Video Headsets for the Vision Impaired?

OldHawk777 asks: "Does anyone know of a source for a lightweight wearable video headset system for vision impaired people? Are there vision degeneration diseases that such a vision system would be specifically useful to the vision impaired person? Would USA Medicare and/or private insurance pay for such a medical device?"

"I have searched a few times over the past few years for a lightweight wearable video system for vision impaired people (Legally Blind). I am looking for a hardware and software configuration that allows people full mobility around home and for short walks. Considering that, I am only talking about a good quality digital camera, video card, video-headset, external power/batter and maybe some firmware on the video circuitry for personal preference configuration (I figure, maybe $300 to $800). The system would not be for replacing the seeing-eye-dog or cane-navigation, but neither can read and it is hard learning Braille at age 65.

A small good quality digital camera as input, to video circuitry with firmware, allowing adjustments/configuration (contrast, color, magnification, etc) and flash-save of user requirements, with output to a good quality video headset (providing adjustable viewing maybe about 125cm@1.5m to 250cm@1m).

So, who has one ready? Please share their website with us, so I can pass the information to the friends, children, and grandchildren of some folks that I know. All of the websites I have visited show only NTSC/PAL/HDTV/camcorder systems for television, airline movies in first-class, virtual environments, military simulations/games, and so on. Most configurations were structured around existing entertainment centers and VE generators, none were appropriate for reading and looking at reality and/or for vision impaired people.

Thanks in advance, for all your helpful comments and directions."

Comments

What are you looking for?

[WildFire42]

I guess the question is... What are you looking for?

The system would not be for replacing the seeing-eye-dog or cane-navigation, but neither can read and it is hard learning Braille at age 65.

Okay, so you need a document enlarger... My personal favorite would be anything from Optelec.

small good quality digital camera as input, to video circuitry with firmware, allowing adjustments/configuration (contrast, color, magnification, etc) and flash-save of user requirements, with output to a good quality video headset (providing adjustable viewing maybe about 125cm@1.5m to 250cm@1m)

Okay, so you really need a Video Telescope system. Here's one at AbleData, but good luck finding any system along these lines for less than $800.

As for a wearable monitor? The Jordy will probably be your best bet, and you can get a stand for it so that it's a document enlarger as well.

Ultimately, when in doubt, try the AbleData website.