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Ecological Solutions For The Blind

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Open access
Authors
Calder, David
Date
2010
Type
Conference Paper

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Citation
Calder, David. 2010. Ecological Solutions For The Blind, in Ismail, L. and Chang, E. and Karduck, A.P. (ed), IEEE international conference on digital ecosystems and technologies (DEST 2010), Apr 12 2010, pp. 625-630. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: IEEE.
Source Title
Proceedings of the IEEE international conference on digital ecosystems and technologies (DEST 2010)
Source Conference
IEEE international conference on digital ecosystems and technologies (DEST 2010)
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School
Digital Ecosystems and Business Intelligence Institute (DEBII)
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Abstract

A number of inappropriate navigation devices have been foisted onto the visually impaired population over the past twenty years. These portable electronic devices are usually mounted on a long cane adaptation, or hand-held by the visually impaired user. Their function is primarily to help prevent a collision with an obstacle in the immediate path. Some of these navigation devices use laser technology to gauge subject-to-object distance. Others use infrared transceivers or ultrasonic pulse-echo techniques to locate and warn of obstacles. Some extend their role beyond giving warning signals, to crudely assisting the user map the immediate path ahead. These devices exhibit a number of problems, the most significant of which are related to the interface display that conveys navigation/obstacle warning information to the blind user. As sound is often used in these displays, the vital auditory channel is typically compromised. The author has produced a solution, which is at an early stage of development. Several successful prototypes using tactile displays, have been produced.