SRCLARK@COLOSPGS.BITNET (Steve Clark) (02/13/90)
Index Number: 6697 Hi, I've posted before asking for suggestions on tools for the *disAbled*. Now I'm asking for critical evaluations of one of my own ideas. I propose a hand held ultrasonic or infrared ranging device that would allow the blind to *see* the contours of their surroundings. I propose the system for a hearing user would provide feed- back in the form of a tone that changes frequency with respect to changes in distance from the device to the sensed object. This tone could be supplied to the user by earphone or earphones. For a non-hearing user the feedback could be a vibrator in the device that changes intensity with respect to distance to the sensed object. In either case *I think* the device would allow the non-seer to *see* these 1. People in the way 2. Obstacles in the way (a tree!) 3. Doorways in a hall 4. Both walls in a hallway 5. Stairs (if the resolution is good) 6. Maybe more Cane users use tactile feedback to sense their surroundings and I think this tool could be beneficial because it could extend the *reach* to about 30 feet or so. I may be wrong about the prospective usefulness of this device. If I am please let me know. Criticism is what I'm looking for. Steve
Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Parsons) (02/23/90)
Index Number: 6910 <"From: SRCLARK@COLOSPGS.BITNET (Steve Clark) <"Message-ID: <10106@bunker.UUCP> <"Index Number: 6697 <" <"Hi, <" I've posted before asking for suggestions on tools for the <"*disAbled*. Now I'm asking for critical evaluations of one of my <"own ideas. <" <" I propose a hand held ultrasonic or infrared ranging device <" that would allow the blind to *see* the contours of their <"surroundings. <" I propose the system for a hearing user would provide feed- <"back in the form of a tone that changes frequency with respect to <"changes in distance from the device to the sensed object. This tone <"could be supplied to the user by earphone or earphones. For a <"non-hearing user the feedback could be a vibrator in the device <"that changes intensity with respect to distance to the sensed <"object. Hi Steve, You've got a great idea there. It has been tried, but the devices are very expensive. You need feedback from some other blind people who know more about this than I do, but contact American Foundation for The Blind, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011. They can tell you what's available already. Maybe others have had experience. I think the veterans Administration was into sonic canes but I am not sure. Good luck. Take care, see you on-line. Ann P. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!204!Ann.Parsons Internet: Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org