Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!know!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!130!10!Henry.Kasten
From: Henry.Kasten@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Henry Kasten)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: What technology exists for helping blind people?
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Date: 12 Oct 90 19:42:16 GMT
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[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hi Tim,
     Several devices using applications similar to RADAR have had
little or no success with Blind users.  Most of these devices have
a practical range of less than 10 feet.  Many of the devices that
I have seen emit some sort of noise which the users then learns to
interpret.  Others use vibrators, warning of an object close at
hand.  One of the most interesting appliances I have seen uses eye
glasses.  Above the bridge of the nose are two transmitters which
send a signal along the  line of sight of the wearer.  Receivers at
each temple pick up the bounced back signal and then through the
magic of electrical circuitry, send a multitude of different sounds
to each ear.  With the varying warbles and sirens, I was able to
hear leaves on a tree about 50 to 75 feet away.  Yes i was able to
determine the difference  between different types of trees.  I was
also able to hear the metal window panes and glass of a large glass
building.  These glasses might let you know about a building 100
feet ahead, I don't know why you would need that much warning, my
brakes work better than that.  Why aren't the glasses more popular
among the blind?  Price is a major stumbling block.  But more than
price, I think the darn things give too much information.  The
clutter surrounding us can be extremely confusing when trying to
decode the messages sent to us audibly.  I think in the case of
traveling, less is better.  
     Hope this helps some.  Henry

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