Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a helmet that helps visually impaired people make use of echolocation to find their way around:
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-08/navigation-helmet-creates-sound-maps-blind
The system takes real-time imagery of local obstacles, be they stairs, walls, or trees, as well as moving objects like cars and other people, and alerts the wearer using the sounds perfected in the Spanish echolocation system mentioned above.
The helmet uses stereo headphones to denote where the objects are relative to the wearer, and the volume of the sound indicates the distance. The device has a 60-degree range of vision, and can identify objects as far away as 15 feet. The researchers are also currently looking to integrate GPS data into the rig, so that users can use it to plot specific courses.
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-08/navigation-helmet-creates-sound-maps-blind
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still a long way to go into the research if it ever gets implemented..
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I still reckon the blind people who navigate by tongue-click sonar are a better solution - they don't suffer from flat batteries.
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