SRCLARK@COLOSPGS.BITNET (STEVE CLARK) (03/01/90)
Index Number: 7001
Ann,
Thanks for your guidance. There is absolutely no reason a sonic cane
has to be expensive. The technology is well developed and already on the
market. The other day I bought an ultrasonic tape measure for about $12.00.
Cameras using the same technology are also inexpensive.
I have designed a prototype 'sonic cane', but haven't had the time to
debug it. In actual cost we are talking tens of dollars, not hundreds. I think
this competes very well with existing *hard* canes.
I am a starving engineering student, so in depth study of this project
is ruled out. However, with letters of encouragement I may be able to get
government research grants to investigate further. I would like to offer
evaluation samples free of charge. This echo may be a source of these letters
and a source of prospective users, but you are the only one to reply so far.
I would really like to hear what others have to say.
In any case I will continue to plug along. I think the concept is sound
and promising. When I get back in the 'mainstream' (which is soon), I would be
glad to fund the prototype phase of this project myself, so I ask anyone who
is interested in helping with the evaluation process of this project to reply
now or asap.
Steve