Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm

Abstract Can humans extend and augment their natural perceptions during adulthood? Here, we address this fascinating question by investigating the extent to which it is possible to successfully augment visual spatial perception to include the backward spatial field (a region where humans are natural...

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Autores principales:	Ophir Netzer, Benedetta Heimler, Amir Shur, Tomer Behor, Amir Amedi
Formato:	article
Lenguaje:	EN
Publicado:	Nature Portfolio 2021
Materias:	Medicine R Science Q
Acceso en línea:	https://doaj.org/article/699053392fbc4c02808136aa6d27e7d7
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id	oai:doaj.org-article:699053392fbc4c02808136aa6d27e7d7
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spelling	oai:doaj.org-article:699053392fbc4c02808136aa6d27e7d72021-12-02T17:34:48ZBackward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm10.1038/s41598-021-88595-92045-2322https://doaj.org/article/699053392fbc4c02808136aa6d27e7d72021-06-01T00:00:00Zhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88595-9https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322Abstract Can humans extend and augment their natural perceptions during adulthood? Here, we address this fascinating question by investigating the extent to which it is possible to successfully augment visual spatial perception to include the backward spatial field (a region where humans are naturally blind) via other sensory modalities (i.e., audition). We thus developed a sensory-substitution algorithm, the “Topo-Speech” which conveys identity of objects through language, and their exact locations via vocal-sound manipulations, namely two key features of visual spatial perception. Using two different groups of blindfolded sighted participants, we tested the efficacy of this algorithm to successfully convey location of objects in the forward or backward spatial fields following ~ 10 min of training. Results showed that blindfolded sighted adults successfully used the Topo-Speech to locate objects on a 3 × 3 grid either positioned in front of them (forward condition), or behind their back (backward condition). Crucially, performances in the two conditions were entirely comparable. This suggests that novel spatial sensory information conveyed via our existing sensory systems can be successfully encoded to extend/augment human perceptions. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to spatial perception, sensory augmentation and sensory rehabilitation.Ophir NetzerBenedetta HeimlerAmir ShurTomer BehorAmir AmediNature PortfolioarticleMedicineRScienceQENScientific Reports, Vol 11, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2021)
institution	DOAJ
collection	DOAJ
language	EN
topic	Medicine R Science Q
spellingShingle	Medicine R Science Q Ophir Netzer Benedetta Heimler Amir Shur Tomer Behor Amir Amedi Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
description	Abstract Can humans extend and augment their natural perceptions during adulthood? Here, we address this fascinating question by investigating the extent to which it is possible to successfully augment visual spatial perception to include the backward spatial field (a region where humans are naturally blind) via other sensory modalities (i.e., audition). We thus developed a sensory-substitution algorithm, the “Topo-Speech” which conveys identity of objects through language, and their exact locations via vocal-sound manipulations, namely two key features of visual spatial perception. Using two different groups of blindfolded sighted participants, we tested the efficacy of this algorithm to successfully convey location of objects in the forward or backward spatial fields following ~ 10 min of training. Results showed that blindfolded sighted adults successfully used the Topo-Speech to locate objects on a 3 × 3 grid either positioned in front of them (forward condition), or behind their back (backward condition). Crucially, performances in the two conditions were entirely comparable. This suggests that novel spatial sensory information conveyed via our existing sensory systems can be successfully encoded to extend/augment human perceptions. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to spatial perception, sensory augmentation and sensory rehabilitation.
format	article
author	Ophir Netzer Benedetta Heimler Amir Shur Tomer Behor Amir Amedi
author_facet	Ophir Netzer Benedetta Heimler Amir Shur Tomer Behor Amir Amedi
author_sort	Ophir Netzer
title	Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
title_short	Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
title_full	Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
title_fullStr	Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
title_full_unstemmed	Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
title_sort	backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm
publisher	Nature Portfolio
publishDate	2021
url	https://doaj.org/article/699053392fbc4c02808136aa6d27e7d7
work_keys_str_mv	AT ophirnetzer backwardspatialperceptioncanbeaugmentedthroughanovelvisualtoauditorysensorysubstitutionalgorithm AT benedettaheimler backwardspatialperceptioncanbeaugmentedthroughanovelvisualtoauditorysensorysubstitutionalgorithm AT amirshur backwardspatialperceptioncanbeaugmentedthroughanovelvisualtoauditorysensorysubstitutionalgorithm AT tomerbehor backwardspatialperceptioncanbeaugmentedthroughanovelvisualtoauditorysensorysubstitutionalgorithm AT amiramedi backwardspatialperceptioncanbeaugmentedthroughanovelvisualtoauditorysensorysubstitutionalgorithm
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Backward spatial perception can be augmented through a novel visual-to-auditory sensory substitution algorithm

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