WASHINGTON: Scientists claim to have
developed an innovative optical radar system that helps blind people maneuver
around obstacles.
A team at Ben-Gurion University in Israel has
developed the radar system which incorporates a computer, two video cameras and
a scanning light source in order to warn the blind of obstacles with audible
alerts.
The system detects obstacles — even those overhead
—by scanning the depth of its surroundings, taken from two different
angles.
Many types of assistance “devices”, such as
seeing-eye dogs and sticks equipped with sensors, are available to help blind
people avoid obstacles, the researchers said. But each system has its
disadvantages, Arnon said, noting, for example, a seeing-eye dog needs extensive
and expensive training, and can only work for an average of seven
years.
The new system detects obstacles — even those overhead
—by scanning the depth of its surroundings, taken from two different
angles, similar to that of the human eye, say the scientists.
“This optical radar device is not only user friendly, but
unlike the other solutions it allows the blind to have the use of both of their
hands,” Prof Shlomi Arnon, who led the team, said.
|
