The BrainPort is a vision device funded by the National Eye Institute, which provides information to blind individuals via a neuro-stimulating array placed on the tongue. This unique device provides immediate benefits to its blind users in the areas of safety, mobility and recreation, and opens up a new world of sensory experience and exploration. We had featured the device previously, but it has made significant changes in its appearance and functionality since then, and is now closer to FDA approval and could soon be available for public use.
The BrainPort operates by acquiring an image stream from a camera, similar to a camcorder. Like a camcorder, the moving images are sent to a display, which, in this case, is the electrode array on the tongue. The image stream is displayed on the tongue by converting light information to electrical stimulation, which feels like microscopic bubbles to the user. With minimal training, users learn to interpret the images on their tongue as information about the scene in front of them.
The 3rd generation vision device was released in January 2009. The BrainPort vision device includes an imaging system capable of working both indoors and outdoors, with a field of view spanning 3-75 degrees (magnified versus wide angle views). The tongue array contains 400[1] electrodes and is connected to the controller via a flexible cable. The control system is approximately the size of a PDA and runs for about 3 hours per charge, with swappable batteries.
Benefits
Blind users can use the BrainPort vision device independently - at home, at work and in public spaces indoors and out. The primary benefits include improved safety, mobility and object recognition. The secondary benefits include applying the technology toward specific hobbies and recreational situations. These benefits enable greater independence at home, school and in business, greatly improving quality of life.
Thanks: [NEI and Wicab, Inc.]
