PRIVATEYE 3.0 navigation headset gives traveling autonomy to the blind

Visually impaired people encounter, perhaps, the hardest time finding their way across unknown paths. They always fear street clutter and distractions and can hardly rely on walking sticks and guide dogs. However, with advancement in technology, they can find their way using high tech gadgets and tools like electronic canes, sound navigation devices, and GPS tracking devices. GPS for sighted people means, the physical display of a navigational map, but for the blind this technology is useless. Only if it is integrated with a voice guiding system, the GPS will aid mobility for the blind. Read a brief about PRIVATEYE 3.0 after the break to learn how it essentially equipped to deal with the above .

PRIVATEYE 3.0

PRIVATEYE 3.0 is a GPS enabled headset, innovatively coupled with a docking station that holds a Bluetooth earpiece, a microphone, speakers, a battery and a circuit board. You must be wondering, why speakers on a headset? Apparently, it makes little sense, but using a smartphone and a earpiece can actually be problematic for the blind. Their hearing sense makes them aware about their surroundings, while their brain simultaneously interprets the tactile info, therefore, blocking the ear canals should be strictly avoided.

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PRIVATEYE 3.0

GPS guiding device for the blind

This wearable apparatus is the outcome of a collaborative effort between the Synthetic Imaging Research Inc (SIRI), the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC) and OCAD University, and it conveniently and safely transmit GPS direction to the blind, without the need to be guided. The microphone on the headset will pick up sounds from the surroundings and transmit it to the ears through the speakers.

Via: Emilyvender