Very interesting, Mark.

Of course, the obvious question is one of affordability for the average 
blind person.

73 from tom Behler:  KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Senk, Mark J. (CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL)" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:02 PM
Subject: Smart Specs


> From =
> http://technology.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=3Ddn14407&print=3Dtrue
>
> Invention: Smart specs for the blind
> 12:00 28 July 2008=20
> NewScientist.com news service=20
> Justin Mullins=20
> Electronic canes for the blind are designed to detect nearby objects and
> provide a stereo audio signal that informs a person of the location of
> obstacles. But they do not distinguish between stationary and moving
> objects.
>
> A pair of spectacles fitted with a camera and accelerometers that detect
> movement can, however. They are connected to a computer that spots any
> obstacles in the field of view and works out which are moving.
>
> The specs provide audio signals to the wearer to let them know what's
> happening around them, and which objects are moving, so they can
> navigate without bumps. The system was dreamed up by electronics company
> Philips.
>
> Read the full smart specs for the blind patent application.
>