[misc.handicap] Tools for the disAbled

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.

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