New system helps blind people move independently

A pair of sunglasses with two micro cameras and headphones enables users to perceive an acoustic image of the space at which the users aim. The electronic system recognises shapes and replaces them with sounds positioned on the surface of recognised forms. The two micro cameras analyse space, create a 3d model of it and associate sound points to points on the surface that is being analysed. In this way, the researchers claim that a blind person can 'hear space and their brain reconstructs its shape from that spatialised sound'. Guillermo Peris Fajarnés, who coordinated the project, said: "We all have a natural ability to talk at the same time as we detect the position of a coin that has just hit the ground. This ability to represent space with sounds without disturbing other activities of the brain is the basis of how this system works. Combining object recognition technology with sound representation of space allows a blind person to recreate those sounds and perceive their original shape." According to Peris, the system provides users with a new sense of perception of 3d space, different from sight. "We still do not know its limitations," said Peris, "but we do know many of its possibilities." Currently, there are four prototypes, with another 10 set to be put into operation in the coming weeks. "This step forward, which is the fruit of several years' work and of several research projects, is a further help for blind people to integrate into society and improve their quality of life," adds Peris.