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Reply To: | VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List |
Date: | Fri, 10 Apr 1998 09:48:39 -0700 |
Content-Type: | TEXT/PLAIN |
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Does anyone know more about this? On the surface it sounds similar to
arkenstone's Strider technology.
Kelly
Posted at 12:10 a.m. PDT Friday, April 10, 1998
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Guiding system developed for visually impaired
NIIGATA, Japan, April 9 (Kyodo) -- A research group at Niigata University's
engineering department said Thursday they have developed a satellite
navigation system that might eventually enable visually impaired people to
lead a more independent life.
The system operates similarly to a car navigation system, using signals
from space satellites to give users information on their position, the
researchers said.
In order to operate the system, the user must carry a 500-gram device
comprising a portable telephone, receiver and a direction sensor. The user
then receives voiced information through an earphone based on his
longitudinal and latitudinal position.
The device was tested during pre-Paralympic events in >>Nagano<<, central
Japan, by visually impaired people who gave the system high marks, said the
researchers, led by Hideo Makino.
Obstacles that must be overcome before such a system can be made available
to the general public include development of easy-to-understand computer
software and finding a base for the computers that would run the system,
they said.
Nonetheless, Makino remains optimistic. He envisions a moderately priced
system that might eventually make life easier for visually impaired people,
even enabling them to take independent trips abroad.
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