What is Artificial Intelligence?

vOIce sunglasses kit

In this specific category, I have already discussed in previous articles some few technologies which can help the blinds visualize their environment. In lieu of comparison, I would like to discuss another valuable innovation which will enable the blinds to see using auditory sensors.

The vOIce, a vision technology for the totally blind developed by Peter Meijer, a Dutch scientist, allows the blind to represent visual information - to "see" - with sounds. There has been many designs created for vOIce. In its first launch, the gadget looked obtrusive, as in a camera, connected to a stereo headset is mounted on the head, and a laptop. Later designs were more comfortable, sophisticated and better visual effects. And more fashionable too.

Unlike cortical and retinal implants, vOIce, allows visualization of objects without any implants. In theory and experiment, the visual cortex can be responsive to sound, in turn translates this to images. vOIce works by using a video camera that captures and translates arbitrary images into sounds. The vOICe scans each camera snapshot from left to right, while associating height with pitch and brightness with loudness.

The vOIce Learning Edition is available in version 1.77 for Windows 95-98 to Windows 7. This synthetic vision software is a free downloadable software and has already been integrated in modern cellphone models.

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