Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

New Radar Device Helps Blind People 'See'

Posted by kdawson on from the falling-scales dept.

greenrainbow writes "Students in Israel at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed new technology that allows blind people to 'see' objects around them through a simple radar system. The device consists of a computer, two video cameras, and a scanning light source; it audibly alerts the individual of objects that are in close proximity. The system scans surrounding objects and their distance from two points, much like the human eyes. Unlike current sensor canes, this new light scanning device is a hands-free system that can sense objects on the ground, overhead, and in the periphery."

3 of 73 comments (clear)

  1. Any better than what already exists? by codeAlDente · · Score: 3, Insightful

    A similar product already exists. Is this one supposed to be better? http://www.seeingwithsound.com/

    --
    He once inserted random mutations into his code, just so he could have the experience of debugging.
  2. Re:Why the scare quotes? They ARE seeing by Forge · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The semantics of it hardly matter. What I want to know is:
    1. Will she be able to walk down the road or throgh an unfamiliar building without the cane?
    2. Will we be able to afford this new gadget?
    3. Will this be streamlined enough to wear comfortably?

    If I get the right answers to all those questions I'll be among the 1st slash-doters to post a review.

    --
    --= Isn't it surprising how badly I spell ?
  3. Computer vision by mmkkbb · · Score: 3, Interesting

    thevOICe is a computer vision system that can actually run on Android phones.

    --
    -mkb