Sensory Substitution and Augmentation

Since 1968 scientists have been creating sensory substitution and augmentation devices. With these devices they try to replace or enhance one sense by using another sense. For example, in tactile–vision, stimulation of the skin driven by input to a camera is used to replace the ordinary sense of vision that uses our eyes. The feelSpace belt aims to give people a magnetic sense of direction using vibrotactile stimulation driven by a digital compass. This conference will bring together people developing these technologies, the psychologists studying the minds and behaviour of subjects who use the devices, and the neuroscientists and philosophers interested in the nature of perceptual experience and sensory interaction. We will explore the nature, limits and possibilities of these technologies, how they can be used to help those with sensory impairments, and what they can tell us about perception and perceptual experience in general. In addition, there will be a demonstration session where attendees can try out the devices for themselves.

Speakers:
Amir Amedi (Medical Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
Malika Auvray (Computer Science and Psychology, CNRS, Paris)
Jonathan Cohen (Philosophy, University of California at San Diego)
Jerome Dokic (Philosophy, Institute Jean Nicod, Paris)
Peter Konig (Neurobiology, Osnabruck University)
Fiona Macpherson (Philosophy, University Glasgow)
Michael J Proulx (Experimental Psychology, University of Bath)
Maurice Ptito (Neuroscience, University of Montreal)
Laurent Renier (Experimental Psychology, Catholic University of Louvain)

Commentators:
David Bain (Philosophy, University of Glasgow)
Jon Bird (HCI, University College London)
Robert Briscoe (Ohio University)
Derek Brown (Philosophy, Brandon University)
Jennifer Corns (Philosophy, University of Glasgow)
Ophelia Deroy (Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, University of London)
Mohan Matthen (Philosophy, University of Toronto)
Barry Smith (Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, University of London)
Charles Spence (Psychology, Oxford)

Demonstators:

Amir Amedi (Medical Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
- EyeMusic and EyeCane (Virtual Cane)
Jon Bird (HCI, University College London)
- minimal TVSS: Tactile Vision Sensory Substitution
Peter Konig (Neurobiology, Osnabruck University)
- feelSpace (Magnetic Perception)
Michael J Proulx (Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol)
- vOICe (Audio-Visual Substitution)
Maurice Ptito (Neuroscience, University of Montreal) and Ron Kupers (Copenhagen)
- TDU: Tongue Display Unit
Laurent Renier (Experimental Psychology, Catholic University of Louvain)
- PSVA: Prosthesis for Substitution of Vision by Audition

Full details of the conference and abstracts of the talks available at: