The virtual cane as an extension of reality awareness: an introduction to the philosophical implications of assistive technology

Abstract

The white cane has long been a hallmark of blind and visually impaired individuals, for whom it serves as a substitute for sight in daily life. Pervasive technological advances and process automation have contributed to the emergence of compact prototype canes for the blind. When designing and subsequently constructing such devices, it is important to remember that technology should play a supportive role. Alongside technical aspects, user comfort is equally important, so each prototype deserves a broader consideration in the context of contemporary cognitive science. This article presents the results of laboratory testing of a virtual cane prototype for blind and visually impaired individuals. The purpose of this testing was to verify the functionality of the device itself and to engage in a preliminary discussion of its role in the user's cognitive process.