuroprosthesis user on three tasks: navigation, obstacle avoidance, and relative distance judgment, using feedback modes incorporating visual, auditory, and haptic cues. Performance was assessed through collision rate, distance traveled, trial time, success rate at reaching the target destination, and judgement of relative distance.<i>Main results:</i> Depth-mode vision improved performance across all participants relative to Argus-mode vision, which had the lowest performance. For sighted participants, wider field of view and haptic + auditory feedback improved navigation and obstacle avoidance further, while adding visual feedback to haptic + auditory cues provided no additional benefit. The Argus user performed best with combined sensory feedback, especially for reducing collisions.<i>Significance: </i>This study highlights the potential of multimodal feedback systems to improve navigation for prosthetic vision users, providing insights to optimize assistive technologies and enhance user safety and independence. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04359108)