New Radar Device Helps Blind People 'See' 73
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."
Any better than what already exists? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Why the scare quotes? They ARE seeing (Score:3, Insightful)
Did you read the summary?
"The device consists of a computer, two video cameras, and a scanning light source; it audibly alerts the individual of objects"
So not sight, anymore then saying bats can see at night because they're using sonar.
Also this article is darn right awful, from the horrible use of stock photo usage to the inaccurate use of the word radar [wikipedia.org], meaning electromagnetic waves, not the two video cameras this system is using. Where's the photos of the device? Pics or it didn't happen.
I also love how the article says that guide dogs are color blind so that's a "deadly disadvantage" when reading street signs, yet this system only "alerts the individual of objects that are close in proximity" with no warning about street signs at all. Yeah, I'm going to have to go with the color blind guide dog because at least it can tell me there's a sign there and I need to stop instead of just beeping.
I'm also a bit surprised something similar doesn't exist already: you mean to tell me no one's thought of having a camera tell the blind they're too close? Proximity sensors [wikipedia.org] have existed in cars for years [wikipedia.org] and it's essentially the same idea: get to close to an object and the system beeps, and the closer you are the faster it beeps. No one thought "Gee blind people could use this too". Although maybe no one bothered because guide dogs sure seem like the better solution according to this article.
Re:IRONY? Israeli's Help the BLIND to SEE? (Score:2, Insightful)
Seriously, why does every article about something an Israeli company or university achieves, makes people talk about politics ?
It got nothing to do with it.
It's especially annoying when those who talk about politics, know nothing about Israel, or what's going on over there.