GIST Utilizes ‘Hanger Reflex’ Phenomenon Famous with TikTok’s ‘Hanger Challenge’,
‘In 2020 and 2022, a challenge called the ‘Hanger Challenge’ gained attention on social media. This challenge involves inserting one’s head into a hanger hole to see the reflexive movement of the neck known as the ‘Hanger Reflex’ phenomenon. Korean researchers have developed a wearable device in the form of a hat that promotes the visual exploration process of visually impaired individuals using science from the hanger challenge.’
‘Professor Kim Seung-jun and his research team at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced on the 30th that they have developed an algorithm for classifying the visual perception stages of visually impaired individuals and a wearable system in the form of a hat called ‘WatchCap’ that encourages the user’s head movements during the exploration stage. The research results will be presented at the international academic conference ‘UbiComp’ in October.’
‘As the aging population increases, the number of visually impaired individuals experiencing visual impairments such as cataracts and retinal degeneration is also on the rise. However, existing visual aid tools for visually impaired individuals either further restrict their vision using augmented reality information or expand their vision with optical devices. Therefore, there have been limitations in compatibility with the glasses worn by visually impaired individuals and in spatial perception due to differences in object magnification.’
‘The ‘WatchCap’ developed by the research team is designed to assist visually impaired individuals in visual perception and exploration processes such as finding their way and spatial recognition, which may not be smooth due to visual impairments. In particular, the WatchCap system classifies the user’s visual perception process and induces the ‘Hanger Reflex’ phenomenon through vibration stimulation. Ultimately, it encourages visually impaired individuals to move their heads more actively to secure their field of view.’
‘The developed system was integrated into a hat-shaped wearable device and tested on visually impaired individuals experiencing peripheral vision loss due to cataracts, retinal degeneration, and choroiditis. The results proved that the system can assist visually impaired individuals in exploring a wider space subconsciously without explicit intervention or explanation in their visual perception process, thereby aiding them in overcoming difficulties in daily life.’
‘Professor Kim Seung-jun explained, “Visually impaired individuals tend to exhibit more active head and eye movements in the visual exploration process to preserve their vision loss. This technology is a system that classifies visual stages through artificial intelligence (AI) and induces and promotes this subconsciously through physical stimulation.” He further stated, “WatchCap allows for seamless compatibility with augmented reality visual aids or glasses, and is expected to help visually impaired individuals with cataracts, retinal degeneration, and other visual impairments in their daily activities.”‘
‘Reference:’,
‘Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (2024), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3659592’,