Kinecthesia: Using Video Game Technology to Assist the Visually Impaired
While the Tacit Project uses sonar technology, two computer science students from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a prototype for a similar product using an Xbox Kinect camera. Instead of a wrist-mounted vibration system, the Kinecthesia is a less noticeable belt-worn device.
Six vibration actuators and a stripped down Kinect camera are mounted onto the belt. Different actuators vibrate at different intensities depending on the proximity of objects and their location relative to the camera.
The inventors, Eric Berdinis and Jeff Kiske, are still working on refining the device and plan to test it on the visually impaired in the coming months.
Which do you think is the more logical idea to assist the blind: a wrist-mounted sonar device or a belt-mounted camera? Is it feasible that technology such as this can replace traditional aids? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
2 Comments
2:49 am
Hank Payton
Hi,
Wonderful devise! I am blind and would be willing to help test your new devise and share comments of its effectiveness. Would also like to purchase one when it comes to market.
Keep up the good work,
Hank Payton
8:33 pm
Noble Vision Group
Mr. Payton,
Thanks a lot for your interest in our blog. However, this post was simply reporting on the technology–we have no affiliation with its developers. You can find their contact information at http://www.kinecthesia.com/
Good luck!